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!
Halitosis can also be caused by factors outside of the oral cavity, which are referred to as extraoral causes. While less common than intraoral causes, there are a number of non-oral diseases that can trigger bad breath.The following are some of the most common extraoral causes of halitosis:
.
Smoking and Tobacco Use: The Link to Chronic Bad Breath
Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, occurs when there is not enough saliva in the mouth. Saliva plays a crucial role in maintaining oral health by washing away bacteria and food particles that can cause bad breath. When there is a lack of saliva, these bacteria and particles can accumulate in the mouth, leading to bad breath.
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
How smoking and alcohol consumption contribute to bad breath
To use a tongue scraper effectively, start at the back of your tongue and gently scrape forward. Rinse the scraper after each pass to remove any debris. Repeat this process several times, covering the entire surface of your tongue. Be careful not to scrape too hard or you may cause irritation or discomfort. After using a tongue scraper, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water or mouthwash to remove any loosened debris.
There are several natural remedies that may help alleviate the symptoms of tonsil stones and halitosis. These remedies can be used in conjunction with medical treatments or as a preventive measure.
When bacteria and food particles aren’t properly removed from the surface of the teeth, cavities can begin to form, eating away at the enamel of our teeth. If cavities aren’t properly dealt with, they can cause further decay and infection which may lead to abscesses and broken teeth.
Choosing the right toothpaste is important in fighting halitosis. Here are some ingredients to look for in a toothpaste:
Amazing office! The staff is friendly and make everyone feel welcomed the moment you walk in. Dr. Birch has taken... excellent care of me and my family's dental needs. My 9 yr old daughter needed extractions for her orthodontic treatment and she didn't feel a thing! Not even the few shots it took to get her numb. It was a breeze. I am very impressed by the quality work and attention to detail. Highly recommened them to anyone.read more
However, improper oral hygiene is not the only cause of halitosis formation. This troublesome condition may also occur as a result of using dentures or braces. The hard-to-reach areas around these fillings are difficult to reach with a toothbrush or dental floss, which is why bacteria that cause bad breath thrive there. Other common causes of halitosis include: diabetes, kidney disease and thyroid disease, infections of the sinuses, throat or tonsils, dry mouth, improper eating habits (drinking large amounts of alcohol, smoking, starving oneself), taking certain medications (mainly antidepressants, painkillers and diuretics).
Certain medical conditions can also contribute to halitosis. These include respiratory infections, sinusitis, diabetes, liver disease, and kidney disease. In these cases, treating the underlying condition is necessary to alleviate bad breath.
No, halitosis is not contagious. Since halitosis is caused by bacteria in the mouth, it should not be passed from person to person.
5. Use a Mouthwash – Many mouthwashes on the market today target bad breath with ingredients like cetyl pyridinium chloride, activated chlorine dioxide, and zinc. The important thing to understand about mouthwash is that you must avoid those containing alcohol. It does not kill bacteria in the mouth, and actually worsens the situation by drying out the mouth.
Know what to expect if you do not take the medicine or have the test or procedure.
Tonsil stones can last for weeks or even months if left untreated. However, they can be removed at home or by a doctor.