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Alcohol is pretty drying, which is why people often feel as if they need to drink a gallon (or two) of water after a night out. The drying effects of alcohol can also contribute to bad breath.
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An upper respiratory infection is a contagious infection of the structures of the upper respiratory tract, which includes the sinuses, nasal passages, pharynx, and larynx. Common causes of an upper respiratory infection include bacteria and viruses such as rhinoviruses, group A streptococci, influenza, respiratory syncytial, whooping cough, diphtheria, and Epstein-Barr. Examples of symptoms of upper respiratory infection include sneezing, sore throat, cough, fever, and nasal congestion. Treatment of upper respiratory infections are based upon the cause. Generally, viral infections are treated symptomatically with over-the-counter (OTC) medication and home remedies.
Bad breath, also called halitosis, can be embarrassing, especially when other people comment on it, making you feel self-conscious about talking or even smiling. But chronic bad breath can also be a sign of a larger problem. Most cases of bad breath occur after a meal with onions or other ingredients with strong odors, or after going a long time without brushing. These cases are resolved by brushing or gargling with mouthwash. Chronic halitosis, on the other hand, occurs frequently and can only be temporarily relieved with basic hygiene. This is because chronic bad breath doesn’t exist on its own; it’s often a symptom of a more serious problem and cannot be resolved without the proper treatment. Poor oral hygiene habits: infrequent brushing, not flossing and not rinsing with mouthwash can lead to excessive, odor-causing bacteria in the mouth Chronic illnesses: poorly controlled diabetes can cause a buildup of sugar, which attracts bacteria, while kidney failure can cause a fishy smell in the mouth Medications: Antidepressants, diuretics and other medications that cause dry mouth can reduce your saliva production, making it more hospitable to bacteria Gum disease or infection: whether at the gum line or in the tooth itself, periodontitis and other infections in the mouth can leave an unpleasant taste and a bad odor in your mouth What are the remedies for bad breath?
Breath sprays come in flavors like cinnamon and spearmint, and a quick burst can freshen your breath when you aren’t able to chew gum or drink a glass of water. Like with gum and mints, you should choose a sugar-free breath spray to avoid increasing your risk of tooth decay.
Halitosis: An unpleasant odor from the mouth, commonly referred to as bad breath. Halitosis can be caused by the consumption of certain foods, poor oral hygiene, alcohol or tobacco use, dry mouth, or by certain chronic medical conditions. Drug Categories Drugs & Medications Pill Identification Tool Vitamins, Herbs, & Dietary Supplements Dictionary RxList About Us Consumer Contact RxList Terms of Use Privacy Policy Sponsor Policy
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.
Certain bacteria on the back of the tongue can interact with amino acids in foods and make smelly sulfur compounds.
To use parsley for fresh breath, simply chew on a few sprigs of fresh parsley after meals or whenever you need to freshen your breath. You can also make a parsley tea by steeping a handful of fresh parsley in a cup of hot water for 5-10 minutes. Strain the tea and let it cool down to a comfortable temperature. Drink the tea slowly, swishing it around in your mouth before swallowing.
Salty water can be gargled several times a day to dislodge an existing stone. This is a preferred method of treatment for many people because the alternative of using a toothbrush or Q-tip to pick a stone out is usually met with intense gagging. Picking at tonsil stones is discouraged by doctors because the tissue at the back of the throat is delicate and could be damaged. Doctors recommend treatment such as tonsillectomy only in extreme cases of repeat stones and infection.
2. Brush Up on Your Oral Hygiene – (Pun intended) You are the only one who can remove dental plaque on a daily basis. This takes both commitment and a great technique. Don’t’ rush through your oral hygiene routine. Ask your dentist or dental hygienist for tips on the best ways to brush and floss. Consider adding a flexible tongue cleaner to your routine to remove plaque from the tongue. As you consistently remove plaque, you reduce the bacterial count in your mouth, which lowers the risk for bad breath.
We also work closely with medical professionals to help you find a solution when the source of the bad odor is not in the mouth.
Halitosis caused by intraoral factors results from changes that occur within the mouth and is responsible for the majority of cases of bad breath. The following are the most common intraoral causes of halitosis:
Certain foods and drinks can contribute to bad breath due to their strong odors or their effects on the mouth. Foods like garlic, onions, and spices contain volatile compounds that are absorbed into the bloodstream and exhaled through the lungs. Coffee and alcohol can leave a lingering odor in the mouth due to their strong flavors.
The Importance of Regular Dental Check-Ups in Preventing Tonsil Stones and Halitosis
“Poor oral hygiene” is our way of saying that someone does not properly clean his or her teeth on a consistent basis. The purpose of oral hygiene (which includes brushing, flossing, and can include using mouthwash) is to remove plaque from the teeth. Dental plaque is the “home” for the bacteria that cause bad breath. These bacteria create a by-product of stinky gases called Volatile Sulfur Compounds or VSCs.
If proper oral hygiene does not get rid of bad breath, see a dentist or doctor for a diagnosis if bad breath is accompanied by the following: Persistent dry mouth Sores in the mouth Pain or difficulty with chewing or swallowing Broken teeth or dental pain White spots on the tonsils Fever or fatigue