It is a little-known fact that halitosis can be a result of some underlying health problems. In fact, halitosis can be the sign that makes you wonder if there is something more deeply hidden that is causing your health to decline. Here are some of the most common health issues that create bad breath.
“Poor oral hygiene” is our way of saying that someone does not properly clean his or her teeth on a consistent basis. The purpose of oral hygiene (which includes brushing, flossing, and can include using mouthwash) is to remove plaque from the teeth. Dental plaque is the “home” for the bacteria that cause bad breath. These bacteria create a by-product of stinky gases called Volatile Sulfur Compounds or VSCs.
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Flossing removes food particles and bacteria that get caught between your teeth to cause bad breath. Good oral hygiene, including flossing, is one of the easiest ways to treat bad breath.
Foods to Avoid for Fresher Breath
Those who have bad breath and have just started a new medication or who have had recent dental surgery should consult their healthcare provider.
Large cavities and progressive gum disease both provide perfect hiding spots for large collections of bacteria. As cavities worsen, bacteria accumulate in actual holes in the teeth. When gum disease progresses, deep pockets develop between the tooth’s roots and the surrounding gum and jawbone. The deep pockets are breeding grounds for bacteria that become more dangerous as the pocket deepens.
Your breath is composed of complex substances with variable odors that can generate unpleasant situations such as halitosis that affects more than 50% of general population[iii]. The odor is caused by the presence of bacteria in the mouth, tooth decay, presence of waste materials, leftover food particles and etc. Numerous causes can contribute to halitosis and induce this bad breath that is difficult to eliminate. Some of the most common causes[iv] include:
Including probiotic-rich foods in your diet, such as yogurt and fermented vegetables, can also help promote a healthy balance of bacteria in your mouth. However, it's important to note that more research is needed to fully understand the role of probiotics in preventing bad breath.
Alcohol causes excessive retching and burping, which lead to a reflux of acids and chemicals from inside your body that find their way to your mouth. So alcohol is one of the leading sources of bad breath, which is particularly common in the U.S.
Terms of UseAbout the BBCPrivacy PolicyPrivacy PolicyCookiesCookiesAccessibility HelpParental GuidanceContact the BBCMake an editorial complaintBBC emails for youAdvertise with usCopyright © 2023 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking. oral health center/oral health a-z list/tonsil stones article Medical Author: John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP Medical Editor: Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhD Introduction What are tonsil stones? Causes & Risk Factors What are causes and risk factors of tonsil stones? Symptoms What are the symptoms of tonsil stones? Diagnosis How are tonsil stones diagnosed? Treatment What are the treatments for tonsil stones? Home Remedies How do you get rid of tonsil stones at home? Prognosis How long do tonsil stones last? Prevention How to prevent tonsil stones Tonsil stones can form when food, mucus, and bacteria get stuck in the craters of the tonsils.
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2. Antimicrobial agents: Toothpastes that contain antimicrobial agents like triclosan or essential oils can help kill bacteria that cause bad breath.
[iii] Aylıkcı BU, Çolak H. Halitosis: From diagnosis to management. Journal of Natural Science, Biology, and Medicine. 2013;4(1):14-23. doi:10.4103/0976-9668.107255. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3633265/
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The urea breath test (UBT) is a test used to diagnose the presence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria in the stomach. H. pylori causes, ulcers, inflammation, and atrophy of the stomach. The urea breath test is fairly simple, with few side effects, risks, or complications.
The primary cause of bad breath from the throat is bacteria. Bacteria naturally reside in the mouth and throat, and when they break down food particles and other substances, they release foul-smelling gases. Poor oral hygiene can lead to an overgrowth of bacteria in the mouth and throat, resulting in bad breath.
Coblation cryptolysis: In this procedure, heat is not involved. A radio wave is used to transform salt solution into charged ions, which cuts through the tissue. This procedure also reduces tonsil crypts but does not cause any burning sensation.