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.
Crevices, tunnels, and pits, also known as tonsil crypts, make up your tonsils. Debris of dead cells, mucus, saliva, and food can get in there and get stuck. They build up over there, which is later fed on by bacteria and fungi, which further causes a bad smell.
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When it comes to children, issues like poor oral health, dry mouth, tongue bacteria, medicines, oral infections, and mouth breathing can cause halitosis.
Most of the bad smell comes from volatile sulphur compounds, gases with distinctive odours. Hydrogen sulphide, with its classic rotten eggs smell is one of the main offenders, but even worse is a substance called ethyl mercaptan which tends to be described as smelling of decomposing cabbage. It’s the compound which makes some people’s urine particularly pungent after they’ve eaten asparagus.
Natural Remedies for Bad Breath: Essential Oils and Herbs
Natural Remedies for Treating Bad Breath from the Throat
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.
Halitosis is the medical terminology for bad breath. It can be due to multiple physiological or psychological causes. The most common cases of halitosis occur due to certain ingredients in the food that have a strong smell. These ingredients include garlic, onion, cheese, alcohol, etc. Bad breath caused by these substances is short-lasting and can be lessened by employing various techniques. However, bad breath caused by any physiological abnormality or psychological reason can be long-lasting and affects your social life if it persists consistently.
In addition to plaque on the teeth, it can also accumulate in the deep grooves and pits on the tongue. For this reason, many people also need to add tongue cleaning to their oral hygiene routines.
Food particles often remain trapped between the mouth’s soft tissues and dentures. The patient may not even realize the presence of debris until the dentures are removed for cleaning. Thus, it is advisable to remove the same before sleeping and opt for an antibacterial mouthwash gargle.
Other medical conditions such as tonsil stones and postnasal drip can also contribute to bad breath from the throat. Tonsil stones are small, hard deposits that form in the crevices of the tonsils. These stones can harbor bacteria and emit a foul odor. Postnasal drip occurs when excess mucus drips down the back of the throat, providing a breeding ground for bacteria.
Sinus infection (sinusitis) symptoms can include headaches, a sore throat, and toothaches. Antibiotics and home remedies can relieve sinus infection symptoms.
Mouthwash can be an effective tool in treating bad breath. There are different types of mouthwash available, including antiseptic mouthwashes that kill bacteria, fluoride mouthwashes that strengthen tooth enamel, and cosmetic mouthwashes that temporarily mask bad breath.
My 3 year old daughter and I came in today for our regular check up. Everyone was very professional and kind. My 3 year... old was nervous before coming in, but the doctor and everyone was so gentle and kind, she was smiling through the whole appointment. I definitely recommend Premier Family Dental Care for kids and adults.read more
The Connection Between Tonsil Stones and Bad Breath
Halitosis and Oral Health: The Connection Explained
If you or others notice this type of bad breath, it’s important to talk to a doctor right away.