Bad breath is caused by a variety of factors. In most cases, it is caused by food remaining in the mouth - on the teeth, tongue, gums, and other structures, collecting bacteria. Dead and dying bacterial cells release a sulfur compound that gives your breath an unpleasant odor. Certain foods, such as garlic and onions, contribute to breath odor. Once the food is absorbed into the bloodstream, it is transferred to the lungs, where it is exhaled. Brushing, flossing and mouthwash only mask the odor. Dieters sometimes develop unpleasant breath from fasting.
Certain foods and drinks can leave a lasting odor in your mouth, contributing to bad breath. Garlic and onions are notorious for causing bad breath due to their sulfur compounds. These compounds are absorbed into the bloodstream and then exhaled through the lungs, resulting in an unpleasant odor.
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Mouthwash can be an effective tool in combating halitosis. It can help kill bacteria in the mouth and freshen breath. When choosing a mouthwash, it is important to look for one that contains antimicrobial ingredients, such as chlorhexidine or cetylpyridinium chloride.
Basically, all the food eaten begins to be broken down in your mouth. Also, foods are absorbed into your bloodstream and move to the lungs, affecting the air you exhale. If you eat foods with strong odors (such as garlic or onions), brushing and flossing – even mouthwash – merely covers up the odor temporarily. The odor will not go away completely until the foods have passed through your body. Other common foods that can cause bad breath include:
Following good oral hygiene. Make sure that you clear the back of your tongue when brushing Stop smokingSaltwater garglingDrink a lot of water and stay hydratedGetting a proper check from dental care servicesRemoval of tonsil stone
The primary cause of bad breath from the throat is bacteria. Bacteria naturally reside in the mouth and throat, and when they break down food particles and other substances, they release foul-smelling gases. Poor oral hygiene can lead to an overgrowth of bacteria in the mouth and throat, resulting in bad breath.
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It’s early days, so for now the medical advice is to brush and floss your teeth carefully, to drink plenty of water, not to smoke, to eat a balanced diet and to see your dentist about bad breath in case you have early signs of gum disease.
Poor dental hygieneLack of saliva in the mouthPoor lifestyle choices such as smoking and alcohol
1. Teach proper oral hygiene: Show your child how to brush their teeth properly using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Encourage them to brush all surfaces of their teeth, including the front, back, and chewing surfaces. Teach them how to floss properly as well.
Bad breath may be a symptom of any of the following conditions. See your healthcare provider for a diagnosis.
If you love garlic, onions, or other pungent foods, you know there’s a tradeoff. You can enjoy your garlicky Alfredo sauce, your French onion soup or a spicy curry now, and expect to experience malodorous breath in the future.
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.
Kidney disease can be caused by high blood pressure, diabetes, autoimmune diseases, medications, or injury. If you notice your breath smells like ammonia, visit your doctor as soon as possible to have any underlying causes treated. Additionally, regular checkups with your dentist are important to build a good oral hygiene routine.
When you have a cavity (or tooth decay), plaque (food particles and bacteria) accumulates in the cavity and causes bad breath.
Gargling strenuously with salt water may help in the removal of the stones and can ease the discomfort caused in the throat. It can also eliminate the constant lousy odor that comes with tonsil stones.