Introduction: The Surprising Causes of Chronic Bad Breath
Even if food isn’t naturally smelly, it can become smelly if it’s left in your mouth too long. If you’re not cleaning your mouth well enough, food residue can rot in your mouth, causing very bad breath. This is particularly common for people who don’t floss and have residue stuck between their teeth.
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Medications and Their Impact on Oral Health and Breath
The tonsils are lymph nodes located at the back of the throat. Tonsil stones (also called tonsilloliths or tonsil calculi) are small clusters of calcifications or stones that form in the craters (crypts) of the tonsils. Tonsil stones are hard and appear as white or yellowish formations on the tonsils. They usually smell bad (and make your breath smell bad) due to bacteria.
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Tonsil stones may be a warning sign that you have high levels of bacteria in your mouth and need to improve your oral hygiene or adjust your diet.
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Millions of people – an estimated 1 in 4 people globally – suffer from chronic bad breath/ halitosis. It can cause embarrassment and anxiety, but it’s relatively easy to remedy.
Dry mouth, or xerostomia, is another factor that can lead to bad breath. Saliva plays a crucial role in washing away bacteria and food particles in the mouth. When there is a decrease in saliva production, such as during sleep or due to certain medications, bad breath can occur.
If proper oral hygiene does not get rid of bad breath, see a dentist or doctor for a diagnosis if bad breath is accompanied by the following: Persistent dry mouth Sores in the mouth Pain or difficulty with chewing or swallowing Broken teeth or dental pain White spots on the tonsils Fever or fatigue
Treating the underlying digestive issue is key to alleviating bad breath. This may involve lifestyle changes, such as avoiding trigger foods or losing weight, or medications to reduce acid reflux or manage gastrointestinal problems.
Flossing is another essential step in maintaining fresh breath. It helps remove plaque and food debris from between your teeth and along the gumline, where a toothbrush cannot reach. Flossing should be done at least once a day, preferably before bedtime.
A bitter metallic taste, a burning sensation on the tongue, and thick saliva along with a buildup of a white coating on the tongue and around teeth are some of the symptoms of halitosis.
The first thing many people do if they suspect they have bad breath is to reach for the mouthwash. The mint or clove flavouring does of course, disguise the smell for a short time, and many mouthwashes also contain antiseptic. The idea is to eliminate the bacteria that leads to foul-smelling compounds. For a time this can work. But there has been some debate concerning containing alcohol and whether it does or doesn’t exacerbate dehydration. A very dry mouth can cause breath to smell worse.
You may need to see an oral specialist (periodontist) for treatment or your primary healthcare provider depending on the cause.
Introduction
Drinking more water throughout the day helps keep the mouth hydrated and washes away bacteria and food particles. Avoiding foods and drinks that contribute to bad breath, such as garlic and coffee, can also help maintain fresh breath.