There are potential causes outside of the mouth that can be causing your bad breath. This may include heartburn, gastrointestinal illnesses, uncontrolled diabetes, kidney disease, asthma, cystic fibrosis, liver cirrhosis, tonsillitis, sinus infection, and other serious illnesses. In addition, certain medications can contribute to dry mouth or release chemicals that cause bad breath.
Problems with these senses have a big impact on our lives. Smell and taste contribute to our enjoyment of life by stimulating a desire to eat which not only nourishes our bodies, but also enhances our social activities. When smell and taste become impaired, we eat poorly, socialize less, and feel worse. Smell and taste warn us of dangers, such as fire, poisonous fumes, and spoiled food. Loss of the sense of smell may indicate sinus disease, growths in the nasal passages, or, at times, brain tumors.
.
Small tonsil stones may not cause any symptoms that you’d notice. Even when they’re large, some tonsil stones are found only after X-rays or CT scans. Symptoms include:
In addition to practicing good oral hygiene and seeking medical attention when necessary, there are several lifestyle changes that can help maintain fresh breath. Quitting smoking or using tobacco products can significantly improve the smell of your breath, as well as your overall health.
Studies have pointed out that people suffering from anxiety often breathe using their mouths while asleep. Stress also results in dry mouth and acid reflux further causing halitosis. Thus, depending on the symptoms, the dentist or physician might recommend the patient to opt for an online anxiety severity test before starting the treatment for halitosis.
[vii] National diabetes statistics report, CDC https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/data/statistics/statistics-report.html Home Philosophy Dion Health Services Resources Physician Referrals New Patients Existing Patients
Bad breath wasn’t perceived as a medical condition until one company realized that it could help them sell mouthwash Walter Zerla/Blend Images/Corbis
Halitosis is caused by oral bacteria trapped in your mouth for an extended time. The key to dealing with it is treating the root of the problem – removing the source of the odor. Most over-the-counter remedies such as mouthwash, mints and gum only mask the problem.
GERD is a common medical condition that can cause bad breath from the throat. The stomach acid that travels up the esophagus can reach the back of the throat, leaving a sour taste and foul odor. Treating GERD through lifestyle changes and medication can help alleviate bad breath.
We also work closely with medical professionals to help you find a solution when the source of the bad odor is not in the mouth.
1. Oral Hygiene Education – Because plaque accumulation is a major contributor to bad breath, our dentists and dental hygienists will assess your current effectiveness in removing plaque. There may be areas you are missing, and we can recommend different strategies to help you successfully clean your teeth at home between your professional teeth cleanings.
Foods and drinks that can cause bad breath:
Foods that are sticky or have a high sugar content, such as candy or dried fruit, can contribute to the formation of tonsil stones. These foods can stick to the tonsils and provide a breeding ground for bacteria.
The Benefits of Using Tongue Scrapers for Halitosis
Diet and Tonsil Stones: Foods to Avoid and Foods to Eat
It's wise to brush those gnashers regularly to avoid whiffy breath, even if you're a hippo at London Zoo (Credit: Getty Images)
Halitosis, which is the scientific name for bad breath, is often caused by volatile sulfur compounds. Volatile sulfur compounds are foul-smelling gases released by anaerobic bacteria.