Saliva usually washes away excess food particles and bacteria that build up on teeth. If you don’t have enough saliva to do this you will definitely suffer from an unpleasant smell. Common causes of decrease saliva are:
Because more than ninety percent of bad breath originates in the mouth, your dentist is your first line of defense. In many cases, bad breath is simply a symptom of a bigger problem. Seeing your dentist first is important to rule out dangerous dental infections as the cause of the unpleasant odor.
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Chronic Diseases and Halitosis: Understanding the Connection
Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption are also important in preventing bad breath. These habits not only contribute to bad breath but also have detrimental effects on overall oral health.
The tonsils are relatively soft pieces of tissue at the back of the throat. Debris such as saliva, mucus, and food particles can collect at the back of the mouth and become trapped in a pocket of soft tissue. Over time, the debris can harden. The presence of the stone invites fungi and bacteria to feed. It is the accumulation of microorganisms around the stone that leads to bad breath.
If you have a cavity, it is the perfect place for food to get stuck and bacteria to build up.
Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth may be a warning sign of gum (periodontal) disease. Gum disease is caused by the buildup of plaque on teeth. Bacteria cause toxins to form, which irritate the gums. If gum disease continues untreated, it can damage the gums and jawbone.
In some cases, medical treatments may be necessary to effectively treat tonsil stones and halitosis.
In addition to brushing and flossing, tongue scraping is an often overlooked step in oral hygiene. The tongue harbors bacteria that can contribute to bad breath. Using a tongue scraper or gently brushing your tongue with your toothbrush can help remove these bacteria and freshen your breath.
My daughters had to have some extractions done and Dr. Birch was wonderful. I can’t say enough about how patient and... kind he was with them. One daughter had 3 teeth pulled, two of them molars, and he took his time and made sure she was comfortable and not feeling any pain. We have been coming here for over a year now and I am so glad we found this practice. The front staff is friendly and always helpful. I would definitely recommend them.read more
Alcohol is pretty drying, which is why people often feel as if they need to drink a gallon (or two) of water after a night out. The drying effects of alcohol can also contribute to bad breath.
As we mentioned earlier, you do not have to live with bad breath. There are various approaches to the treatment of bad breath, and the good news is that you can begin at home!
Your tonsils have a very important role. They’re supposed to trap bacteria and debris that would otherwise go into your lungs or stomach. Unfortunately, sometimes they accumulate too much, creating balls of bacterial residue called tonsil stones. These can smell very bad and contribute to bad breath.
The main symptom of bad breath is an unpleasant or foul smell emanating from the mouth.
Sinus infection (sinusitis) symptoms can include headaches, a sore throat, and toothaches. Antibiotics and home remedies can relieve sinus infection symptoms.
Bad breath that is due to simple causes such as foods may be more easily masked or eliminated than bad breath due to medical conditions, infections, or medication side effects.
There are many causes of bad breath, just as there are many sources of bacteria in the mouth. Halitosis may be caused by the following.