Brushing helps remove plaque and bacteria from the teeth and gums, while flossing helps remove food particles and bacteria from between the teeth. Using a tongue scraper can help remove the bacteria that can accumulate on the surface of the tongue and contribute to bad breath.
Infections in the mouth, including gum and bone disease, can contribute to bad breath. The bacteria that causes gum and bone disease or infections, like a dental abscess, often has a very strong odor.
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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.
Bad breath can be caused by many things, including certain foods, poor oral care, and smoking.
Gum (periodontal) disease is caused by the buildup of plaque on the teeth. When you fail to brush and floss properly, the bacteria on your teeth causes toxins to form. This can irritate the gums, cause pockets to form between your teeth and gums that trap food, and cause bad breath.
When to See a Doctor for Halitosis: Serious Underlying Causes and Treatment Options
Bad breath is a concern for most of us. It creates worry in social situations, and can make it hard to feel comfortable talking to people. You never want to get close to personal or business acquaintances if you can’t be sure of your breath.
The primary method to prevent halitosis is to brush twice a day, floss regularly, and use mouthwashes to clean and plaque-free your oral cavity. Staying well-hydrated and lessening smoking, alcohol, and caffeine consumption is beneficial. Maintain regular visits with your healthcare provider to identify possible causes before they worsen.
Tonsil stones can come out in a cough. Persistent coughing may help in losing some of the stones.
Baking soda is another natural remedy that can help fight bad breath. It has antibacterial properties that can kill the bacteria responsible for causing bad breath. You can mix a teaspoon of baking soda with water to create a mouth rinse or sprinkle a small amount on your toothbrush before brushing.
Seasonal allergiesRespiratory tract infections such as pneumonia or bronchitisLong-term (chronic) sinus infectionsPostnasal dripDiabetesChronic acid refluxGastrointestinal issuesChronic lung infectionLiver or kidney problemsWhat Can I Do to Prevent Bad Breath?
Other medical conditions such as tonsil stones and postnasal drip can also contribute to bad breath from the throat. Tonsil stones are small, hard deposits that form in the crevices of the tonsils. These stones can harbor bacteria and emit a foul odor. Postnasal drip occurs when excess mucus drips down the back of the throat, providing a breeding ground for bacteria.
Experienced a little dehydration while under sunlight, enjoyed a spicy sandwich with additional garlic sauce, or had too many cups of coffee? Get ready to deal with halitosis! Several food items can cause bad breath (medically known as halitosis). However, chronic halitosis can be a sign of a severe medical condition as well.
You won’t have to miss out on birthdays or social gatherings anymore if you follow these simple tips.
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.
Morning breath, your saliva production decreases when you sleepHungry or thirsty, when you dehydrate, you don’t have enough salivaAlcoholic drinksUsing multiple medications
If your dentist determines that your mouth is healthy and the odor is not of oral origin, you may be referred to your family doctor or to a specialist to determine the odor source and treatment plan. You can go over a list of your medications with them to see if any of them could be adding to the problem. Work with them to keep diabetes, allergies, and other conditions under control.