Dry mouth, or xerostomia, is another factor that can lead to bad breath. Saliva plays a crucial role in washing away bacteria and food particles in the mouth. When there is a decrease in saliva production, such as during sleep or due to certain medications, bad breath can occur.
Chronic sinus infections and post-nasal drop often lead to bad breath, as do persistent throat infections. Some people suffer from infections in the stomach that travel up the esophagus into the mouth, leaving a bad smell. Severe acid reflux and GERD can cause a bad odor, and certain metabolic disorders emit unpleasant gases through the breath.
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Certain foods can increase the acidity of the stomach or relax the LES, causing acid reflux. Additionally, if you experience bad breath, avoiding pungent foods can help to limit that.
Dr. Jonathan Everett received his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Washington and completed his undergraduate studies in biochemistry at Washington State University. During this time, Dr. Everett served as both the President of the American Student Dental Association chapter as well as the Student Council Vice President. As a board-member of DentPAC for the Washington State Dental Association, Dr. Everett fought to maintain the quality of dental care provided in Washington State by working with state legislators and advocating for patient-centered dentistry in Olympia.
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Bad breath can also be caused by certain health conditions, such as dry mouth or diabetes.
If you don't brush and floss teeth daily, food particles can remain in your mouth, promoting bacterial growth between teeth, around the gums, and on the tongue. This causes bad breath. Inflammation of the gums (gingivitis) from poor dental hygiene can also cause bad breath.
Brush your tongue, cheeks, and the roof of your mouth. Most bad breath bacteria live on the tongue. So brushing or scraping the tongue can make a big difference in your breath.
Halitosis that is caused by a persistent dry mouth is due to a lack of saliva. Because your saliva washes away the leftover food particles that can make your breath smell, an inadequate amount of it can mean those particles stay put. Drinking water is an easy way of mimicking saliva, and will help to rinse away the debris that leads to bad breath. Keep a water bottle with you whenever possible so you can sip on water throughout the day to keep bad breath at bay
Our clinical experts continually monitor the health and medical content posted on CURA4U, and we update our blogs and articles when new information becomes available. Last reviewed by Dr.Saad Zia on April 29th, 2023.
Cough: You might discover that you have a tonsil stone when you cough. Coughing with some energy may help in loosening the stone.
On a global scale, men and women are affected equally by halitosis. Considering its causes, it is more common in underdeveloped countries with lesser awareness. Basic Metabolic Panel BMP Order Now Comprehensive Metabolic Panel CMP Order Now Electrolytes Serum Order Now Helicobacter pylori Urea Breath Test Order Now
Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial in preventing halitosis. This includes brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing daily, and using a tongue scraper to remove bacteria from the surface of the tongue.
However, they can also be routine in people with frequent tonsil infections. People with more tonsillar crypts, gaps, and crevices in tonsils tend to get more tonsilloliths. To understand the condition further, it is essential to know how it forms and its symptoms.
In addition to poor oral hygiene and dietary factors, certain medical conditions can also cause bad breath. Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, reduces saliva production, which leads to an increase in bacteria in the mouth. Sinus infections and respiratory conditions can also contribute to bad breath due to the presence of mucus and bacteria in the nasal passages.
If you are experiencing chronic bad breath despite practicing good oral hygiene and making lifestyle changes, it is important to see a healthcare professional. They can help identify any underlying medical conditions or medications that may be contributing to your bad breath and recommend appropriate treatment options.
In most cases, halitosis can be treated and prevented through good oral hygiene practices and lifestyle changes. However, there are instances where bad breath may be a sign of a more serious underlying condition.