Periodontal (gum) disease often causes persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth, and persistent bad breath may mean a sign that you have gum disease.
The team from the BBC TV series 'Trust me I’m a doctor' spoke to dentists about how to spot and avoid bad breath. Watch the video below for their tips: All content within this column is provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other health care professional. The BBC is not responsible or liable for any diagnosis made by a user based on the content of this site. The BBC is not liable for the contents of any external internet sites listed, nor does it endorse any commercial product or service mentioned or advised on any of the sites. Always consult your own GP if you're in any way concerned about your health.
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However, improper oral hygiene is not the only cause of halitosis formation. This troublesome condition may also occur as a result of using dentures or braces. The hard-to-reach areas around these fillings are difficult to reach with a toothbrush or dental floss, which is why bacteria that cause bad breath thrive there. Other common causes of halitosis include: diabetes, kidney disease and thyroid disease, infections of the sinuses, throat or tonsils, dry mouth, improper eating habits (drinking large amounts of alcohol, smoking, starving oneself), taking certain medications (mainly antidepressants, painkillers and diuretics).
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Bad breath (halitosis) can be caused by a variety of things, including diet, medication, poor oral hygiene, and diseases or conditions such as diabetes, GERD, lactose intolerance, gum disease, and more. Treatment for bad breath depends on the cause.
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.
Our mouth is supposed to be full of saliva most of the time. Saliva helps our mouth stay healthy by killing bacteria and repairing our teeth (albeit very slowly). And it helps remove food debris. If you have a dry mouth, it’s easier for odors to build up because of food or bacteria.
Small tonsil stones can be removed at home using a cotton swab or the back of your toothbrush. Gently apply pressure to the tonsil to push the stone out of the crevice.
Loss of smell and taste may result from polyps in the nasal or sinus cavities, hormonal disturbances, or dental problems. They can also be caused by prolonged exposure to certain chemicals such as insecticides, and by some medicines.
Parsley is not only a popular garnish but also a natural breath freshener. It contains chlorophyll, which can help neutralize odors and freshen breath.
The dental hygienist was very good. She did a nice job cleaning my teeth and was not hurried. I think their fees are... very reasonable and they do not pressure you to have work done.read more
It is important to note that while mouthwash can help freshen breath, it should not be used as a substitute for proper oral hygiene practices such as brushing and flossing.
Digestive issues can also contribute to bad breath. When the digestive system is not functioning properly, it can lead to the buildup of gases in the stomach and intestines, which can then be released through the mouth, causing halitosis. Common gastrointestinal problems that can lead to bad breath include acid reflux, gastritis, and constipation.
A large number of ketones in the body can cause bad breath that may smell sweet, or similar to acetone (a type of ketone) which is commonly found in nail polish remover. Diabetics are at risk of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), which is when ketones rise to unsafe levels.
You can also see other signs of gum disease, such as red, swollen gums. Bleeding gums, even receding gums.
If you’re concerned about your alcohol consumption, your dental professional can help you get assistance with cutting back or quitting for good.
Poor oral hygiene is a significant factor in the development of bad breath from the throat. When we neglect to brush and floss regularly, bacteria can accumulate in the mouth and throat. This bacterial overgrowth leads to the breakdown of food particles and other substances, resulting in bad breath.