If you have persistent bad breath that doesn’t go away with brushing and flossing alone, your bad breath could be caused by something other than a plaque or the foods you consume. Bad breath or halitosis has many causes, including dry mouth, medications you may be taking, or a condition called tonsillitis. Tonsillitis is a condition of the lymph nodes known as your tonsils. The tonsils are located in your mouth, at the intersection of your throat and palate. Their primary function is to help your immune system by blocking germs from entering the throat. Tonsils are full of white blood cells that kill germs, too. The condition known as tonsillitis occurs when the tonsils become inflamed and infected. Sometimes, tonsillitis can be caused by a condition called tonsil stones, where the tonsils become full of ‘stones’ or hardened calcium deposits that get stuck in the pits and crevices of the tonsils. These calcium deposits are caused by oral plaque and bacteria and bits of swallowed food. Though tonsil stones are usually harmless, if they become infected your dentist may recommend they be removed, especially if your tonsillitis is recurring. Though tonsillitis is more common in children, it can still affect adults. Dr. Martin Abelar is a dentist practicing in San Diego, California. He says that tonsillitis is a common cause of bad breath because of the inflammation it causes. “Tonsilitis can be a major contributor of bad breath because it inflames the mucous membranes of the tonsils, making them cause a foul odor. Also, the bits of food and plaque stuck in the tonsils may cause foul odor as they decompose.” Abelar says that if you have difficulty swallowing or a persistent sore throat you may have tonsillitis and should be seen by a dentist for an evaluation. Bad breath is another symptom you may want to be on the lookout for. “If you do have bad breath, try the traditional means of eliminating it first. Brush your teeth at least twice per day, floss your teeth, and if you don’t already add steps to your routines such as mouthwash and tongue scraping.” As for tonsil stones, Abelar says they are usually harmless and unless they are causing pain can usually be left alone and can clear up on their own, but if you are concerned about bad breath or infection, you should speak to your dentist about having them removed. Artificial Intelligence Could Soon Diagnose Osteoarthritis Of The Temporomandibular Joint How To Prevent White Spots On Your Teeth During Orthodontic Treatment September 30, 2023 Denstistry, Orthodontics Artificial Intelligence Could Soon Diagnose Osteoarthritis Of The Temporomandibular Joint September 30, 2023 Denstistry, Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Autism Could Increase The Risk Of TMJ Dysfunction September 30, 2023 Denstistry, Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction
There are a few health conditions outside the mouth that can contribute to bad breath. Because dental problems are far more likely to be the culprit, we always rule them out first. If your dentist rules out any dental problems as the source of your bad breath, you then likely need to look outside the mouth.
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Halitosis, also known as bad breath, corresponds to an unpleasant and uncomfortable smell that comes off the mouth.
If dry mouth is the cause of your bad breath, try to drink more water throughout the day, and as soon as you wake up. This will help keep bacteria from sticking to your teeth and causing odors. Other beverages like soda, coffee, or alcohol can actually make the problem worse, so swap those types of drinks in favor of water if you’re concerned about dry mouth.
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.
Also see a doctor or dentist if bad breath develops after taking a new medication, after recent dental surgery, or if any other symptoms develop that are of concern.
Chat with your doctor to get a professional opinion on what course of action is right for you.
In addition to not brushing and flossing regularly, other factors that can contribute to poor oral hygiene and bad breath include smoking, dry mouth, certain medications, and certain medical conditions like gum disease or tooth decay. It’s important to practice good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and regularly visiting a dentist for cleanings and checkups, to maintain fresh breath and a healthy mouth.
Halitosis, also known as bad breath, corresponds to an unpleasant and uncomfortable smell that comes off the mouth.
The Science Behind Bad Breath
New to area and had been looking for a dentist for about a year. After checking online reviews and the background on... the dentists, I went to Premier Family Dental Care and I am glad I did. I am now on my second visit and both have been great. Charlotte is my hygienist, she is awesome. If you are looking for a dentist , give them a try. Everyone is friendly and professional, especially the ladies at the front office. Thank you Premier !read more
The problem with this method is that breathing into your hands doesn’t propel breath out from the back of your mouth in the same way that happens when you talk. So when you breathe into your hand you might miss out on the smells from the gases produced at the back of your tongue, the main place where bad breath originates.
Laser cryptolysis is another medical treatment option. This procedure uses laser technology to reshape the tonsil crypts, reducing the likelihood of debris and bacteria becoming trapped and forming tonsil stones.
New to area and had been looking for a dentist for about a year. After checking online reviews and the background on... the dentists, I went to Premier Family Dental Care and I am glad I did. I am now on my second visit and both have been great. Charlotte is my hygienist, she is awesome. If you are looking for a dentist , give them a try. Everyone is friendly and professional, especially the ladies at the front office. Thank you Premier !read more
Unfortunately, even more people are unaware of strong bad breath. These may suffer rifts in personal relationships, avoidance by people at work or social occasions, or romantic rebuffs without understanding the underlying cause. People with chronic bad breath are less likely to advance within the workplace.
People who suffer from bad breath want to know how to get rid of bad breath. Some examples of measures an individual can do to prevent or get rid of bad breath include the following: Specific medical treatment to cure bad breath depends upon the cause.In patients who suffer from dry mouth (xerostomia), artificial saliva may be prescribed by a dentist.Dentists can also prescribe special toothpaste and mouthwash that can improve the symptoms of bad breath. Follow all instructions provided by the dental or medical professional, and use any prescribed mouthwash or toothpaste as directed.If the patient's dentist determines that the bad breath odor is not of oral origin, the patient may be referred to a physician.If the odor is due to gum disease, the dentist may refer the patient to a periodontist, who specializes in treating gum conditions.