Both cavities and gum disease are bacterial infections of the oral tissues. Tooth decay is a bacterial infection of the hard tissues of a tooth, and gum disease is an infection of the hard and soft tissues surrounding a tooth (also called periodontal disease). Both of these conditions consist of the reproduction and proliferation of specific disease-causing bacteria, and they stink.
Halitosis caused by intraoral factors results from changes that occur within the mouth and is responsible for the majority of cases of bad breath. The following are the most common intraoral causes of halitosis:
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Medications that cause a dry mouth can trigger bad breath. In addition, certain medications, such as triamterene and paraldehyde, have bad breath as a side effect.
Bad breath is primarily caused by bacteria that reside in our mouths. These bacteria break down food particles and release sulfur compounds, which are responsible for the unpleasant odor associated with bad breath. Poor oral hygiene, such as not brushing or flossing regularly, allows these bacteria to thrive and produce more sulfur compounds.
Diabetes – the CDC reports that 30.3 million people have diabetes, which is 9.4% of American population[vii]. Diabetes means you have too much glucose, but the body doesn’t produce enough insulin (or at all) to regulate it. Diabetes is a potentially life-threatening disease that requires early diagnosis, control upon the symptoms and proper treatment. People with diabetes are at a higher risk of periodontal disease and bad breath is one of its many symptoms. Diabetes also contributes to halitosis due to extra ketones it produces.
Viruses and illnesses, especially those that affect the sinuses, nasal passages, and throat, can sometimes result in halitosis. Offensive breath often accompanies colds and sinus infections. The American Dental Association has reported that chronic bad breath can sometimes also be a sign of certain liver and kidney diseases.
Bad breath may also be caused by medications you are taking, including central nervous system agents, anti-Parkinson drugs, antihistamines/decongestants, anti-psychotics, anti-cholinergics, narcotics, anti-hypertensives, and anti-depressants.
Dietary changes, staying hydrated, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are also important in preventing bad breath. Tongue scraping and other oral care practices can help remove bacteria and debris from the mouth. If bad breath persists despite practicing good oral hygiene and making lifestyle changes, it is important to seek professional treatment.
WorlDental.org: "The Truth About Halitosis, Bad Breath," "Bad Breath Causes and How to Get Rid of Bad Breath."
Hi, I'm Benjamin and I have suffered with tonsil stones for 30 years before I realized that I had a chronic problem. I've created this blog as a way to vent my frustrations and help people like yourself discover solutions.
It's important to note that while lemon water can help freshen breath, it should not be used as a substitute for regular oral hygiene practices such as brushing and flossing.
Even if food isn’t naturally smelly, it can become smelly if it’s left in your mouth too long. If you’re not cleaning your mouth well enough, food residue can rot in your mouth, causing very bad breath. This is particularly common for people who don’t floss and have residue stuck between their teeth.
Bleeding or dry sockets after extractions (like wisdom tooth removal) can cause bad breath until the wound heals. An infection from a dental implant can also cause bad breath, thus, good oral hygiene is crucial to prevent unpleasant complications.
Experienced a little dehydration while under sunlight, enjoyed a spicy sandwich with additional garlic sauce, or had too many cups of coffee? Get ready to deal with halitosis! Several food items can cause bad breath (medically known as halitosis). However, chronic halitosis can be a sign of a severe medical condition as well.
Sometimes bad breath could be temporarily a problem also. When you drink or eat foods that contain garlic, onion or alcohol, you are more likely to have bad breath. Smoking is another way that can make the mouth dry leading to bad breath.
For stones that do not go away on their own, there are several types of treatments: Medications: Antibiotics to help reduce bacteria Antihistamines to reduce mucus from sinus problems or allergies Laser treatment (laser tonsil cryptolysis): a noninvasive treatment that helps minimize or remove the tonsil pockets (crypts) where the tonsil stones are lodged Coblation cryptolysis: radio waves are used to change a salt solution into charged ions that can cut through the tissue to reduce crypts on the tonsils and eliminate tonsil stones Tonsillectomy: removal of the tonsils, usually the last resort but the only way to eliminate tonsil stones and prevent new ones from forming
I am writing this series as a countdown to Halloween. It's my favorite holiday. Halloween has it all! Hayrides. Scary movies. Haunted houses. Trick or treat. Pumpkin spice and everything nice. If I can manage to pull it off, I'll be writing something with a spooky spin for one vocal community each week in October.