As we mentioned earlier, you do not have to live with bad breath. There are various approaches to the treatment of bad breath, and the good news is that you can begin at home!
Recognizing halitosis itself is not difficult, because this affliction gives us symptoms in the form of an unpleasant odor released from the mouth. So, in order to determine whether you suffer from halitosis, it is enough to perform the so-called “smell test”. This can be done, for example, by inhaling the smell of the toothbrush we use to brush our teeth, or by touching the back of our tongue with our fingers and then checking their smell.
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Some people find that rinsing their mouths with a mixture of water and baking soda helps neutralize odors and freshen their breath. Others prefer using essential oils like peppermint or tea tree oil as a natural mouthwash.
Understanding Halitosis: What Causes Bad Breath?
Besides food items, medical conditions like a build-up of calculus, gum diseases, dry mouth, poorly fitted dentures, acid reflux, and tonsil stones are often found to be some of the causes. Halitosis should not be left untreated because it can be one of the symptoms of severe problems like chronic sinus infections, bronchitis, diabetes, pneumonia, and even kidney-linked issues.
Bad breath is caused by various factors, including poor oral hygiene, certain foods and drinks, smoking, dry mouth, and underlying health conditions. The most common cause of bad breath is the buildup of bacteria in the mouth. These bacteria break down food particles and release foul-smelling gases as a byproduct.
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Below we will delve into more detail regarding some of the most common intraoral causes of halitosis and the corresponding treatments for bad breath.
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Occasional bad breath is common and can be easily remedied by practicing good oral hygiene. However, chronic halitosis is a more persistent condition that requires further attention. Halitosis is often caused by underlying medical conditions or poor oral health habits that need to be addressed.
An antiseptic mouthwash can help eliminate bacteria that cause bad breath. For dry mouth, your dentist might recommend artificial saliva. Ask your dentist about which product is best for you.
Understanding the causes of bad breath can help you make the necessary decisions and changes to address the problem. There are quite a few potential causes of bad breath, and many people have more than just one. While it can be tough to discern exactly which of these problems are leading to the unpleasant smell, we have tools to address each one of them.
The commonalities between these causes are that the salivary glands are negatively affected, inhibiting the production of saliva. Saliva keeps the mouth moist and washes away any food particles or bacteria from the surface of the teeth. Without the presence of saliva, bacteria or food stays on the surface of the teeth and can start to produce an odour.
Dr. Nguyen has served on the Virginia Board of Dentistry and has many achievements such as: Invisalign Premier and Teen Provider, Pre-Fellow with Academy of General Dentistry, Graduate of Aesthetic Continuum, Engel Institute for Dental Implant Training, WaveOne Endodontic Training, HD President’s Club.
If you suspect that you have a tonsil stone, the first thing you could do is gargle with salt water, hydrogen peroxide, apple cider vinegar, or antiseptic mouthwash.
Dr. Benjamin Greene and Dr. Jonathan Everett at Kirkland Family Dentistry have been providing dental services in Kirkland, Washington for a better part of 25 years and are staunch supporters of effectively eliminating the causes of halitosis rather than aiming to cure them.
Using mouthwash, gum, and mints will only cover up the problem. In most cases, following a proper dental hygiene routine will improve bad breath. If at-home care doesn't solve the problem, contact your dentist and schedule an appointment for a proper evaluation.