The main symptom of bad breath is an unpleasant or foul smell emanating from the mouth.
Here are some of the causes of bad breath, so you can be more confident when you show your smile.
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Gum disease – also called gingivitis – is very common among adults. Gingivitis is caused by an inflammation of the gums due to plaque and bacteria buildup. It is important to follow good oral hygiene habits – like brushing and flossing every day – to prevent gum disease and tooth decay.
Using baking soda as a mouthwash can also help freshen breath. Baking soda has natural deodorizing properties and can help neutralize odors in the mouth.
4. Cloves: Cloves have antimicrobial properties and can help freshen breath. You can chew on whole cloves or use clove oil as a mouthwash.
Certain medical conditions can also cause bad breath from the throat. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition where stomach acid travels up the esophagus, causing heartburn and other symptoms. This acid reflux can also lead to bad breath as the stomach acid reaches the throat.
Chronic rhinitis (non allergic rhinitis) causes runny nose, sneezing, nasal itching and congestion. Post-nasal drip is drainage of mucus from the sinuses into the throat. Treatment includes over-the-counter (OTC) medications.
Let’s get one thing straight right off the bat: no one is claiming that Listerine invented bad breath. Human mouths have stunk for millennia, and there are ancient breath freshening solutions to prove it. But, as Esther Inglis-Arkell writes at io9, in more modern days, advertisements for Listerine transformed halitosis from a bothersome personal imperfection into an embarrassing medical condition that urgently required treatment. Treatment that—conveniently—the company wanted to sell.
Smoking and Tobacco Use: The Link to Chronic Bad Breath
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Good oral care,regular dental visits,stopping tobacco use/smoking, andavoiding certain foods can prevent most cases of bad breath. The prognosis for bad breath is generally good as bad breath is usually more of a nuisance rather than a serious medical condition.Most individuals with bad breath can treat and eliminate the condition on their own.Additionally, dentists and physicians can help with cases of chronic bad breath. Oral Health Resources Bad Breath: See How to Stop ItNatural Ways to Whiten Your Teeth Featured Centers What Are the Best PsA Treatments for You?Understanding Biologics 10 Things People With Depression Wish You Knew The American Dental Association, "Bad Breath (Halitosis)." Health Categories First Aid & Emergencies Topics A-Z eMedicineHealth About Us Privacy Terms of Use Advertising Policy Contact Us
The Importance of Regular Dental Check-Ups in Preventing Tonsil Stones and Halitosis
Nicotine products on their own can cause bad breath, but using them relaxes the LES which can cause acid reflux.
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The buildup of bacteria that causes a cavity can cause bad breath, as well as untreated cavities and further decay can produce a foul-smelling odour.
Gastrointestinal problems, such as constipation or bowel obstruction, can also lead to bad breath. When waste products build up in the digestive system, they can produce foul-smelling gases that are released through the mouth.
Pneumonia – an infection in one of both lungs; it accounts for 16% of all deaths under the age of five. About 920,136 children died in 2015 due to pneumonia[v]. The potentially lethal condition is caused by viruses, bacteria or fungi. Bearing in mind that pneumonia involves air sacs in the lungs that become inflamed they become filled up with pus and phlegm which are odiferous when a patient coughs. Constant coughing takes its toll on the breath. Bad breath can be the reason why you are asking for professional help and getting your pneumonia diagnosed at the same time, increasing your chances of survival by the minute.