But it could also be more serious than that. Bad breath can be an indicator that something is seriously wrong with your health. But how can you tell the difference? Here’s a guide to some of the causes of bad breath, and how serious they might be.
Tonsil stones (also called tonsilloliths) form when bacteria and mucus get trapped and calcify in your tonsils' nooks and crannies, leaving a hard piece of matter and a bad taste in your throat. See a picture of Tonsil Stones and learn more about the health topic.
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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.
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:
An antiseptic mouthwash can help eliminate bacteria that cause bad breath. For dry mouth, your dentist might recommend artificial saliva. Ask your dentist about which product is best for you.
Manual removal: Using a toothbrush to remove the tonsil stone is not recommended. Tonsils are delicate, so it is essential to be soft on that part. Removing it manually can be risky and cause complications, which may include infection or bleeding. If you still want to try, then use a water pick or cotton swab. However, small surgery may be required if the stone is too large.
The Role of Diet in Causing Bad Breath
Tongue scraping is a practice that involves using a tongue scraper to remove bacteria and debris from the surface of the tongue. The tongue harbors a significant amount of bacteria, which can contribute to bad breath. Tongue scraping helps remove this bacteria and can improve breath odor.
Food and drinks such as alcohol, caffeinated liquids, onions, garlic, citrus fruits, tomatoes, peppermints, spicy foods, and fried or fatty foods should be avoided to help control acid reflux and the subsequent halitosis related.
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Psychogenic halitosis generally has no apparent cause. In this case, the person constantly feels lousy breath coming from their mouth, but another person or any diagnostic test does not detect it. This type can also be associated with other psychologic abnormalities.
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Certain foods and beverages can contribute to bad breath from the throat. Foods such as garlic, onions, and spices contain volatile compounds that can be absorbed into the bloodstream and released through the breath. These compounds can linger in the throat, causing bad breath.
If you prefer natural remedies, there are several essential oils and herbs that can help freshen your breath. These natural ingredients have antimicrobial properties that can kill bacteria in the mouth. Here are some essential oils and herbs that can be effective in combating bad breath:
The most obvious symptom of halitosis is persistent bad breath that does not go away even after brushing or using mouthwash. Other symptoms may include a sour taste in the mouth or a white coating on the tongue.
Halitosis is caused by oral bacteria trapped in your mouth for an extended time. The key to dealing with it is treating the root of the problem – removing the source of the odor. Most over-the-counter remedies such as mouthwash, mints and gum only mask the problem.
Doctors may recommend antibiotics. It helps lower the bacteria count, leading to tonsil stones development. However, the biofilms or hardened structures of the stones can resist antibiotics.