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One the most common causes of bad breath is food buildup in your mouth. Whenever you eat, tiny particles of food can stick to your teeth and sometimes become lodged between them. This can cause bacteria to build up inside your mouth and emit an unpleasant odor. Now you know why your coworkers make that face when you greet them in the morning.
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Many tonsil stones, especially those that don’t have symptoms, don’t need special treatment. It depends on their size and whether they might cause you trouble.
Doctors have three methods for testing for bad breath. They can assess it themselves by sniffing one of the following: the patient’s breath just 5cm (2in) from the nose of the doctor, the contents of a spoon which has been scraped across the top of the tongue, unwaxed floss which has been passed between the back teeth or a petri dish containing the patient’s saliva that’s been left in an incubator at 37C (99F) for five minutes.
Making an appointment with a dentist like Dr. Edwards twice a year will give him the chance to learn what’s normal and what’s not when it comes to your oral health. He’ll also be able to detect any potential issues early, so that they can be treated before becoming more serious.
Even though tonsil stones are difficult to see, they still end up causing symptoms that can help you identify them. Symptoms include: Bad breathSore throatTrouble swallowingEar painOngoing coughSwollen tonsilsWhite or yellow color formation on tonsils
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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.
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Health Topics Symptoms and Signs Slideshows Images Quizzes Medical Author: Jerry R. Balentine, DO, FACEP Medical Editor: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD Facts Facts on Bad Breath (Halitosis) Causes What Causes Bad Breath? Symptoms What Are the Symptoms of Bad Breath?When to See a Doctor for Bad Breath Diagnosis Diagnosis of Bad Breath 6 Home Remedies What Are 6 Home Remedies for Bad Breath? Treatment What Is the Treatment for Bad Breath?Follow-Up for Bad Breath Prevention How Do I Prevent Bad Breath? Prognosis What Is the Prognosis for Bad Breath? Bad breath (halitosis) can be caused by a variety of things, including diet, medication, poor oral hygiene, and diseases or conditions.
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Many individuals with bad breath may be unaware they have it, or their signs and symptoms may only be temporary. The odor often depends upon the source or underlying cause of the bad breath.
Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial in preventing bad breath. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day helps remove plaque and food particles from the surfaces of your teeth. It's important to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to effectively clean your teeth without causing damage to your gums.
Chewing gum can help remedy bad breath until you are able to see your dentist for a deep cleaning. The best chewing gum is sugar-free chewing gum. The sweetness of this gum comes from sweeteners and not sugar, so it doesn’t cause tooth decay.
Basically, all the food eaten begins to be broken down in your mouth. Also, foods are absorbed into your bloodstream and move to the lungs, affecting the air you exhale. If you eat foods with strong odors (such as garlic or onions), brushing and flossing – even mouthwash – merely covers up the odor temporarily. The odor will not go away completely until the foods have passed through your body. Other common foods that can cause bad breath include:
Maintaining good oral hygiene is the best way to prevent tonsil stones. Brush and floss regularly, and use mouthwash to help kill bacteria in your mouth.
If you suspect that your medication is causing bad breath, it is important to consult with your healthcare provider. They may be able to adjust your dosage or prescribe an alternative medication that does not have the same side effect. It is important to never stop taking prescribed medications without consulting a healthcare professional.