If you are experiencing dry mouth that is causing bad breath, you’ll need to get a professional opinion or diagnosis from your dentist to pinpoint the correct treatment for you. Some medications can cause dry mouth, so it is best to consult your dentist so they can conduct tests and make adjustments to your dosages as needed. Your dentist may be able to recommend products that are specially formulated to help with dry mouth.
The impact of halitosis on social interactions and self-esteem can be significant. People with chronic bad breath may feel self-conscious about speaking or being close to others, which can affect their relationships and overall quality of life. It is important to differentiate between occasional bad breath and halitosis in order to seek appropriate treatment and support.
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Foods and drinks that can cause bad breath:
Diabetes occurs when your body cannot produce insulin, which supplies your cells with the fuel they need in the form of glucose. When your body cannot burn sugar, it burns fat instead, which produces ketones that build up in urine and blood.
The benefits of tongue scraping and other oral care practices
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The medical condition dry mouth (also called xerostomia) also can cause bad breath. Saliva is necessary to moisten the mouth, neutralize acids produced by plaque, and wash away dead cells that build up on the tongue, gums, and cheeks. If not removed, these cells decompose and can cause bad breath. Dry mouth may be a side effect of various medications, salivary gland problems, or continuous breathing through the mouth. In fact, morning breath is worse for people who sleep with their mouths open.
Morning breath, your saliva production decreases when you sleepHungry or thirsty, when you dehydrate, you don’t have enough salivaAlcoholic drinksUsing multiple medications
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It’s early days, so for now the medical advice is to brush and floss your teeth carefully, to drink plenty of water, not to smoke, to eat a balanced diet and to see your dentist about bad breath in case you have early signs of gum disease.
Smoking can dry out your mouth, resulting in bad breath, and make your mouth smell like an ashtray. Furthermore, smokers are more prone to gum disease, which is another source of bad breath.
Certain foods and drinks can also contribute to bad breath. Foods like garlic and onions contain volatile compounds that are absorbed into the bloodstream and carried to the lungs, where they are exhaled. Similarly, drinks like coffee and alcohol can leave a lingering odor in the mouth.
Besides food items, medical conditions like a build-up of calculus, gum diseases, dry mouth, poorly fitted dentures, acid reflux, and tonsil stones are often found to be some of the causes. Halitosis should not be left untreated because it can be one of the symptoms of severe problems like chronic sinus infections, bronchitis, diabetes, pneumonia, and even kidney-linked issues.
Using mouthwash can also help freshen breath by killing bacteria and neutralizing odors. Chewing sugar-free gum stimulates saliva production, which helps wash away bacteria and food particles. However, it is important to note that these products should not be used as a substitute for proper oral hygiene practices.
While using mints or sugar-free gum can help to mask the odor, the most effective way to improve bad breath caused by tobacco products is to quit smoking or using other tobacco products. If you’re ready to quit, your dentist and hygienist can connect you to quitting resources and provide support.
Sometimes, tonsil stones can cause infection, and the infection can spread to the rest of your tonsil. Usually, symptoms of tonsil infection include ear pain, large tonsil stones, pain in your throat or tonsils, and difficulty breathing.
- Coffee and alcohol: These beverages can cause dry mouth, which can worsen bad breath.