Bad breath – we’ve all been there. The American Dental Association reports that at least half of all adults have suffered from bad breath at one time or another, but there’s a big difference between having less than fresh breath occasionally, and the misfortune of having chronically bad breath. When it feels like you’re constantly fighting against halitosis, your self-esteem can really take a hit. Here at Scott Edwards Cosmetic And Family Dentistry, we want you to feel confident in your smile! We know that a stick of gum or breath mint isn’t going to resolve bad breath that you can’t seem to get rid of. Keep reading to learn more about what halitosis is, what you can do about it, and how we can help you deal with it!
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.
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Therefore, it is advisable to use cotton swabs or water picks for this purpose as they can handle it more delicately. If the tonsil stones are large, the doctor may recommend surgical removal.
It’s time to get down to the nitty-gritty of this text, which is answering the question of how you can effectively fight halitosis. We guess that most of you have read this text because you have recognized this problem and you are looking for a way to get rid of it effectively. There are four ways that you can greatly reduce your risk of developing bad breath, and when it does occur, you can fight it effectively. How should I care for my mouth after a tooth extraction? The trouble of bleeding gums – where does it come from and how to deal with it? Gum diseases – what should you know about them? Why a sonic toothbrush? About the brand Shop Sonic toothbrushes Smilesonic EX Smilesonic UP Smilesonic GO Smilesonic KIDS Smilesonic brush heads Smilesonic irrigators Smilesonic water flosser tips Smilesonic toothpastes FAQ Contact us Blog
Chronic Diseases and Halitosis: Understanding the Connection
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As we said before, bad breath can be a sign that things are really wrong in your body. It can mean, for example, that your kidneys are failing. Your kidneys are supposed to filter waste out of your blood, but if they aren’t working properly, it can build up. This can make your breath smell like ammonia, fish, or even urine.
Gum disease threatens your teeth, but can also lead to deadly consequences in the form of heart disease, dementia, or cancer.
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.
Gum disease is caused by plaque - the sticky, often colorless, film of bacteria that constantly forms on teeth. Dry mouth or xerostomia may also cause bad breath due to decreased salivary flow. Saliva cleans your mouth and removes particles that may cause odor. Tobacco products cause bad breath, stain teeth, reduce your ability to taste foods and irritate your gum tissues. Bad breath may also be a sign that you have a serious health problem, such as a respiratory tract infection, chronic sinusitis, postnasal drip, chronic bronchitis, diabetes, gastrointestinal disturbance, liver or kidney ailment.
What we eat can also have a significant impact on our breath. Certain foods and drinks can cause bad breath due to their strong odors or because they are broken down by bacteria in the mouth. Foods such as garlic, onions, and spicy foods are notorious for causing halitosis. Additionally, beverages like coffee and alcohol can also contribute to bad breath.
Bad breath can also be caused by poor dental hygiene, as it enables the buildup of food particles in the mouth and creates an environment that fosters the growth of bacteria on the teeth and tongue, both of which can lead to bad breath.
Dry mouth is one of the leading causes of halitosis and can be the result of stress, medications, radiation or chemotherapy, tobacco or recreational drug use, and autoimmune diseases such as Sjorgren’s syndrome.
5. Use a Mouthwash – Many mouthwashes on the market today target bad breath with ingredients like cetyl pyridinium chloride, activated chlorine dioxide, and zinc. The important thing to understand about mouthwash is that you must avoid those containing alcohol. It does not kill bacteria in the mouth, and actually worsens the situation by drying out the mouth.
Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed, and how it will help you. Also know what the side effects are and when they should be reported.
Flossing removes food particles and bacteria that get caught between your teeth to cause bad breath. Good oral hygiene, including flossing, is one of the easiest ways to treat bad breath.
Certain medical conditions can also contribute to halitosis. These include respiratory infections, sinusitis, diabetes, liver disease, and kidney disease. In these cases, treating the underlying condition is necessary to alleviate bad breath.