To use these natural remedies, dilute the essential oils in water and use them as a mouthwash. You can also add a few drops to your toothpaste. Chewing on fresh herbs like parsley or cloves can also help freshen your breath.
Halitosis, which is the scientific name for bad breath, is often caused by volatile sulfur compounds. Volatile sulfur compounds are foul-smelling gases released by anaerobic bacteria.
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Treatment for throat-related bad breath will depend on the underlying cause. For example, if GERD is the culprit, lifestyle changes and medication may be recommended. If sinusitis is causing bad breath, nasal irrigation and medication may be prescribed. Tonsil stones may require removal by a healthcare professional.
Ultimately, the bad-breath campaign was so successful that marketing historians refer to it as the “halitosis appeal”—shorthand for using fear to sell product. And, while the modern advertising industry is no stranger to creating a problem to sell its solution, Listerine’s medicalization of mouth odors might just be one of the most successful iterations yet.
You can tell you have tonsil stones if you can see the white deposits trapped in the crevices of your tonsils. Other times, you might notice them when they come out, “appearing” suddenly in your throat or mouth. They are usually white and can be soft and/or gritty.
When you have a common cold or other respiratory infection, the mucous your body produces can be seen as a tasty meal for odor-causing bacteria in the mouth, which can lead to bad breath.
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a common oral health condition that can cause bad breath. It occurs when bacteria in the mouth infect the gums, leading to inflammation and potential tooth loss if left untreated. The bacteria associated with gum disease can produce foul-smelling compounds that contribute to bad breath.
In addition to causing bad breath, smoking can also lead to other oral health issues such as gum disease and oral cancer. Quitting smoking is the best way to improve your oral health and maintain fresh breath. If you need help quitting, there are various resources available, such as support groups and nicotine replacement therapies.
Flossing is a crucial part of maintaining good oral health and fresh breath. While brushing your teeth cleans the surfaces of your teeth, flossing helps remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth and along the gumline. Here are some reasons why flossing is important:
Brush your tongue, cheeks, and the roof of your mouth. Most bad breath bacteria live on the tongue. So brushing or scraping the tongue can make a big difference in your breath.
Stress and anxiety can have a negative impact on oral health and breath. When we are stressed or anxious, our bodies produce more cortisol, a stress hormone that can reduce saliva production. This can result in dry mouth and contribute to bad breath.
You get tonsil stones when deposits of bacteria sit inside your tonsils for a long time. It turns into this crystalized white or yellow rock. There is a chance you have actually accidentally bitten one. Have you ever had something randomly appear in your mouth? You think it is leftover food so you chew on it. Then you are met with this absolutely horrendous taste in your mouth. Nine times out of ten that was a tonsil stone. I don’t recommend this but if you cut one open and smell. You will see why it causes such horrible breath.
If so, avoid foods like spinach, peppercorns, sesame seeds, popcorn, and other foods that can easily become stuck in your mouth. Check out my article on tonsil stone diet tips here.
Certain foods and drinks can also contribute to bad breath. Foods like garlic and onions contain volatile compounds that are absorbed into the bloodstream and then exhaled through the lungs. Coffee and alcohol can also dry out the mouth, leading to a decrease in saliva production and an increase in bacteria growth.
Flossing is another essential step in maintaining fresh breath. It helps remove plaque and food debris from between your teeth and along the gumline, where a toothbrush cannot reach. Flossing should be done at least once a day, preferably before bedtime.
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Bad breath can also affect children, and it is important for parents to be aware of the causes and prevention strategies. Common causes of bad breath in children include poor oral hygiene, dental issues such as cavities or gum disease, and respiratory infections. Additionally, certain habits such as thumb sucking or mouth breathing can also contribute to halitosis.