MedicineNet does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information. oral health center/oral health a-z list/bad breath article Medical Author: John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP Medical Editor: Jerry R. Balentine, DO, FACEP Introduction What is bad breath? Causes What are the possible causes of bad breath? Symptoms What symptoms may be associated with bad breath? Diagnosis How do healthcare professionals diagnose halitosis? Treatment How do you treat bad halitosis? Prognosis What is the prognosis for people with halitosis? Halitosis, or bad breath, can be cured with the treatment of the underlying causes.
Along with bad breath, other symptoms of tonsilloliths are ear pain, swollen tonsils, an accumulation of white-colored debris, as well as trouble swallowing.
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Sinus infection (sinusitis) is caused by allergies, infection, and chemicals or other irritants of sinuses. Signs and symptoms include headache, fever, and facial tenderness, pressure, or pain. Treatments of sinus infections are generally with antibiotics and at times, home remedies.
Bad breath can be a side effect of diabetes. Because the body might have a hard time processing sugars for energy, the body can try to break down more fats, which leads to the production of ketones. The smell is similar to eating a low-carb diet, but unlike a low carb diet, diabetes is likely to lead to a toxic buildup of ketones if not properly treated.
Often the goal of low carb diets is to move the body into ketosis, which helps it burn fat. During ketosis, the body produces ketones, which have a notable odor. One way to minimize the smell of ketones is to drink more water. If the smell is bad enough, you might consider giving up the diet. It’s up to you and your doctor to weigh the pros and cons of losing weight versus having bad breath.
Your tonsils have a very important role. They’re supposed to trap bacteria and debris that would otherwise go into your lungs or stomach. Unfortunately, sometimes they accumulate too much, creating balls of bacterial residue called tonsil stones. These can smell very bad and contribute to bad breath.
“Poor oral hygiene” is our way of saying that someone does not properly clean his or her teeth on a consistent basis. The purpose of oral hygiene (which includes brushing, flossing, and can include using mouthwash) is to remove plaque from the teeth. Dental plaque is the “home” for the bacteria that cause bad breath. These bacteria create a by-product of stinky gases called Volatile Sulfur Compounds or VSCs.
One the most common causes of bad breath is food buildup in your mouth. Whenever you eat, tiny particles of food can stick to your teeth and sometimes become lodged between them. This can cause bacteria to build up inside your mouth and emit an unpleasant odor. Now you know why your coworkers make that face when you greet them in the morning.
Everyone gets bad breath occasionally — especially after eating garlic, onions, or other strong foods. But bad breath that doesn't go away (chronic halitosis) could mean you have an oral health issue or a condition that's affecting another part of your body.
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Tobacco products, such as cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco, and snuff, stain the teeth and put the body at risk for many diseases. But they also help cause bad breath. Tobacco users also are at higher risk for:
Certain strains of probiotics, such as Streptococcus salivarius K12 and Lactobacillus salivarius, have been shown to reduce the levels of harmful bacteria in the mouth and improve breath odor. These probiotics can be found in certain oral health products, such as lozenges or mouthwashes.
Using mouthwash can also help freshen breath by killing bacteria and neutralizing odors. Chewing sugar-free gum stimulates saliva production, which helps wash away bacteria and food particles. However, it is important to note that these products should not be used as a substitute for proper oral hygiene practices.
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It is necessary to understand the cause of halitosis to initiate treatment. Certain diseases that might present with similar features as halitosis include dehydration, diabetes mellitus, liver failure, kidney failure, bronchi or lung infection, tuberculosis, or internal bleeding.
A dentist will also examine your mouth for any signs of gum disease or other oral health issues that may be causing bad breath. They may recommend additional treatments or procedures to address these issues and improve your breath odor.
Antiseptic mouthwashes contain ingredients such as chlorhexidine or cetylpyridinium chloride, which help reduce the amount of bacteria in the mouth. These mouthwashes can be effective in freshening breath and preventing gum disease. Fluoride mouthwashes help strengthen tooth enamel and prevent tooth decay. Cosmetic mouthwashes contain ingredients such as mint or cinnamon to temporarily mask bad breath.