Even more concerning to us, as dentists, are the potential health implications of chronic bad breath. Persistent bad breath that does not respond to home care may be the result of a serious health problem. Your bad breath could be a warning sign that you have a dental infection or other medical condition.
Our clinical experts continually monitor the health and medical content posted on CURA4U, and we update our blogs and articles when new information becomes available. Last reviewed by Dr.Saad Zia on April 29th, 2023.
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Smoking and Tobacco Use: The Link to Chronic Bad Breath
Bad breath can be caused by many things, including certain foods, poor oral care, and smoking.
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What is halitosis and what causes it?
Morning breath, your saliva production decreases when you sleepHungry or thirsty, when you dehydrate, you don’t have enough salivaAlcoholic drinksUsing multiple medications
If proper oral hygiene does not get rid of bad breath, see a dentist or doctor for a diagnosis if bad breath is accompanied by the following: Persistent dry mouth Sores in the mouth Pain or difficulty with chewing or swallowing Broken teeth or dental pain White spots on the tonsils Fever or fatigue
Certain foods and drinks can also contribute to bad breath. Foods like garlic and onions contain volatile compounds that are absorbed into the bloodstream and carried to the lungs, where they are exhaled. Similarly, drinks like coffee and alcohol can leave a lingering odor in the mouth.
Other medical conditions such as tonsil stones and postnasal drip can also contribute to bad breath from the throat. Tonsil stones are small, hard deposits that form in the crevices of the tonsils. These stones can harbor bacteria and emit a foul odor. Postnasal drip occurs when excess mucus drips down the back of the throat, providing a breeding ground for bacteria.
Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, can contribute to bad breath from the throat. Saliva plays a crucial role in washing away food particles and bacteria in the mouth and throat. When there is a lack of saliva production, bacteria can thrive and cause bad breath.
Breath tests can help determine the presence and severity of halitosis. These tests measure the levels of volatile sulfur compounds in the breath, which can indicate the presence of tonsil stones or other causes of bad breath.
Certain pathological diseases cause Pathologic Halitosis. Most of these occur inside the mouth, such as dental caries, gingivitis, periodontitis, etc. But some of these pathologies might arise from tonsils or sinuses. Tonsillitis, postnasal drip, sinusitis, etc., are typical examples.
Morning breath, your saliva production decreases when you sleepHungry or thirsty, when you dehydrate, you don’t have enough salivaAlcoholic drinksUsing multiple medications
Bad breath bacteria loves the back of your tongue, because it’s an area that’s often neglected, allowing the stinky stuff to multiply. Use a toothbrush or a tongue scraper to clear them all out during your morning and evening hygiene routine.
Certain foods and drinks can also contribute to bad breath. Foods like garlic and onions contain volatile compounds that are absorbed into the bloodstream and then exhaled through the lungs. Coffee and alcohol can also dry out the mouth, leading to a decrease in saliva production and an increase in bacteria growth.
Next, press the swab behind the white stone, pushing it towards the front of your mouth so that it does not fall down your throat. Usually, this method will do the trick, but if it doesn’t, gargle with vinegar and try again later.