Occasional bad breath is common and can be easily remedied by practicing good oral hygiene. However, chronic halitosis is a more persistent condition that requires further attention. Halitosis is often caused by underlying medical conditions or poor oral health habits that need to be addressed.
Fortunately, starting or resuming an oral care routine at home can quickly bring an end to your bad breath. Your hygienist can show you how to brush and floss if you need a refresher on the best way to do it. Seeing a dental professional for regular cleanings and checkups can also help treat bad breath caused by poor oral hygiene.
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How to tell if your breath smells bad
The Role of Probiotics in Halitosis Treatment
The primary cause of bad breath from the throat is bacteria. Bacteria naturally reside in the mouth and throat, and when they break down food particles and other substances, they release foul-smelling gases. Poor oral hygiene can lead to an overgrowth of bacteria in the mouth and throat, resulting in bad breath.
In addition to causing bad breath, smoking can also lead to other oral health issues such as gum disease and oral cancer. Quitting smoking is the best way to improve your oral health and maintain fresh breath. If you need help quitting, there are various resources available, such as support groups and nicotine replacement therapies.
Halitosis and Gum Disease: How to Treat and Prevent
Foods and drinks that contribute to bad breath
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that can help improve oral health and combat halitosis. These bacteria can help restore the natural balance of bacteria in the mouth, reducing the growth of odor-causing bacteria.
What we eat can also have a significant impact on our breath. Certain foods and drinks can cause bad breath due to their strong odors or because they are broken down by bacteria in the mouth. Foods such as garlic, onions, and spicy foods are notorious for causing halitosis. Additionally, beverages like coffee and alcohol can also contribute to bad breath.
You have halitosis if you have bad breath, and a doctor is not needed to diagnose the condition. However, if your bad breath is chronic, if it does not go away with proper oral hygiene, or if you have other symptoms, you will need to see a doctor or dentist to diagnose the underlying cause.
Bad breath is just one reason why you’d want to treat heartburn or GERD. Acid reflux can be pretty uncomfortable and can cause long-lasting damage to the esophagus if untreated. Treatment options include avoiding certain foods, taking antacid, or, in the most severe cases, surgery.
The medical condition dry mouth (also called xerostomia) also can cause bad breath. Saliva is necessary to moisten the mouth, neutralize acids produced by plaque, and wash away dead cells that build up on the tongue, gums, and cheeks. If not removed, these cells decompose and can cause bad breath. Dry mouth may be a side effect of various medications, salivary gland problems, or continuous breathing through the mouth. In fact, morning breath is worse for people who sleep with their mouths open.
Are you avoiding social meetings or hanging out with friends just because of your breath stink? Bad breath can be not only due to oral hygiene but also tonsil stones.
If you smoke or use oral tobacco products, you may experience frequent bad breath. All types of tobacco products can cause bad breath, but they can also lead to much more serious oral health issues. Apart from leaving your mouth smelling like an ashtray, they damage the gum tissue and cause gum disease. If you’ve been using tobacco products for any amount of time, the team at Scott Edwards DDS can check for warning signs.
Maintaining a healthy diet and exercising regularly can improve overall health and reduce the risk of certain medical conditions that can cause bad breath. Taking steps to manage stress and get enough sleep can also contribute to better oral health and fresher breath.