Bad breath, medically called halitosis, can result from poor dental health habits and may be a sign of other health problems. Bad breath can also be made worse by the types of foods you eat and other unhealthy lifestyle habits. You can take steps to prevent and treat halitosis, at home and with the help of your dentist or doctor.
Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption are also important in preventing bad breath. These habits not only contribute to bad breath but also have detrimental effects on overall oral health.
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WorlDental.org: "The Truth About Halitosis, Bad Breath," "Bad Breath Causes and How to Get Rid of Bad Breath."
UPMC: “What Are Tonsil Stones (Tonsilloliths)? Tonsil Stone Symptoms and Treatment.”
Chewing sugar-free gum can help stimulate saliva production and promote fresher breath. Saliva plays a crucial role in washing away bacteria and food particles, so an increase in saliva can help reduce the likelihood of bad breath.
Interestingly, we find that more people are noticing an unpleasant smell as they wear the requisite masks during the current COVID-19 pandemic. So it is appropriate to ask the question: Does wearing a mask give us the opportunity to smell our own breath?
Conclusion: Taking Steps to Prevent and Treat Throat-Related Bad Breath
Sometimes bad breath could be temporarily a problem also. When you drink or eat foods that contain garlic, onion or alcohol, you are more likely to have bad breath. Smoking is another way that can make the mouth dry leading to bad breath.
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.
Even if you cannot brush your teeth right after every meal, drinking water should help clear away leftover food particles. This will result in less bacteria buildup, in turn preventing bad breath from occurring. It is better to drink water after meals rather than sugary drinks, as sugar exacerbates the buildup of bacteria.
Disclaimer- The last three remedies might not be safe for several patients. It is best to consult with the doctor first before undertaking the last three remedies.
An infected tooth needs to be treated with root canal therapy or extracted right away. Signs of an infected tooth include a tooth that becomes discoloured, sores on the gums, local warmth, and fever.
- Coffee and alcohol: These beverages can cause dry mouth, which can worsen bad breath.
Bad breath may also be caused by medications you are taking, including central nervous system agents, anti-Parkinson drugs, antihistamines/decongestants, anti-psychotics, anti-cholinergics, narcotics, anti-hypertensives, and anti-depressants.
Bad breath can also be caused by certain health conditions, such as dry mouth or diabetes.
At Capital Dental, we treat halitosis with a professional cleaning and oral cleanse to reach crevices not normally accessed through regular brushing and flossing. Occasionally, a deep cleaning, consisting of scaling and root planing, is needed to remove bacteria trapped below the gum line. We also can perform tongue scraping, if the tongue is the source of the smell.
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