International Dental Health Foundation: "Frequently Asked Questions: Bad Breath."
How to tell if your breath smells bad
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The detail that people with tonsil stones want to know most is how they can get rid of their little problem that is impacting their lives in a big way. Those who get tonsil stones tend to experience these growths repeatedly over time. In addition to brushing teeth regularly, doctors recommend a few easy steps for getting rid of stones and discouraging future formations: Avoid smoking. Drink water throughout the day. Don’t just brush, also clean the back of the tongue to prevent debris and bacteria from accumulating. Gargle with warm, salty water.
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.
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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.
Quitting smoking is not only beneficial for improving bad breath but also for overall health. By quitting smoking, you can reduce your risk of developing various health conditions, including oral cancer, gum disease, and respiratory problems.
Gum, mints, and other quick fixes are just temporary solutions to occasional bad breath. If you’re dealing with true halitosis due to decay, illness, or any other reason, you shouldn’t stop at simply masking the problem. Dr. Edwards is an experienced dentist with over thirty years of experience treating families in Memphis and the surrounding areas. If you suffer from halitosis, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with him at our East Memphis or Midtown office to find out the underlying cause of the problem. Once we know what the issue is, we can offer a variety of treatment options to get rid of your chronic bad breath for good!
I love this office! Great customer service. They were planning their Halloween theme dress up the two minutes I had to... wait. (Fun.) I worked in dentistry for 32 years and NEVER thought I would be able to find an office where the staff treated patients like we did at my office...and here they are in Gilbert! They treat you like family...and not a dysfunctional one. Great people...good 💕 hearts.read more
Managing the psychological effects of halitosis involves addressing both the physical symptoms and the emotional impact. Seeking support from friends, family, or a mental health professional can be helpful in managing feelings of self-consciousness and building self-confidence. Additionally, practicing good oral hygiene and seeking treatment for underlying causes of bad breath can help alleviate the physical symptoms and improve overall well-being.
Halitosis, better known as severe bad breath, can cause an embarrassing social problem, but it can also be a sign of an underlying medical problem.
Smoking is not only harmful to your overall health but also to your oral health. Smoking can cause bad breath, stained teeth, and gum disease. The chemicals in tobacco products can dry out the mouth and decrease saliva production, leading to an increase in bacteria growth and bad breath.
If the odor is due to gum disease, for example, your dentist can either treat the disease or refer you to a periodontist, a dentist who specializes in treating gum conditions.
When you have a common cold or other respiratory infection, the mucous your body produces can be seen as a tasty meal for odor-causing bacteria in the mouth, which can lead to bad breath.
Recognizing halitosis itself is not difficult, because this affliction gives us symptoms in the form of an unpleasant odor released from the mouth. So, in order to determine whether you suffer from halitosis, it is enough to perform the so-called “smell test”. This can be done, for example, by inhaling the smell of the toothbrush we use to brush our teeth, or by touching the back of our tongue with our fingers and then checking their smell.
Your dentist or periodontist may tell you to use an antimicrobial mouth rinse. You may also be told to brush your tongue gently each time you brush your teeth. This will help remove odor-causing bacteria.
If you have a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit.