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.
The three main ways to prevent bad breath is to brush and floss teeth twice daily, use a tongue scraper to get rid of bacteria on the tongue and visit your dentist regularly. However, bad breath, also called halitosis, affects many Canadians even with proper oral hygiene practices. However, it is possible to treat and in some cases, prevent entirely.
.
Taking steps to prevent and treat throat-related bad breath not only improves oral health but also boosts self-confidence and overall well-being.
My family recently moved to Gilbert, Arizona. This office staff and dentist made me feel comfortable, answered all my... question, offered insight and gave a thorough and extensive cleaning, X-rays and exam. Very competent and professional. I’m pleased to have found my new dentist and staff!read more
The Role of Chewing Gum in Maintaining Fresh Breath
Saliva plays a crucial role in the functioning of the mouth. It acts as a lubricant and helps in flushing food as well as bacteria. Lack of saliva results in a medical condition called a dry mouth. It promotes bacteria growth, further creating an unpleasant smell. There are several reasons behind the reduction in saliva flow. Allergy to certain medicines, dehydration, consumption too much of alcohol, and mouth breathing may cause dry mouth.
Tonsil stones (also called tonsilloliths) form when bacteria and mucus get trapped and calcify in your tonsils' nooks and crannies, leaving a hard piece of matter and a bad taste in your throat. See a picture of Tonsil Stones and learn more about the health topic.
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.
Your liver is also supposed to filter out toxins. And like the kidneys, when it’s not doing its job, the result can be a toxic buildup that you can smell. The type of breath related to liver disease is called fetor hepaticus, and it’s usually described as a musty smell. If you have this type of bad breath, you need to talk to a doctor.
Laser cryptolysis is another medical treatment option. This procedure uses laser technology to reshape the tonsil crypts, reducing the likelihood of debris and bacteria becoming trapped and forming tonsil stones.
Small tonsil stones can be removed at home using a cotton swab or the back of your toothbrush. Gently apply pressure to the tonsil to push the stone out of the crevice.
Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic practice that involves swishing oil in the mouth for several minutes. This practice is believed to help remove bacteria and toxins from the mouth, improving oral health and combating bad breath.
Tongue scrapers are tools designed to remove bacteria, food particles, and dead cells from the surface of the tongue. They can be an effective way to combat bad breath caused by bacteria on the tongue. Here are some benefits of using tongue scrapers:
As periodontitis is an advanced stage of gum disease, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene habits to prevent gum disease from the beginning. If it has progressed to the point if periodontal disease, your dentist will be able to suggest the best course of action to start the healing process.
HomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBeebiesCBBCFoodHomeNewsSportEarthReelWorklifeTravelCultureFutureTVWeatherSoundsClose menu
Manual tonsil stone removal at home is generally not recommended. Tonsils are delicate tissues, and removing them on your own may cause bleeding and infection. Salt-water gargle: This may help dislodge tonsil stones and get rid of the odor and bad breath they cause. Coughing: Tonsil stones are often coughed up inadvertently. In some cases, a hard cough may help dislodge them. Oral irrigation: Oral irrigators can sometimes be used to gently shoot water into the back of the mouth in an attempt to dislodge the tonsil stones. Follow instructions and use caution because it is possible to injure the tonsils if it is not done gently. Tonsil stones may dislodge or dissolve on their own in a short time. Tonsil stones may last for weeks if bacteria continue to grow on the tonsils due to tonsil stones deep in the throat. If tonsil stones are ignored and left in place without lifestyle changes, they may last for years. The only surefire way to cure tonsil stones and prevent any recurrence is to have the tonsils removed (tonsillectomy). Maintain good oral hygiene: Brush and floss regularly; consider using a tongue scraper to remove bacteria. Gargle regularly with mouthwash or saltwater solution. Drink plenty of water. Quit smoking. Avoid excess alcohol. Reduce consumption of carbonated beverages such as sodas. Treat sinus infections or allergy symptoms promptly. Limit dairy products. American Academy of Otolaryngology. Tonsils and Adenoids. 2019. October 2019. Busaba, Nicholas and Shira Doron. Tonsillectomy in adults: Indications. Sept. 24, 2019. October 2019.
Certain medical conditions can also cause bad breath from the throat. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition where stomach acid travels up the esophagus, causing heartburn and other symptoms. This acid reflux can also lead to bad breath as the stomach acid reaches the throat.