Sore throat (throat pain) usually is described as pain or discomfort in the throat area. A sore throat may be caused by bacterial infections, viral infections, toxins, irritants, trauma, or injury to the throat area. Common symptoms of a sore throat include a fever, cough, runny nose, hoarseness, earaches, sneezing, and body aches. Home remedies for a sore throat include warm soothing liquids and throat lozenges. OTC remedies for a sore throat include OTC pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Antibiotics may be necessary for some cases of sore throat.
Doctors have three methods for testing for bad breath. They can assess it themselves by sniffing one of the following: the patient’s breath just 5cm (2in) from the nose of the doctor, the contents of a spoon which has been scraped across the top of the tongue, unwaxed floss which has been passed between the back teeth or a petri dish containing the patient’s saliva that’s been left in an incubator at 37C (99F) for five minutes.
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If your dentist has ruled out any oral problems that might cause a chronic bad breath, it is best to see you doctor for an evaluation too. This may indicate infection somewhere else in your body and can be a sign of a range of conditions like diabetes, strep throat, tonsilitis, respiratory tract infections, bronchitis, chronic sinusitis, HIV, digestive system ailments such as ref-lux or liver and kidney problems.
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Staying hydrated is crucial in preventing halitosis. When the body is dehydrated, it produces less saliva, which can lead to dry mouth. Dry mouth creates an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive, resulting in bad breath. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps keep the mouth moist and promotes saliva production.
If you are experiencing bad breath of any kind, book an appointment with your dentist so you can receive the right information to treat your specific case. Practice Closed Temporarily, Responding to the COVID-19 Pandemic Your Guide to Teeth Whitening Recent Posts Types of Teeth Stains & How to Remove Them What To Eat After a Dental Implant How Long Does Dental Freezing Last? What Are the Best Painkillers for Toothaches? How Long to Leave Fluoride Varnish on Teeth Categories Brushing & Flossing Dental Emergencies Dental Health Dentures Emergency Dental Care Family General Dentistry Implants Kids Dental Care News Oral Health Orthodontics Teeth Whitening Tips TMJ Uncategorized Veneers
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.
The first thing many people do if they suspect they have bad breath is to reach for the mouthwash. The mint or clove flavouring does of course, disguise the smell for a short time, and many mouthwashes also contain antiseptic. The idea is to eliminate the bacteria that leads to foul-smelling compounds. For a time this can work. But there has been some debate concerning containing alcohol and whether it does or doesn’t exacerbate dehydration. A very dry mouth can cause breath to smell worse.
From Minty Mouthwash to Tongue Scrapers: The Best Products for Fighting Halitosis
There are several factors that can contribute to bad breath. One of the most common causes is poor oral hygiene. When we don't brush and floss regularly, food particles can get stuck in between our teeth and gums, leading to the growth of bacteria. These bacteria release sulfur compounds that give off an unpleasant odor.
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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.
For patients who suffer from dry mouth (xerostomia), artificial saliva may be prescribed by a dentist. Health News Could Cellphones Be Harming Men's Sperm? U.S. Infant Mortality Rate Climbs for First Time in 20 Years Playing Pro Football May Shorten Players' Lives, Study Finds Simple Antibiotic Switch for Pneumonia Patients Could Prevent Hospital Infection New A-Fib Ablation Therapy Benefits Women as Much as Men More Health News »
What is halitosis and what causes it?
Understanding Halitosis: What Causes Bad Breath?
If you or others notice this type of bad breath, it’s important to talk to a doctor right away.
These compounds are given off when food and bacteria accumulate in the furrows at the back of the tongue. The good news is that this can be temporary, as a result of eating garlic or raw onions, drinking coffee or smoking cigarettes. But in three quarters of cases some kind of dental problem is found alongside the halitosis. The patients might have gums which are swollen, sore or infected or be suffering from a coating on the tongue.