If we believe that your bad breath originates elsewhere in the body, we will work with your primary care physician to help you find the right solution for fresh 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.
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To carry out a proper diagnosis to combat halitosis or bad breath, several fundamental aspects are taken into account: health status, lifestyle, oral situation and hygiene habits.
Halitosis, also known as bad breath, can be caused by various factors, some of which originate in the mouth, while others may stem from elsewhere in the body. Here are some of the most common reasons and causes of bad breath or halitosis:
Conclusion
Even if yours came out painlessly, tonsil stones might leave traces of bacteria in your mouth or open, sore areas on your tonsils that need to be kept clean if you don’t want to develop more tonsil stones down the road.
To keep saliva flowing and rinsing your mouth naturally, eat healthy, fibrous foods such as carrots, apples, and celery. Not only will the chewing action increase saliva production, the fibers will also act as a natural toothbrush, cleaning your teeth as you eat.
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.
Saliva keeps your mouth clean by removing food particles that can be a cause of bad breath. When you’re not producing enough saliva and your mouth is consistently dry, it will often cause bad breath. This happens for a lot of people when they sleep, but if it’s happening often during the day, talk to Dr. Scott Edwards to determine is treatment is a necessary step for you.
[iii] Aylıkcı BU, Çolak H. Halitosis: From diagnosis to management. Journal of Natural Science, Biology, and Medicine. 2013;4(1):14-23. doi:10.4103/0976-9668.107255. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3633265/
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.
Halitosis is caused by oral bacteria trapped in your mouth for an extended time. The key to dealing with it is treating the root of the problem – removing the source of the odor. Most over-the-counter remedies such as mouthwash, mints and gum only mask the problem.
The first stop when you have halitosis is usually your dentist. If your dentist determines you have a healthy mouth, you will likely be referred to a physician to look for an underlying health problem. If you have periodontal disease, you may see a periodontist, a dentist who specializes in gum disease and dental implants. If you have braces, it's like your bad breath is caused by food getting stuck in them. You may see your orthodontist for an adjustment. Bad breath in babies or young children may be a sign of infection or undiagnosed medical problems. Consult a child's pediatrician or dentist if an infant or young child has bad breath.
Cigarette smoke has a very strong odor, so it should be little surprise that it’s a common cause of bad breath. Cigarettes and other tobacco products can also increase your risk of gum and bone disease, which can also contribute to bad breath.
Bad breath, medically called halitosis, can result from poor dental health habits and may be a sign of other health problems. Bad breath can also be made worse by the types of foods you eat and other unhealthy lifestyle habits. You can take steps to prevent and treat halitosis, at home and with the help of your dentist or doctor.
Some recommended toothpastes for fighting halitosis include Colgate Total Advanced Fresh + Whitening Toothpaste, Crest Pro-Health Advanced Deep Clean Toothpaste, and Sensodyne Pronamel Fresh Breath Enamel Toothpaste. These toothpastes contain a combination of fluoride, antimicrobial agents, tartar control ingredients, and freshening agents to combat bad breath.
It is a little-known fact that halitosis can be a result of some underlying health problems. In fact, halitosis can be the sign that makes you wonder if there is something more deeply hidden that is causing your health to decline. Here are some of the most common health issues that create bad breath.