When to see a dentist or doctor about bad breath
On the way there I did wonder whether this was all a ruse and whether there was something my colleagues were too afraid to tell me. Luckily I was fine, but bad breath is common and we’re not helped by some of the myths surrounding it.
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Say Goodbye to Embarrassing Odors: Tips for Fresh Breath
Smoking is a bad habit any way you slice it, but one thing it’s fairly well known for is causing halitosis, or “smoker’s breath.” Smoke particles can linger in the throat and lungs for hours, giving your breath a stale scent. The chemicals in tobacco smoke also remain in the mouth, leading to a whole host of secondary causes of bad breath. As mentioned briefly above, tobacco can lead to chronic bad breath by drying out the tongue and gums, leaving a chemical-filmed environment where oral bacteria can run amok. Giving up smoking is good for your body in many ways. Forget better breath – you’ll have a better quality of life!
Using a tongue scraper can be an effective way to remove bacteria from the surface of the tongue. This can help reduce bad breath and prevent the formation of tonsil stones.
Viruses and illnesses, especially those that affect the sinuses, nasal passages, and throat, can sometimes result in halitosis. Offensive breath often accompanies colds and sinus infections. The American Dental Association has reported that chronic bad breath can sometimes also be a sign of certain liver and kidney diseases.
Maintain good oral hygiene: brush your teeth after every meal, paying attention to the interproximal spaces and tongue, and complement brushing with flossing.Use mouthwash to kill bacteria and temporarily stop bad breath.Keep saliva flowing in the mouth by drinking plenty of water or stimulating saliva with foods that require a lot of chewing.Adjust your diet and avoid foods that cause bad breath or are very sugary, as these are closely linked to tooth decay, which can in turn lead to smelly breath.Reduce or eliminate tobacco and alcohol consumption.Visit the dentist once or twice a year to prevent the onset of oral conditions.Have a professional hygiene once or twice a year to remove plaque from your mouth that can lead to tooth decay or periodontal disease.
3. Quit Your Bad Habits – We can’t stress enough the importance of stopping the use of tobacco products and all forms of smoking. The risks to your overall health are too high. Finally achieving fresh breath is just an added bonus.
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If you suspect that your medication is causing bad breath, it is important to consult with your healthcare provider. They may be able to adjust your dosage or prescribe an alternative medication that does not have the same side effect. It is important to never stop taking prescribed medications without consulting a healthcare professional.
The smell of tonsil stones can be quite unpleasant and can lead to bad breath. The odor is caused by the buildup of bacteria, food particles, and other debris that gets trapped in the tonsil crevices. The bacteria break down the particles, releasing a foul smell.
Medications and Their Impact on Oral Health and Breath
People who suffer from bad breath want to know how to get rid of bad breath. Some examples of measures an individual can do to prevent or get rid of bad breath include the following: Specific medical treatment to cure bad breath depends upon the cause.In patients who suffer from dry mouth (xerostomia), artificial saliva may be prescribed by a dentist.Dentists can also prescribe special toothpaste and mouthwash that can improve the symptoms of bad breath. Follow all instructions provided by the dental or medical professional, and use any prescribed mouthwash or toothpaste as directed.If the patient's dentist determines that the bad breath odor is not of oral origin, the patient may be referred to a physician.If the odor is due to gum disease, the dentist may refer the patient to a periodontist, who specializes in treating gum conditions.
[vi] 2015 kidney disease statistics, American Kidney Fund http://www.kidneyfund.org/assets/pdf/kidney-disease-statistics.pdf
Tobacco smoking is the most concentrated form of pollution that most people are exposed to. It impairs the ability to identify odors and diminishes the sense of taste. Quitting smoking improves the smell function.
Living with tonsil stones and halitosis can be challenging both physically and emotionally. Coping with the physical symptoms, such as bad breath or difficulty swallowing, can be distressing. Additionally, the social stigma associated with bad breath can impact self-esteem and confidence.
Most causes of bad breath are due to inadequate oral hygiene and are rarely life-threatening. If good oral hygiene practices do not eliminate bad breath, see a dental professional. In most cases, a dentist can treat the cause of bad breath. persistent dry mouth, sores in the mouth, pain with chewing or swallowing, white spots on the tonsils, fever, any other symptoms of concern.