Nicotine products on their own can cause bad breath, but using them relaxes the LES which can cause acid reflux.
The Hidden Health Risks of Halitosis: Understanding the Underlying Causes
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Certain bacteria on the back of the tongue can interact with amino acids in foods and make smelly sulfur compounds.
There are several natural remedies that can help treat bad breath from the throat. Drinking green tea is one such remedy. Green tea contains polyphenols, which have antibacterial properties that can help kill bacteria in the throat. Gargling with salt water is another effective remedy as it helps reduce bacteria in the throat.
The bad breath caused by certain foods is easily remedied by altering the diet. You can maintain a perfectly healthy diet while avoiding particularly smelly foods. Some studies even show that diets high in dairy products can cause bad odors in the mouth. If you are unsure which food is responsible for your bad breath, these are the top ones to avoid:
After you eat, let your food digest before performing physical activity or lying down. This can allow the contents in your stomach to digest while your LES stays closed.
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.
If the odor is due to gum disease, for example, your dentist can either treat the disease or refer you to a periodontist, a dentist who specializes in treating gum conditions.
Certain foods and drinks can also contribute to bad breath. Foods like garlic and onions contain volatile compounds that are absorbed into the bloodstream and carried to the lungs, where they are exhaled. Similarly, drinks like coffee and alcohol can leave a lingering odor in the mouth.
In addition to brushing and flossing, tongue scraping is an often overlooked step in oral hygiene. The tongue harbors bacteria that can contribute to bad breath. Using a tongue scraper or gently brushing your tongue with your toothbrush can help remove these bacteria and freshen your breath.
Furthermore, untreated tonsil stones can contribute to poor oral health. The bacteria associated with tonsil stones can spread to other areas of the mouth, leading to tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues.
At-home removal. You might be able to remove tonsil stones by scraping gently with water picks or swabs.Saltwater gargles. Gargling with warm, salty water may help ease the pain of tonsillitis and help remove stones.Tonsil Stone Complications
Laura Clark is a writer and editor based in Pittsburgh. She's a blogger with Smart News and a senior editor at Pitt magazine. Filed Under: Advertisements, Cool Finds, Health, Marketing Smart News History Science Innovation Arts & Culture Travel At The Smithsonian Podcast Photos Video Smithsonian Institution Smithsonian.com Smithsonian Store Smithsonian Journeys Smithsonian Channel Smithsonian Books Smithsonian Membership About Smithsonian Contact Us Advertising RSS Member Services Sustainability Terms of Use Privacy Statement Cookie Policy Advertising Notice © 2023 Smithsonian Magazine Privacy Statement Cookie Policy Terms of Use Advertising Notice Your Privacy Rights Cookie Settings
If the cause of your halitosis is related to an oral pathology, your dentist should carry out a treatment as a cure for the condition and to stop the bad breath. If the problem is related to dental malposition, an orthodontist must determine the cause and the most appropriate orthodontic treatment for the bad breath.
UPMC: “What Are Tonsil Stones (Tonsilloliths)? Tonsil Stone Symptoms and Treatment.”
If you’re concerned about your alcohol consumption, your dental professional can help you get assistance with cutting back or quitting for good.
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.