A doctor or dentist will examine your mouth to look for signs of gum disease, dry mouth, or infections that may be the cause of your bad breath. SLIDESHOW What Causes Bad Breath (Halitosis)? 17 Causes & Medical Solutions See Slideshow
Still, there are several ways that you can fight halitosis and potentially remove your tonsil stones in the process.
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Cinnamon has natural antibacterial properties and a pleasant aroma that can help freshen breath. Chewing cinnamon gum stimulates saliva production, which can help wash away bacteria and food particles in the mouth.
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a common oral health condition that can cause bad breath. It occurs when bacteria in the mouth infect the gums, leading to inflammation and potential tooth loss if left untreated. The bacteria associated with gum disease can produce foul-smelling compounds that contribute to bad breath.
Certain strains of probiotics, such as Streptococcus salivarius K12 and Lactobacillus salivarius, have been shown to reduce the levels of harmful bacteria in the mouth and improve breath odor. These probiotics can be found in certain oral health products, such as lozenges or mouthwashes.
But if you can’t link your bad breath to specific meals, you should suspect other causes.
When we eat, small food particles can get stuck in between our teeth or on the surface of our tongue. If these particles are not properly removed through brushing and flossing, they can become a breeding ground for bacteria. The bacteria then produce sulfur compounds that give off an unpleasant odor.
Researchers leading a recent study found that 75% of children and adults with volatile sulfur compounds in their breath had undiagnosed tonsil stones. So, that rotten-egg smell in your breath comes from bacteria growing in and around your tonsil stone.
Lifestyle changes that can improve overall oral health and prevent bad breath
The problem with this method is that breathing into your hands doesn’t propel breath out from the back of your mouth in the same way that happens when you talk. So when you breathe into your hand you might miss out on the smells from the gases produced at the back of your tongue, the main place where bad breath originates.
Keep the mouth moist by drinking water and chewing sugarless gum or sugar-free hard candy to stimulate the production of saliva. Mouthwash may temporarily mask bad breath odors, but it may not treat the underlying cause.
Chewing gum also helps remove any food particles that may be stuck between your teeth or along the gumline. It can also help mask any odors temporarily. However, it's important to choose sugar-free gum to avoid promoting tooth decay.
The alternative is to scrape your tongue with a special tongue cleaner. This method is also under assessment in the newest Cochrane review. Their last report found just two small trials looking at this method. They showed it can work, but that the effect is short-lived. They also highlight the risk of damaging the tongue by pressing too hard and to ensure that if you want to use a toothbrush to clean your tongue, you make sure that it’s a soft one.
Good oral hygiene and fresh breath are not only important for maintaining a healthy mouth, but they also play a crucial role in our overall well-being. Bad breath, also known as halitosis, can be embarrassing and can have a negative impact on our social interactions and self-esteem. Understanding the causes of bad breath and taking steps to prevent it can help us maintain fresh breath and improve our oral health.
Over-the-counter products for combating bad breath