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Certain foods and drinks can contribute to bad breath due to their strong odors or their effects on the mouth. Foods like garlic, onions, and spices contain volatile compounds that are absorbed into the bloodstream and exhaled through the lungs. Coffee and alcohol can leave a lingering odor in the mouth due to their strong flavors.
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To prevent bad breath from the throat, it is essential to practice good oral hygiene. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing daily helps remove plaque and food particles that can contribute to bad breath. Additionally, using a tongue scraper to remove bacteria from the surface of the tongue can further reduce bad breath.
Bad breath can also be caused by poor dental hygiene, as it enables the buildup of food particles in the mouth and creates an environment that fosters the growth of bacteria on the teeth and tongue, both of which can lead to bad breath.
Halitosis and Oral Health: The Connection Explained
Severe mouth odor is typically caused by dental infections that require treatment by a qualified dental professional. Other common causes of bad breath include diets containing certain foods, smoking and other tobacco use, poor oral hygiene, some medications, and may even result from health conditions present throughout the body.
Conclusion:
Halitosis and Respiratory Issues: What You Need to Know
When the Lamberts started putting the vaguely medical sounding "halitosis" in their ads, they framed it as a health condition that was keeping people from being their very best selves. Inglis-Arkell describes the campaign’s direction:
Halitosis is common in people who have tonsil stones. That’s because the bacteria that produce volatile sulfur compounds thrive in the crevices of your throat, where food, mucus, and other bacteria have already built up.
A physician may recommend antibiotics, tonsillectomy, or other surgical ways to remove the debris. Drinking plenty of water, gargling with salt water, and controlling the urge to smoke are the necessary steps that the patient cannot avoid.
Your doctor can usually diagnose tonsil stones with a physical exam. If they’re hidden in the folds of your tonsils, you might need imaging tests, such as CT or MRI scans, to spot them.
Our mouth is supposed to be full of saliva most of the time. Saliva helps our mouth stay healthy by killing bacteria and repairing our teeth (albeit very slowly). And it helps remove food debris. If you have a dry mouth, it’s easier for odors to build up because of food or bacteria.
Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial in preventing tonsil stones and bad breath. This includes brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing daily, and using mouthwash to kill bacteria in the mouth. It is also important to clean your tongue regularly, as bacteria can accumulate on the surface of the tongue and contribute to bad breath.
To manage gastrointestinal-related bad breath, it is important to address the underlying digestive issues. This may involve making dietary changes, such as avoiding trigger foods or eating smaller, more frequent meals. It is also recommended to seek medical advice from a healthcare professional to determine the best course of treatment for your specific condition.
Maintaining a healthy diet and exercising regularly can improve overall health and reduce the risk of certain medical conditions that can cause bad breath. Taking steps to manage stress and get enough sleep can also contribute to better oral health and fresher breath.
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