The alternative is to scrape your tongue with a special tongue cleaner. This method is also under assessment in the newest Cochrane review. Their last report found just two small trials looking at this method. They showed it can work, but that the effect is short-lived. They also highlight the risk of damaging the tongue by pressing too hard and to ensure that if you want to use a toothbrush to clean your tongue, you make sure that it’s a soft one.
Halitosis, or bad breath affects an estimated 65% of Americans. Over 40 million Americans have "chronic halitosis," which is persistent bad breath. 90% of all halitosis is of oral, not systemic, origin.
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Halitosis is caused by oral bacteria trapped in your mouth for an extended time. The key to dealing with it is treating the root of the problem – removing the source of the odor. Most over-the-counter remedies such as mouthwash, mints and gum only mask the problem.
Here are some of the causes of bad breath, so you can be more confident when you show your smile.
Maintaining fresh breath is not only important for social interactions but also for our overall oral health and confidence. Understanding the causes of bad breath and practicing good oral hygiene are crucial in preventing and treating bad breath. Avoiding certain foods, staying hydrated, and incorporating probiotics into your diet can also help promote fresher breath. Regular dental checkups and choosing the right mouthwash and chewing gum can further support your efforts in maintaining fresh breath. By taking these steps, you can enjoy the benefits of fresh breath and a healthier smile.
Oral Health Conditions: Gum Disease and Tooth Decay
At Capital Dental, we treat halitosis with a professional cleaning and oral cleanse to reach crevices not normally accessed through regular brushing and flossing. Occasionally, a deep cleaning, consisting of scaling and root planing, is needed to remove bacteria trapped below the gum line. We also can perform tongue scraping, if the tongue is the source of the smell.
The benefits of oil pulling for fresh breath are twofold. Firstly, it helps to remove the bacteria that cause bad breath. The oil acts as a natural cleanser, pulling the bacteria away from the teeth and gums. Secondly, oil pulling helps to moisturize the mouth, reducing the risk of dry mouth, which can contribute to bad breath.
In addition to regular brushing and flossing, it is important to visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and professional cleanings. Your dentist can identify any underlying dental issues that may be causing bad breath and provide appropriate treatment. They can also offer guidance on proper oral hygiene techniques and recommend products that can help freshen your breath.
When to see a dentist or doctor about bad breath
Cinnamon has natural antibacterial properties and a pleasant aroma that can help freshen breath. Chewing cinnamon gum stimulates saliva production, which can help wash away bacteria and food particles in the mouth.
If you’re concerned about your alcohol consumption, your dental professional can help you get assistance with cutting back or quitting for good.
There are a few health conditions outside the mouth that can contribute to bad breath. Because dental problems are far more likely to be the culprit, we always rule them out first. If your dentist rules out any dental problems as the source of your bad breath, you then likely need to look outside the mouth.
Drinking plenty of water can also help prevent tonsil stones and bad breath. Staying hydrated helps keep the mouth moist, reducing the risk of bacterial overgrowth and the formation of tonsil stones.
2. Tea tree oil: Tea tree oil has powerful antimicrobial properties that can kill bacteria that cause bad breath. You can add a few drops of tea tree oil to water and use it as a mouthwash or add it to your toothpaste.
Halitosis, commonly known as bad breath, is a condition characterized by an unpleasant odor coming from the mouth. It can be embarrassing and affect one's self-confidence. Bad breath can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor oral hygiene, certain foods and drinks, smoking, dry mouth, and underlying medical conditions. Symptoms of halitosis may include a persistent bad taste or odor in the mouth, dry mouth, and a white or yellow coating on the tongue.
The UK health research body Cochrane is currently assembling a review of the scientific literature on interventions for bad breath. In their previous review of mouthwashes in 2008, the five best trials showed that if they contained anti-bacterials such as chlorhexidine and cetylpyridinium chloride, chlorine dioxide or zinc, they could reduce unpleasant smells to an extent. But the authors did call for more trials to be done. Hopefully this next review will be able to give more information about which mouthwashes to choose.