There are several natural remedies that can help freshen breath and improve oral health. Chewing on herbs like parsley and mint can help mask bad breath temporarily. These herbs contain natural compounds that can help neutralize odors in the mouth.
Certain habits can also cause bad smells in the mouth. In general, these habits include smoking of any kind, smokeless tobacco use and e-cigs/vaping. Smoking cigarettes causes the strongest, most noticeable alteration in your breath. Smoker’s breath has a very distinct odor that does not respond well to home treatments.
.
The only way to prevent the bad breath caused by these habits is to quit the habit. We don’t like telling people what to do, but considering all of the serious health consequences of smoking, tobacco and vaping, we feel comfortable telling you to just quit. Not only will it improve your breath, it will protect your overall health.
Laura Clark is a writer and editor based in Pittsburgh. She's a blogger with Smart News and a senior editor at Pitt magazine. Filed Under: Advertisements, Cool Finds, Health, Marketing Smart News History Science Innovation Arts & Culture Travel At The Smithsonian Podcast Photos Video Smithsonian Institution Smithsonian.com Smithsonian Store Smithsonian Journeys Smithsonian Channel Smithsonian Books Smithsonian Membership About Smithsonian Contact Us Advertising RSS Member Services Sustainability Terms of Use Privacy Statement Cookie Policy Advertising Notice © 2023 Smithsonian Magazine Privacy Statement Cookie Policy Terms of Use Advertising Notice Your Privacy Rights Cookie Settings
For patients who suffer from dry mouth (xerostomia), artificial saliva may be prescribed by a dentist. Health News Could Cellphones Be Harming Men's Sperm? U.S. Infant Mortality Rate Climbs for First Time in 20 Years Playing Pro Football May Shorten Players' Lives, Study Finds Simple Antibiotic Switch for Pneumonia Patients Could Prevent Hospital Infection New A-Fib Ablation Therapy Benefits Women as Much as Men More Health News »
Tonsil stones are risk-free buildup that will go away on their own. However, the duration of tonsil stones can vary from person to person. They may go away or melt on their own in a short period, or they can also stay for weeks if they are deep in the throat and bacteria continue to grow on them. Besides, if proper oral hygiene is not performed, it may last for years and lead to a more serious problem, such as tonsillitis.
Seeking support from healthcare professionals and loved ones is important in managing the physical and emotional impact of tonsil stones and halitosis. Healthcare professionals can provide guidance on treatment options and offer reassurance. Loved ones can provide emotional support and understanding.
Saliva helps displace bacteria in the mouth that causes bad odors. When you have dry mouth, odor-causing bacteria is not washed away by saliva, resulting in bad breath. This is why most people have "morning breath;" your saliva production decreases when you are sleeping causing dry mouth and bad breath.
Smoking is not only harmful to overall health but also contributes to bad breath from the throat. The chemicals in cigarettes can dry out the mouth, reducing saliva production and creating an environment for bacteria to thrive. Additionally, smoking can leave a lingering odor on the breath that is difficult to mask.
Medical conditions that can cause bad breath
About UsOur TeamServicesLaser DentistryPreventative DentistryDental CleaningsGum Disease TreatmentDesensitizing TreatmentSilver Diamine Fluoride (SDF)SealantsNight Guards (Bruxism)Sports GuardsGeneral DentistryWhite Composite FillingsWisdom Teeth ExtractionsSame Day CEREC CrownsDental BridgesDental ImplantsSirolLaser – Soft Tissue Laser TherapyCosmetic DentistrySame Day CEREC CrownsDental BridgesDental ImplantsDenturesPorcelain VeneersDental BondingTeeth WhiteningBotoxICON – Resin InfiltrationOrthodonticsInvisalign BracesPost Op InstructionsCrownsFillingsBridgesRoot CanalOral SurgeryIcon Resin InfiltrationQuickSleeper – Painless AnesthesiaNew PatientsGalleryResourcesOral Health NewsContact
Tonsil stones may be a warning sign that you have high levels of bacteria in your mouth and need to improve your oral hygiene or adjust your diet.
GERD is a common medical condition that can cause bad breath from the throat. The stomach acid that travels up the esophagus can reach the back of the throat, leaving a sour taste and foul odor. Treating GERD through lifestyle changes and medication can help alleviate bad breath.
Sometimes, it’s not any individual meal you’re eating. It’s the combination of your diet as a whole. While it’s good to give up sugar, many people want to go further and eliminate most carbs from their diet. This drives the body to burn other sources of energy, such as fats and proteins. The byproduct of this is ketones, which have a sweet, fruity odor.
On the other hand, there are foods that can help freshen breath. Apples and carrots, for example, stimulate saliva production, which can help wash away bacteria and food particles in the mouth. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day can also help keep the mouth hydrated and reduce the risk of dry mouth, a common cause of bad breath.
When bacteria interact with the trapped debris in the tonsil crypts, they can produce volatile sulfur compounds, which have a strong odor. These compounds are responsible for the foul smell associated with bad breath. The presence of tonsil stones can exacerbate this process, leading to persistent bad breath.
Very caring staff! They did everything possible to make me comfortable with my procedure. I will be using them again.