Some foods, such as garlic, may cause temporary bad breath with no quick fixes. Garlic gets absorbed into your bloodstream and the odor remains until your body has process the food.
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?
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Over-the-counter products for combating bad breath
Periodontal (gum) disease often causes persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth, and persistent bad breath may mean a sign that you have gum disease.
If you suspect that your bad breath is caused by sinus issues or allergies, it is important to see a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. They may recommend nasal sprays, antihistamines, or other medications to help alleviate your symptoms and improve your breath.
Your tonsils have a very important role. They’re supposed to trap bacteria and debris that would otherwise go into your lungs or stomach. Unfortunately, sometimes they accumulate too much, creating balls of bacterial residue called tonsil stones. These can smell very bad and contribute to bad breath.
Your doctor can usually diagnose tonsil stones with a physical exam. If they’re hidden in the folds of your tonsils, you might need imaging tests, such as CT or MRI scans, to spot them.
Your tonsils are filled with nooks and crannies where bacteria and other things, including dead cells and mucus, can get trapped. When this happens, the debris can bond together.
If you suspect that you have a tonsil stone, the first thing you could do is gargle with salt water, hydrogen peroxide, apple cider vinegar, or antiseptic mouthwash.
These foods can also help push out the tonsil stones from the folds in your skin.
It is also important to choose a mouthwash that does not contain alcohol, as alcohol can dry out the mouth and contribute to bad breath. Opting for an alcohol-free mouthwash can help maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in the mouth and reduce the risk of dry mouth.
Parsley is another herb that can help freshen breath. Chewing on a sprig of parsley after a meal can help neutralize odors and promote saliva production, which helps wash away bacteria. Other natural remedies for halitosis include chewing on cloves or cinnamon sticks, which have antimicrobial properties.
Everyone at this Dentist office is awesome! The receptionists are friendly, knowledgeable, and work great with... scheduling in our active family life style. The hygienists are friendly, knowledgeable gentle and thorough. Dr. Birch is amazing. He is friendly, knowledgeable, and very detailed in his work. I feel confident and know I’m in good hands when I leave my appointments.read more
Dr. Benjamin Greene and Dr. Jonathan Everett at Kirkland Family Dentistry have been providing dental services in Kirkland, Washington for a better part of 25 years and are staunch supporters of effectively eliminating the causes of halitosis rather than aiming to cure them.
The Importance of Oral Hygiene in Preventing Bad Breath
Sinus pressure and pain are common in people who suffer from allergies, the common cold, and chemical exposure. Humidified air, hydration, avoiding allergens, and nasal irrigation can help relieve sinus pressure symptoms.
Bad breath is caused by various factors, including poor oral hygiene, certain foods and drinks, smoking, dry mouth, and underlying health conditions. The most common cause of bad breath is the buildup of bacteria in the mouth. These bacteria break down food particles and release foul-smelling gases as a byproduct.