Halitosis refers to bad breath that doesn’t go away once you take mints. In many cases, it is a sign of a bigger problem and could indicate something is wrong with your health. If you experience this problem, it’s a good idea to consult your doctor. As you can see from today’s article, your bad breath might be the sign of your body telling you that something is not right. Bad breath might be the first sign towards detection of kidney disease, diabetes and even pneumonia among others, all of which require urgent attention and early diagnosis so that their treatment can be effective and fact! Do not feel ashamed of your bad breath or feel the need to hide it and yourself away from people – ask for help right away!
When to see a dentist or doctor about bad breath
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Although (as you probably know) there’s no cure for the common cold, there are ways to help yourself feel better when you have one. Taking a decongestant can help your nasal passages drain and drinking plenty of water and other fluids can help to flush out excess mucous.
Herbal teas, such as peppermint, spearmint, and chamomile, can help freshen breath naturally. These teas have antimicrobial properties that can help kill the bacteria responsible for bad breath.
Chewing food increase saliva production, so when you are skipping meals or dieting, you can develop bad breath. A diet low in carbohydrates or any restrictive diet may increase your chances of bad breath. It is always good to drink plenty of water to keep you hydrated and to help maintain a good level of saliva in your mouth.
Chronic sinus infections and post-nasal drop often lead to bad breath, as do persistent throat infections. Some people suffer from infections in the stomach that travel up the esophagus into the mouth, leaving a bad smell. Severe acid reflux and GERD can cause a bad odor, and certain metabolic disorders emit unpleasant gases through the breath.
Halitosis in Children: Causes and Prevention
Occasional bad breath is common and can be easily remedied by practicing good oral hygiene. However, chronic halitosis is a more persistent condition that requires further attention. Halitosis is often caused by underlying medical conditions or poor oral health habits that need to be addressed.
If you think there’s an issue in your mouth that’s behind your bad breath, seeing a dental professional for treatment can help you get to the bottom of the problem and improve your oral health and the scent of your breath at the same time.
Using mouthwash, gum, and mints will only cover up the problem. In most cases, following a proper dental hygiene routine will improve bad breath. If at-home care doesn't solve the problem, contact your dentist and schedule an appointment for a proper evaluation.
Halitosis itself is a symptom of an underlying problem. If you feel a foul odor on your breath when you exhale, look out for the possible causes inside and outside your oral cavity. Another way to check whether your breath has an odor or not is to lick your wrist and let the saliva dry. After a few minutes, smell your wrist to figure out if you have bad breath or not. Since most of the causes arise within the oral cavity, the patient might also present with plaque deposits on the tongue and around teeth, redness and bleeding from gums, and multiple carious lesions.
Remember, rather than opting for a temporary solution like a mouth freshener; it is advisable to seek professional help and understand the root cause of the problem.
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Many don’t know how their diet can be one of the causes of bad breath. Eating a high-protein, low-carb diet can cause your metabolism to change because protein is harder for your body to digest. They tend to release sulfurous gases when they don’t metabolize. To avoid this, eat a more balanced and nutritious diet full of vegetables and herbs.
How to Detect and Diagnose Halitosis Symptoms
Acid reflux is caused by an overly relaxed lower esophageal sphincter (LES). It is a muscle that acts as a barrier to the stomach and operates similarly to a valve. When it is working correctly, it will open to allow food to pass through the esophagus into the stomach, but when it is too relaxed or faulty, it will remain open, allowing the contents in the stomach to flow back upwards.