It was also marketed to dentists as a way to kill germs in the mouth, but no one paid much attention until the 1920s. That's when, as Inglis-Arkell writes, the owner of the company, Jordan Wheat Lambert, and his son, Gerard, came up with a marketing plan that would forever change the dental aisle. The key was an old Latin phrase that had long dropped out of general usage and which, according to writers over at Cracked, meant “unpleasant breath.” A 1928 ad for Listerine reads in part: “No matter how charming you may be or how fond of you your friends are, you can not expect them to put up with halitosis (unpleasant breath) forever. They may be nice to you—but it is an effort.” Bettmann/CORBIS
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If you smoke, quit. Ask your healthcare provider for help. You will have better smelling breath and a healthier body overall.
Bring someone with you to help you ask questions and remember what your provider tells you.
Having tonsil stones once might mean you will have to deal with it again in the future. But specific preventive measures can be taken. These steps are:
Certain prescription medications can also cause dry mouth, so if you believe this may be a possibility, check with the prescribing physician.
It’s time to get down to the nitty-gritty of this text, which is answering the question of how you can effectively fight halitosis. We guess that most of you have read this text because you have recognized this problem and you are looking for a way to get rid of it effectively. There are four ways that you can greatly reduce your risk of developing bad breath, and when it does occur, you can fight it effectively. How should I care for my mouth after a tooth extraction? The trouble of bleeding gums – where does it come from and how to deal with it? Gum diseases – what should you know about them? Why a sonic toothbrush? About the brand Shop Sonic toothbrushes Smilesonic EX Smilesonic UP Smilesonic GO Smilesonic KIDS Smilesonic brush heads Smilesonic irrigators Smilesonic water flosser tips Smilesonic toothpastes FAQ Contact us Blog
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.
Some symptoms that occur include loose teeth, bleeding, pus, and a persistent bad taste in the mouth. If you lose a tooth due to periodontitis, your dentist will be able to provide you with emergency dental care and provide guidance on how to correct and prevent future damage.
The same spices that make a meal a work of art can leave a strong scent lingering on your breath. Foods and spices such as garlic, onion, spicy foods, curry, some cheeses, fish, and acidic beverages such as coffee can leave a lingering smell. These smells usually fade quickly or can be fixed by giving your mouth a quick rinse with some mouthwash or chewing a piece of sugar-free gum.
Tonsil stones are risk-free buildup that will go away on their own. However, the duration of tonsil stones can vary from person to person. They may go away or melt on their own in a short period, or they can also stay for weeks if they are deep in the throat and bacteria continue to grow on them. Besides, if proper oral hygiene is not performed, it may last for years and lead to a more serious problem, such as tonsillitis.
When you have a cavity (or tooth decay), plaque (food particles and bacteria) accumulates in the cavity and causes bad breath.
Medications and Their Impact on Oral Health and Breath
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.
Using natural remedies can be a healthier alternative to artificial products, as they do not contain harsh chemicals or artificial flavors.
It's wise to brush those gnashers regularly to avoid whiffy breath, even if you're a hippo at London Zoo (Credit: Getty Images)
When the Lamberts started putting the vaguely medical sounding "halitosis" in their ads, they framed it as a health condition that was keeping people from being their very best selves. Inglis-Arkell describes the campaign’s direction: