- Sugary foods: Bacteria in the mouth feed on sugar and produce acids that can contribute to bad breath.
It’s early days, so for now the medical advice is to brush and floss your teeth carefully, to drink plenty of water, not to smoke, to eat a balanced diet and to see your dentist about bad breath in case you have early signs of gum disease.
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2. Dental Treatment of Active Diseases – You cannot win the fight against bad breath if you have cavities and/or gum disease. Both of these bacterial infections continue to worsen and grow over time without intervention. Stop them by undergoing any recommended dental treatment.
Bad breath can happen to anyone. The American Dental Association reports that about half of adults in the US have or will have to deal with bad breath at some point in their lifetimes.
Making dietary changes can help improve breath odor. Avoiding foods that are known to cause bad breath, such as garlic and onions, can be beneficial. Instead, opt for foods that promote good oral health, such as fruits and vegetables. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day can also help keep the mouth hydrated and reduce the risk of bad breath.
The first stop when you have halitosis is usually your dentist. If your dentist determines you have a healthy mouth, you will likely be referred to a physician to look for an underlying health problem. If you have periodontal disease, you may see a periodontist, a dentist who specializes in gum disease and dental implants. If you have braces, it's like your bad breath is caused by food getting stuck in them. You may see your orthodontist for an adjustment. Bad breath in babies or young children may be a sign of infection or undiagnosed medical problems. Consult a child's pediatrician or dentist if an infant or young child has bad breath.
Halitosis is common in people who have tonsil stones. That’s because the bacteria that produce volatile sulfur compounds thrive in the crevices of your throat, where food, mucus, and other bacteria have already built up.
Bad breath, also known as halitosis, can result from poor dental health habits and can be made worse by the types of foods you eat. The most common cause of halitosis is inadequate dental hygiene. If particles of food are left in the mouth, their breakdown by bacteria produces sulfur compounds. If regular brushing, flossing and hydration doesn’t solve it, the best solution is to see your dentist for a deep cleaning.
2. Brush Up on Your Oral Hygiene – (Pun intended) You are the only one who can remove dental plaque on a daily basis. This takes both commitment and a great technique. Don’t’ rush through your oral hygiene routine. Ask your dentist or dental hygienist for tips on the best ways to brush and floss. Consider adding a flexible tongue cleaner to your routine to remove plaque from the tongue. As you consistently remove plaque, you reduce the bacterial count in your mouth, which lowers the risk for bad breath.
Below we will delve into more detail regarding some of the most common intraoral causes of halitosis and the corresponding treatments for bad breath.
Tonsil stones may be a warning sign that you have high levels of bacteria in your mouth and need to improve your oral hygiene or adjust your diet.
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Dentists can diagnose halitosis through oral exams and other diagnostic tests. They will examine your mouth for signs of gum disease, tooth decay, or other oral health issues that may be contributing to bad breath. They may also ask about your medical history and any medications you are taking to determine if there are any underlying causes of halitosis.
The best remedies for bad breath depend on the causes. However, you can take a few steps to treat the problem, or even prevent it.
Saliva helps to control the levels of bacteria in your mouth. When your body doesn’t produce enough saliva, odor-causing bacteria can thrive.
If you are experiencing chronic bad breath despite practicing good oral hygiene and making lifestyle changes, it is important to see a healthcare professional. They can help identify any underlying medical conditions or medications that may be contributing to your bad breath and recommend appropriate treatment options.
Even if food isn’t naturally smelly, it can become smelly if it’s left in your mouth too long. If you’re not cleaning your mouth well enough, food residue can rot in your mouth, causing very bad breath. This is particularly common for people who don’t floss and have residue stuck between their teeth.