Mucus is a normal substance produced by lining tissues in the body. Excess mucus or mucus that is yellow, green, brown, or bloody may indicate a problem. Mucus production may increase when allergies, a cold, flu, cough, or sore throat are present. Antihistamines and cold and flu medications may help alleviate excess mucus. A neti pot may be used to decrease nasal congestion and clear mucus.
The definition of bad breath, or halitosis, is an unpleasant smell coming from the mouth. Halitosis can occur on occasion, or it can be a chronic condition. It may be caused by foods a person eats, poor oral hygiene, diseases, or other factors.
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Millions of people – an estimated 1 in 4 people globally – suffer from chronic bad breath/ halitosis. It can cause embarrassment and anxiety, but it’s relatively easy to remedy.
Those who would like to professionally check the quality of their breath can do so with a halimeter. This is a device that resembles a breathalyzer in appearance and operation. All you have to do is blow air into it and it will give you a clear indication of how much undesirable volatile sulfur compounds are in your breath.
Sinus infections and allergies can cause post-nasal drip, which is when excess mucus drips down the back of the throat. This can lead to a foul odor and bad breath. Treating the underlying sinus infection or allergies can help alleviate bad breath.
Most of the time, bad breath can be cured and prevented with proper oral hygiene. It is rarely life-threatening, and the prognosis is good. However, bad breath may be a complication of a medical disorder that needs to be treated. Rosenberg, Mel. "Bad Breath." UpToDate.com. September 2019.
Lifestyle changes for maintaining fresh breath
Drinking plenty of water can also help prevent tonsil stones and bad breath. Staying hydrated helps keep the mouth moist, reducing the risk of bacterial overgrowth and the formation of tonsil stones.
A great experience the office is clean, professional and most importantly the staff is caring. My dentist, Dr. Kerbs is... looking for the long term solution and only makes recommendations as they are needed. I switched to PFD after receiving the recommendation for an implant and bone graft from my family dentist and a specialist. I was comparing prices, for the implant. I did not even feel I needed a second opinion at this point. I was in extreme pain. Dr. Kerbs said we could do an implant if needed but wanted to try and adjust my bite in stages with a bite block first. A couple months later, no pain and the implant is not even a consideration at this point.read more
Using natural remedies can be a healthier alternative to artificial products, as they do not contain harsh chemicals or artificial flavors.
As a result of all these neglects, volatile sulfur compounds, food debris and plaque begin to accumulate in the oral cavity. All these harmful deposits are the direct cause of bad breath. Not to mention that they often lead to tooth decay and periodontal disease.
The stomach ulcers caused by H. pylori bacteria, combined with other factors, result in the same. A physician can prescribe antibiotics to deal with the bacteria after checking the symptoms.
Beverages such as coffee and alcohol can also contribute to bad breath. Coffee can leave a strong odor on the breath due to its strong aroma. Alcohol can dry out the mouth, reducing saliva production and promoting bacterial growth.
It was also marketed to dentists as a way to kill germs in the mouth, but no one paid much attention until the 1920s. That's when, as Inglis-Arkell writes, the owner of the company, Jordan Wheat Lambert, and his son, Gerard, came up with a marketing plan that would forever change the dental aisle. The key was an old Latin phrase that had long dropped out of general usage and which, according to writers over at Cracked, meant “unpleasant breath.” A 1928 ad for Listerine reads in part: “No matter how charming you may be or how fond of you your friends are, you can not expect them to put up with halitosis (unpleasant breath) forever. They may be nice to you—but it is an effort.” Bettmann/CORBIS
Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is a common oral health problem that can affect a person's self-esteem and confidence. Not only does it impact the individual, but it can also be detected by others around them. It is important to understand the underlying cause of halitosis (smelly breath) and seek appropriate treatment to prevent physical and psychological consequences. Below, we will provide a comprehensive guide on halitosis and how Impress can help those whose bad breath is caused by dental malpositions.
At Capital Dental, we treat halitosis with a professional cleaning and oral cleanse to reach crevices not normally accessed through regular brushing and flossing. Occasionally, a deep cleaning, consisting of scaling and root planing, is needed to remove bacteria trapped below the gum line. We also can perform tongue scraping, if the tongue is the source of the smell.
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