In addition to poor oral hygiene and dietary factors, certain medical conditions can cause chronic bad breath. Dry mouth, or xerostomia, reduces saliva production, which leads to an increase in bacteria in the mouth. Sinus infections and respiratory conditions can also contribute to bad breath due to the presence of mucus and bacteria in the nasal passages.
The Impact of Medications on Your Breath
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5. Use a Mouthwash – Many mouthwashes on the market today target bad breath with ingredients like cetyl pyridinium chloride, activated chlorine dioxide, and zinc. The important thing to understand about mouthwash is that you must avoid those containing alcohol. It does not kill bacteria in the mouth, and actually worsens the situation by drying out the mouth.
However, there is also the possibility, albeit less common, that it originates outside the oral cavity. It is essentially due to disorders of the respiratory tract, the digestive system, or kidney or liver pathologies.
This one is, obviously, the simplest to understand and to address. For example, raw onions give you bad breath. Don’t eat raw onions. At least, you have the option to choose when to eat foods that have a particularly strong smell that lingers for a while after eating.
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Digestive tract infectionsGastrointestinal diseasesNasal infections, such as sinusitis or rhinitisHepatitisHaematological or endocrine system disorderIntraoral halitosis
Alcohol consumption can also contribute to bad breath by drying out the mouth. Additionally, alcoholic beverages can leave a distinct odor on the breath. Reducing or quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption can help improve breath odor.
On the other hand, foods that are high in fiber, such as fruits and vegetables, can help prevent the formation of tonsil stones. Fiber-rich foods promote saliva production, which helps flush out debris and bacteria from the mouth.
Natural remedies for freshening your breath
Antibiotics may be prescribed in cases where tonsil stones are accompanied by an infection. Antibiotics can help kill the bacteria causing the infection and reduce inflammation in the tonsils.
Certain foods and drinks can contribute to bad breath due to their strong odors or their effects on the mouth. Foods like garlic, onions, and spices contain volatile compounds that are absorbed into the bloodstream and exhaled through the lungs. Coffee and alcohol can leave a lingering odor in the mouth due to their strong flavors.
If your tonsil stones keep coming back, if they’re large, or if your tonsils seem overly irritated or swollen, it might be time to visit your doctor.
Tonsilloliths are generally harmless. However, they can cause discomfort and a foul smell, so tonsil stones treatment mainly includes home remedies and medical procedures.
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Diabetes can cause bad breath for two different reasons; periodontal disease, and high levels of ketones in the blood.