There are several over-the-counter products available that can help manage bad breath from the throat. Mouthwashes and sprays specifically designed for freshening breath can help kill bacteria in the throat and provide a temporary solution for bad breath.
Bad breath, also known as halitosis, can result from poor dental health habits and can be made worse by the types of foods you eat. The most common cause of halitosis is inadequate dental hygiene. If particles of food are left in the mouth, their breakdown by bacteria produces sulfur compounds. If regular brushing, flossing and hydration doesn’t solve it, the best solution is to see your dentist for a deep cleaning.
.
But hey, at least there’s a little less bad breath in the world now than there was 100 years ago. Laura Clark | | READ MORE
When to See a Doctor for Halitosis: Serious Underlying Causes and Treatment Options
Halitosis, or bad breath affects an estimated 65% of Americans. Over 40 million Americans have "chronic halitosis," which is persistent bad breath. 90% of all halitosis is of oral, not systemic, origin.
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.
Gargling with salt water can help dislodge tonsil stones and reduce inflammation in the tonsils. Mix a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and gargle for 30 seconds before spitting it out.
Another method is to use a spoon. Scrape the back of your tongue with the spoon and smell it. If there is a foul odor, it may indicate that you have bad breath. Alternatively, you can ask a trusted friend or family member for their honest opinion.
My regular dentist moved to a new office. I was a little worried at first, but not after my first visit to the new... place. All of the staff were super friendly and this location is closer to my house. A win-win!read more
Small tonsil stones may not cause any symptoms that you’d notice. Even when they’re large, some tonsil stones are found only after X-rays or CT scans. Symptoms include:
The most common cause of chronic severe bad breath is a dental infection. We do not mean a simple overgrowth of oral bacteria due to a buildup of plaque. That is what we discussed in the previous section. We mean an active dental disease, like decay (cavities) or gum disease.
If you have a cavity, it is the perfect place for food to get stuck and bacteria to build up.
Introduction: The Surprising Causes of Chronic Bad Breath
Certain medical conditions can also cause bad breath from the throat. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition where stomach acid travels up the esophagus, causing heartburn and other symptoms. This acid reflux can also lead to bad breath as the stomach acid reaches the throat.
Gargling and using essential oils are two great ways to freshen your breath, fight infections, and kill all of the bacteria that cause the foul smell.
Understanding the Causes of Bad Breath
Drinking green tea can also be beneficial for combating bad breath. Green tea contains polyphenols, which have been shown to have antimicrobial properties that can help kill bacteria in the mouth.