The Link between Halitosis and Gastrointestinal Problems
24-7MedCare is a diversified provider of healthcare services with a particular emphasis on providing quality healthcare online, in the home, community, at a residential aged care facility, or within a general practice. As a part of the 24-7Healthcare group, we are a leading General Practice providing coverage 7 days a week.
.
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that can help improve oral health and combat halitosis. These bacteria can help restore the natural balance of bacteria in the mouth, reducing the growth of odor-causing bacteria.
Treating dry mouth involves figuring out what’s causing it. Medicines, some conditions, or your sleeping habits might play a part when it comes to dry mouth. Drinking more water, using a moisturizing mouth rinse, or treating a particular condition might all help relieve the dryness.
Chronic diseases can also contribute to bad breath. Conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, and liver disease can cause changes in the body's metabolism, leading to the production of certain chemicals that can cause halitosis. Additionally, dry mouth, which is a common symptom of many chronic diseases, can also contribute to bad breath.
Several factors can cause or contribute to the formation of tonsil stones, such as the following: Substances such as food, dead cells, mucus, and bacteria may get stuck in the nooks and crannies of the tonsils. The body’s immune system, which sees these as foreign invaders, sends white blood cells to the area to fight infection. When the white blood cells are done, they leave small calcifications behind. Usually, these small stones are swallowed but sometimes they get stuck in the tonsillar crypts and continue to grow into tonsil stones. Small stones are common; large stones are rare. Chronic or recurring tonsillitis (inflammation of the tonsils) Large tonsils Chronic sinus problems Poor dental hygiene Certain medications that make your mouth dry
Flossing removes food particles and bacteria that get caught between your teeth to cause bad breath. Good oral hygiene, including flossing, is one of the easiest ways to treat bad breath.
The Role of Chewing Gum in Maintaining Fresh Breath
Gum disease – also called gingivitis – is very common among adults. Gingivitis is caused by an inflammation of the gums due to plaque and bacteria buildup. It is important to follow good oral hygiene habits – like brushing and flossing every day – to prevent gum disease and tooth decay.
Even with all of these causes of bad breath, most bad breath is due to a simple problem: poor oral hygiene. If you keep your teeth and mouth clean, food particles can stay in your mouth and allow a sticky buildup of bacteria known as plaque to form on your teeth. The uneven surfaces on your tongue and tonsils are especially good at trapping food and bacteria that can cause bad breath.
Diabetes – the CDC reports that 30.3 million people have diabetes, which is 9.4% of American population[vii]. Diabetes means you have too much glucose, but the body doesn’t produce enough insulin (or at all) to regulate it. Diabetes is a potentially life-threatening disease that requires early diagnosis, control upon the symptoms and proper treatment. People with diabetes are at a higher risk of periodontal disease and bad breath is one of its many symptoms. Diabetes also contributes to halitosis due to extra ketones it produces.
When the Lamberts started putting the vaguely medical sounding "halitosis" in their ads, they framed it as a health condition that was keeping people from being their very best selves. Inglis-Arkell describes the campaign’s direction:
Halitosis is defined as a chronic bad breath that mint and mouthwash can’t solve, as mentioned above. Also known as fetor oris, halitosis can make an affected person subconscious and they feel reluctant to hang out with larger groups of people because they are embarrassed by their bad breath. It is estimated that 1 in 4 people have halitosis on a regular basis[i]. According to the latest statistics, an estimated 25% of the world population is having trouble with this annoying symptom. After tooth decay and gum disease, halitosis is the third most common reason people seek dental care[ii]. As should you if you ever notice that your toothpaste or mouthwash does not seem to win the fight over that awful bad breath.
St. Louis Sinus Center has solutions for allergies, sinus, and snoring problems that help you live more comfortably. For more information on our services, call our St. Louis or Festus office.
However, there is also the possibility, albeit less common, that it originates outside the oral cavity. It is essentially due to disorders of the respiratory tract, the digestive system, or kidney or liver pathologies.
Bad breath in smokers is caused by the tobacco itself—the lungs retain a measure of the tobacco smoke for a while after the cigarette has been extinguished and these chemicals remain in the mouth, making a greater case for halitosis.
Medications and Their Impact on Oral Health and Breath