Although (as you probably know) there’s no cure for the common cold, there are ways to help yourself feel better when you have one. Taking a decongestant can help your nasal passages drain and drinking plenty of water and other fluids can help to flush out excess mucous.
Gum, mints, and other quick fixes are just temporary solutions to occasional bad breath. If you’re dealing with true halitosis due to decay, illness, or any other reason, you shouldn’t stop at simply masking the problem. Dr. Edwards is an experienced dentist with over thirty years of experience treating families in Memphis and the surrounding areas. If you suffer from halitosis, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with him at our East Memphis or Midtown office to find out the underlying cause of the problem. Once we know what the issue is, we can offer a variety of treatment options to get rid of your chronic bad breath for good!
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A diet high in sugar can cause bad breath because of how sugars interact with bacteria that’s already in your mouth. These bacteria feed on sugars to cause bad breath.
Quitting smoking is not only beneficial for improving bad breath but also for overall health. By quitting smoking, you can reduce your risk of developing various health conditions, including oral cancer, gum disease, and respiratory problems.
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.
- Sugary foods: Bacteria in the mouth feed on sugar and produce acids that can contribute to bad breath.
Lifestyle changes for maintaining fresh breath
A physician may recommend antibiotics, tonsillectomy, or other surgical ways to remove the debris. Drinking plenty of water, gargling with salt water, and controlling the urge to smoke are the necessary steps that the patient cannot avoid.
Gum (periodontal) disease is caused by the buildup of plaque on the teeth. When you fail to brush and floss properly, the bacteria on your teeth causes toxins to form. This can irritate the gums, cause pockets to form between your teeth and gums that trap food, and cause bad breath.
Certain foods and drinks can leave a lasting odor in your mouth, contributing to bad breath. Garlic and onions are notorious for causing bad breath due to their sulfur compounds. These compounds are absorbed into the bloodstream and then exhaled through the lungs, resulting in an unpleasant odor.
Digestive issues like acid reflux and gastrointestinal problems can also cause bad breath. Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation in the chest and a sour taste in the mouth. This sour taste can contribute to bad breath.
Everyone at this Dentist office is awesome! The receptionists are friendly, knowledgeable, and work great with... scheduling in our active family life style. The hygienists are friendly, knowledgeable gentle and thorough. Dr. Birch is amazing. He is friendly, knowledgeable, and very detailed in his work. I feel confident and know I’m in good hands when I leave my appointments.read more
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.
The Role of Diet in Preventing Bad Breath
- Fresh fruits and vegetables: Crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples, carrots, and celery can help stimulate saliva production, which can help wash away bacteria and freshen your breath.
Mon-Thurs: 8:00am - 5:00pm, Fri: 7:30am - 5:00pm
Can cavities cause bad breath or halitosis? Tooth decay occurs when bacteria break down the tooth enamel and dentin, resulting in cavities. The bacteria responsible for cavities can cause bad breath and are, therefore, can be one of the causes of halitosis.