Dry mouth can be caused by dehydration, medication, or aging. Once you’ve identified dry mouth, we can look for the cause and try to find a solution.
These compounds are given off when food and bacteria accumulate in the furrows at the back of the tongue. The good news is that this can be temporary, as a result of eating garlic or raw onions, drinking coffee or smoking cigarettes. But in three quarters of cases some kind of dental problem is found alongside the halitosis. The patients might have gums which are swollen, sore or infected or be suffering from a coating on the tongue.
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The team from the BBC TV series 'Trust me I’m a doctor' spoke to dentists about how to spot and avoid bad breath. Watch the video below for their tips: All content within this column is provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other health care professional. The BBC is not responsible or liable for any diagnosis made by a user based on the content of this site. The BBC is not liable for the contents of any external internet sites listed, nor does it endorse any commercial product or service mentioned or advised on any of the sites. Always consult your own GP if you're in any way concerned about your health.
The best remedies for bad breath depend on the causes. However, you can take a few steps to treat the problem, or even prevent it.
Chronic Diseases and Halitosis: Understanding the Connection
If so, avoid foods like spinach, peppercorns, sesame seeds, popcorn, and other foods that can easily become stuck in your mouth. Check out my article on tonsil stone diet tips here.
Gargling and using essential oils are two great ways to freshen your breath, fight infections, and kill all of the bacteria that cause the foul smell.
Our mouth is supposed to be full of saliva most of the time. Saliva helps our mouth stay healthy by killing bacteria and repairing our teeth (albeit very slowly). And it helps remove food debris. If you have a dry mouth, it’s easier for odors to build up because of food or bacteria.
Sinus pressure and pain are common in people who suffer from allergies, the common cold, and chemical exposure. Humidified air, hydration, avoiding allergens, and nasal irrigation can help relieve sinus pressure symptoms.
Therefore, it is advisable to use cotton swabs or water picks for this purpose as they can handle it more delicately. If the tonsil stones are large, the doctor may recommend surgical removal.
Herbal teas, such as peppermint, spearmint, and chamomile, can help freshen breath naturally. These teas have antimicrobial properties that can help kill the bacteria responsible for bad breath.
One natural remedy is saltwater gargles. Gargling with warm saltwater can help reduce inflammation and kill bacteria in the mouth and throat. This can help alleviate symptoms and prevent the formation of tonsil stones.
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If food is the cause of your bad breath, brush your teeth after you eat. Antibacterial toothpaste can help prevent bad breath. Don’t forget to brush your tongue as well as your teeth. Make sure to also floss at least once a day to get rid of trapped food particles that can cause bad breath. Finally, rinse with a mouthwash containing fluoride to eliminate odors and give your teeth an extra layer of protection.
If you have oral appliances like braces, Invisalign aligners, or dentures, put some extra effort into making sure they’re sparkling clean. Ask your dentist or orthodontist for tips on keeping appliances clean if your having trouble, or are worried about bad breath.
Treatment for throat-related bad breath will depend on the underlying cause. For example, if GERD is the culprit, lifestyle changes and medication may be recommended. If sinusitis is causing bad breath, nasal irrigation and medication may be prescribed. Tonsil stones may require removal by a healthcare professional.
3. Tartar control: Tartar buildup can contribute to bad breath. Look for toothpastes that contain ingredients like pyrophosphates or zinc citrate, which can help prevent tartar formation.