In addition to not brushing and flossing regularly, other factors that can contribute to poor oral hygiene and bad breath include smoking, dry mouth, certain medications, and certain medical conditions like gum disease or tooth decay. It’s important to practice good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and regularly visiting a dentist for cleanings and checkups, to maintain fresh breath and a healthy mouth.
It is important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate medical treatment for tonsil stones and halitosis.
.
In extreme cases, your doctor may recommend a tonsillectomy or laser cryptolysis, which reduces the number of crevices and folds in your tonsils.
Catching gum disease before it happens is important to prevent symptoms such as halitosis. Check your gums daily to watch for changes in colour, bleeding, soreness, puffiness, or sensitive teeth.
4. Hydrate! – Many people suffer from dry mouth, which aggravates bad breath. Whether the dry mouth is the result of a prescription medication side effect or simple dehydration, one important solution is drinking lots of water. Drinking water provides the necessary resources to your salivary glands for the production of saliva. It also helps to flush away dental plaque and food debris.
The main symptom of halitosis is a bad odor from the mouth. The odor can be worse in the morning or after smoking, drinking coffee, or eating certain foods, such as garlic.
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.
Essential oils, such as tea tree oil or peppermint oil, can be used as a mouthwash or added to water for gargling. These oils have antimicrobial properties that can help kill bacteria and reduce 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.
Bad dental habits can wreck your teeth. Teeth grinding, chewing on ice, playing sports without a mouth guard, and eating and drinking sugary foods and drinks are just a few bad habits that are bad for teeth. Giving nighttime baby bottles, opening things with your teeth, and chewing on pencils can also damage teeth and tissues in the mouth. Drinking red wine and white wine can erode enamel and stain teeth. Smoking, tobacco use, drinking coffee can all lead to tooth stains. Binge eating disorder leads to the consumption of large amounts of sugary food, which can lead to tooth decay. Purging exposes teeth to acids that can wear down enamel.
My 3 year old daughter and I came in today for our regular check up. Everyone was very professional and kind. My 3 year... old was nervous before coming in, but the doctor and everyone was so gentle and kind, she was smiling through the whole appointment. I definitely recommend Premier Family Dental Care for kids and adults.read more
Speaking of what causes bad breath, you might actually find some of them surprising.
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.
Copyright © 2023 by RxList Inc. An Internet Brands company. RxList does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information. (402) 420-0999 [email protected] Emergency? Click Here! Schedule Online Home About Us Dr. Addison Killeen Dr. Brandon Chapek Dr. Sean Hershberger Dr. Reese Gebers Current Patient Resources New Patients Dental Health Products Careers Educational Videos Services Financial Office Fees Membership Plans External Payment Plans Blog Contact Menu Preventative Dental Care Fillings and Sealants Regular Dental Checkup Emergency Dentistry Mouth Guards Halitosis (Bad Breath) Treatment Sleep Apnea Pediatric Dentistry Gum Disease Treatment Restorative Dentistry Tooth Extractions Dental Crowns and Bridges Dental Implants Dentures Root Canal Treatment Wisdom Teeth Removal Cosmetic Dentistry Dental Veneers Invisalign® Teeth Whitening Specialties Sedation Dentistry Cold Sore Treatments Tooth Extractions Dental Implants
Respiratory issues can also be a cause of bad breath. Sinus infections, for example, can lead to post-nasal drip, where mucus from the sinuses drips down the back of the throat and contributes to bad breath. Other respiratory conditions such as bronchitis or lung infections can also cause halitosis.
Mucus is a normal substance produced by lining tissues in the body. Excess mucus or mucus that is yellow, green, brown, or bloody may indicate a problem. Mucus production may increase when allergies, a cold, flu, cough, or sore throat are present. Antihistamines and cold and flu medications may help alleviate excess mucus. A neti pot may be used to decrease nasal congestion and clear mucus.
Chewing gum also helps remove any food particles that may be stuck between your teeth or along the gumline. It can also help mask any odors temporarily. However, it's important to choose sugar-free gum to avoid promoting tooth decay.