Let’s get one thing straight right off the bat: no one is claiming that Listerine invented bad breath. Human mouths have stunk for millennia, and there are ancient breath freshening solutions to prove it. But, as Esther Inglis-Arkell writes at io9, in more modern days, advertisements for Listerine transformed halitosis from a bothersome personal imperfection into an embarrassing medical condition that urgently required treatment. Treatment that—conveniently—the company wanted to sell.
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Dentures that are not cleaned correctly may be collecting bacteria, fungi, and remaining food particles. All of these cause bad breath.
Alcohol is pretty drying, which is why people often feel as if they need to drink a gallon (or two) of water after a night out. The drying effects of alcohol can also contribute to bad breath.
Here are some of the causes of bad breath, so you can be more confident when you show your smile.
1. Fluoride: Fluoride is a mineral that helps strengthen teeth and prevent cavities. It is an important ingredient to look for in a toothpaste, as cavities can contribute to bad breath.
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.
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.
Other things to avoid are alcohol, sugary foods, caffeine, and carbonated beverages. These foods and drinks can dry out your throat and feed the anaerobic bacteria that cause bad breath and tonsil stones in the first place.
Sinus Infections and Allergies: How They Affect Your Breath
It was also marketed to dentists as a way to kill germs in the mouth, but no one paid much attention until the 1920s. That's when, as Inglis-Arkell writes, the owner of the company, Jordan Wheat Lambert, and his son, Gerard, came up with a marketing plan that would forever change the dental aisle. The key was an old Latin phrase that had long dropped out of general usage and which, according to writers over at Cracked, meant “unpleasant breath.” A 1928 ad for Listerine reads in part: “No matter how charming you may be or how fond of you your friends are, you can not expect them to put up with halitosis (unpleasant breath) forever. They may be nice to you—but it is an effort.” Bettmann/CORBIS
Having bad breath can be embarrassing and can lead to self-consciousness. It can affect our self-esteem and make us hesitant to engage in conversations or interact with others. In professional settings, bad breath can hinder our chances of success as it may give the impression that we lack proper hygiene or carelessness. In social situations, it can create distance between us and others, making it difficult to form meaningful connections.
Likewise, dieters who don't eat often enough can have bad breath. When your body breaks down fat, the process releases chemicals that can give your breath an unpleasant smell.
Tonsil stones often go away on their own. If they bother you, the only way to get rid of them is through surgical removal or tonsillectomy.
Yes, poor oral hygiene is one of the most common causes of bad breath, also known as halitosis. When we don’t brush and floss our teeth regularly, food particles and bacteria can build up in our mouth, particularly between teeth and along the gumline. These particles and bacteria can produce an unpleasant odor that can result in bad breath.
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The condition needs urgent medical attention as it can also be one of the symptoms of salivary glands-related diseases.