For decades after Listerine first hit the market in the 1880s, it was kind of a jack-of-all trades product. Originally invented as a surgical antiseptic (and named after the founding father of antiseptics, Dr. Joseph Lister), its uses were varied—they including foot cleaning, floor scrubbing and gonorrhea treating.
Fresh breath is something that many people take for granted, but it plays a significant role in our daily lives. Whether it's for social interactions, professional meetings, or intimate moments, having fresh breath can make a world of difference. Bad breath, also known as halitosis, can be embarrassing and can negatively impact our self-confidence. It can also be a sign of underlying oral health issues. In this article, we will explore the causes of bad breath and discuss various ways to maintain fresh breath.
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Why Flossing is Crucial for Oral Health and Fresh Breath
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
Eating food high in fibre can help promote digestion which reduces the likelihood of acid reflux happening. Additionally, food high in fibre can keep you feeling full which may help manage weight.
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.
When you have a common cold or other respiratory infection, the mucous your body produces can be seen as a tasty meal for odor-causing bacteria in the mouth, which can lead to bad breath.
In extreme cases, your doctor may recommend a tonsillectomy or laser cryptolysis, which reduces the number of crevices and folds in your tonsils.
The Connection Between Tonsil Stones and Bad Breath
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Bad breath can also affect children, and it is important for parents to be aware of the causes and prevention strategies. Common causes of bad breath in children include poor oral hygiene, dental issues such as cavities or gum disease, and respiratory infections. Additionally, certain habits such as thumb sucking or mouth breathing can also contribute to halitosis.
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.
Tonsil stones form when the food particles, bacteria and mucus gets trapped in the pockets of the tonsils. When you don’t maintain healthy oral hygiene, the particles and bacteria can get trapped. This trapped debris is the hub of bacteria to infest. This can lead to infections and cause symptoms such as soreness, swelling, and even bad breath.
Char does a fantastic job and takes care to be sure that her patients leave happy. Dr. Spring is, by far, as good as it... gets!read more
Foods and drinks that contribute to bad breath
Treatment Options for Halitosis: Finding the Right Solution for You
Terms of UseAbout the BBCPrivacy PolicyPrivacy PolicyCookiesCookiesAccessibility HelpParental GuidanceContact the BBCMake an editorial complaintBBC emails for youAdvertise with usCopyright © 2023 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking. oral health center/oral health a-z list/tonsil stones article Medical Author: John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP Medical Editor: Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhD Introduction What are tonsil stones? Causes & Risk Factors What are causes and risk factors of tonsil stones? Symptoms What are the symptoms of tonsil stones? Diagnosis How are tonsil stones diagnosed? Treatment What are the treatments for tonsil stones? Home Remedies How do you get rid of tonsil stones at home? Prognosis How long do tonsil stones last? Prevention How to prevent tonsil stones Tonsil stones can form when food, mucus, and bacteria get stuck in the craters of the tonsils.