Causes of halitosis can originate either inside or outside your mouth. A person with poor oral hygiene maintenance has a higher chance of halitosis than who regularly brushes. Common causes include gingivitis, periodontitis, dental caries, excessive plaque accumulation on teeth and tongue, pericoronitis, or oral ulcers. Food substances having a strong, pungent smell are another common cause. Frequent smoking, alcohol, or caffeine intake results in temporary bad breath. Any diseases or medications that cause dryness of the oral cavity are another contributing factor. Outside the oral cavity, inflammation of the tonsils or sinuses is another important factor that affects the quality of breath. Gastric diseases, especially gastroesophageal reflux, are another cause of halitosis.
If your tonsil stones keep coming back, if they’re large, or if your tonsils seem overly irritated or swollen, it might be time to visit your doctor.
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The marketing campaign was wildly successful. Even so, Lambert kept trying to sell the public on new uses for Listerine, making claims that it worked as toothpaste, deodorant and a cure for dandruff. But, with their no-longer-quite-so-stinky mouths, the people had spoken: Listerine was best as a mouthwash.
Halitosis and Gum Disease: How to Treat and Prevent
A dentist will also examine your mouth for any signs of gum disease or other oral health issues that may be causing bad breath. They may recommend additional treatments or procedures to address these issues and improve your breath odor.
Bad breath can happen to anyone. The American Dental Association reports that about half of adults in the US have or will have to deal with bad breath at some point in their lifetimes.
Using a tongue scraper can be an effective way to remove bacteria from the surface of the tongue. This can help reduce bad breath and prevent the formation of tonsil stones.
Tonsil stones can come out in a cough. Persistent coughing may help in losing some of the stones.
Halitosis is the medical terminology for bad breath. It can be due to multiple physiological or psychological causes. The most common cases of halitosis occur due to certain ingredients in the food that have a strong smell. These ingredients include garlic, onion, cheese, alcohol, etc. Bad breath caused by these substances is short-lasting and can be lessened by employing various techniques. However, bad breath caused by any physiological abnormality or psychological reason can be long-lasting and affects your social life if it persists consistently.
Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic practice that involves swishing oil in the mouth for several minutes. This practice is believed to help remove bacteria and toxins from the mouth, improving oral health and combating bad breath.
Diabetes can cause bad breath for two different reasons; periodontal disease, and high levels of ketones in the blood.
The Connection Between Smoking and Bad Breath
There is a strong link between halitosis and gum disease. Gum disease is caused by the buildup of plaque and bacteria along the gumline, leading to inflammation and infection. This can result in bad breath.
If you suspect that you have a tonsil stone, the first thing you could do is gargle with salt water, hydrogen peroxide, apple cider vinegar, or antiseptic mouthwash.
Here are some of the causes of bad breath, so you can be more confident when you show your smile.
Halitosis, better known as severe bad breath, can cause an embarrassing social problem, but it can also be a sign of an underlying medical problem.
It's wise to brush those gnashers regularly to avoid whiffy breath, even if you're a hippo at London Zoo (Credit: Getty Images)