General DentistryCosmetic DentistryPreventative DentistryOrthodonticsInvisalign BracesBruxismPost Op InstructionsQuickSleeper – Painless AnesthesiaLaser Dentistry
Laura Clark is a writer and editor based in Pittsburgh. She's a blogger with Smart News and a senior editor at Pitt magazine. Filed Under: Advertisements, Cool Finds, Health, Marketing Smart News History Science Innovation Arts & Culture Travel At The Smithsonian Podcast Photos Video Smithsonian Institution Smithsonian.com Smithsonian Store Smithsonian Journeys Smithsonian Channel Smithsonian Books Smithsonian Membership About Smithsonian Contact Us Advertising RSS Member Services Sustainability Terms of Use Privacy Statement Cookie Policy Advertising Notice © 2023 Smithsonian Magazine Privacy Statement Cookie Policy Terms of Use Advertising Notice Your Privacy Rights Cookie Settings
.
Bad breath may be a symptom of any of the following conditions. See your healthcare provider for a diagnosis.
Dr. Birch and his team were great! I had a really good overall experience at Premier Family Dental Care. They were... courteous, caring, and thorough. Chloe and Mackenzie do a wonderful job at the front desk, Christian was patient and made me feel comfortable with the x-ray process, and Stacey is an excellent dental hygienist. From the time I called to make an initial appointment for check-up/x-rays to the second appointment for cleaning, they were all top-notch. I would highly recommend Dr. Birch for those considering a dentist in the East Valley. He is knowledgeable, professional and listens to you!read more
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
Foods to Avoid for Fresher Breath
Brush your tongue, cheeks, and the roof of your mouth. Most bad breath bacteria live on the tongue. So brushing or scraping the tongue can make a big difference in your breath.
Many people have small tonsilloliths, but it’s rare to have a large tonsil stone.
If dental malposition is the cause of your halitosis, Impress can assist you in combatting bad breath and treating halitosis using our clear removable orthodontic treatments. With Impress aligners, we can rectify malpositions like crowding or crooked teeth, align your smile, and prevent the accumulation of food debris and bacteria in your mouth that lead to bad breath.We offer various types of orthodontic treatments at Impress, tailored to your needs and the complexity of your case, with transparent prices and no surprises. We also provide financing options if you prefer to pay for your orthodontic treatment in installments.
Dietary Changes to Combat Halitosis: Foods to Avoid and Foods to Eat
An infected tooth needs to be treated with root canal therapy or extracted right away. Signs of an infected tooth include a tooth that becomes discoloured, sores on the gums, local warmth, and fever.
Oral health, especially dental issues happen to be the main troublemaker when it comes to halitosis.
Chewing food increase saliva production, so when you are skipping meals or dieting, you can develop bad breath. A diet low in carbohydrates or any restrictive diet may increase your chances of bad breath. It is always good to drink plenty of water to keep you hydrated and to help maintain a good level of saliva in your mouth.
During a physical examination, a healthcare professional may use a tongue depressor and a light to examine the back of the throat for the presence of tonsil stones. They may also gently palpate the neck to check for swollen lymph nodes.
If you don't brush and floss your teeth everyday, food particles remain on your teeth and cause bad breath. In addition, if you wear dentures, food can become lodged underneath your dentures, creating an unpleasant smell. Odor-causing bacteria can also collect on the tongue, which many people fail to clean as part their oral health routine.
In addition to poor oral hygiene and dietary factors, certain medical conditions can also cause bad breath. Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, reduces saliva production, which leads to an increase in bacteria in the mouth. Sinus infections and respiratory conditions can also contribute to bad breath due to the presence of mucus and bacteria in the nasal passages.
Some people find that rinsing their mouths with a mixture of water and baking soda helps neutralize odors and freshen their breath. Others prefer using essential oils like peppermint or tea tree oil as a natural mouthwash.