The team from the BBC TV series 'Trust me I’m a doctor' spoke to dentists about how to spot and avoid bad breath. Watch the video below for their tips: All content within this column is provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other health care professional. The BBC is not responsible or liable for any diagnosis made by a user based on the content of this site. The BBC is not liable for the contents of any external internet sites listed, nor does it endorse any commercial product or service mentioned or advised on any of the sites. Always consult your own GP if you're in any way concerned about your health.
Below we will delve into more detail regarding some of the most common intraoral causes of halitosis and the corresponding treatments for bad breath.
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Visit your dentist on a regular basis. Regular checkups can find problems, such as gum disease, infections, and dry mouth. If you have bad breath and the dentist can’t find a cause, you may be referred to your primary healthcare provider for more follow-up.
In addition to masking bad breath, chewing sugar-free gum helps protect your teeth and gums between meals. Teeth are more at risk of an acid attack directly after you’ve eaten. Chewing gum after a meal helps reduce acid and the harm it may cause to your teeth. It prompts the mouth to produce more saliva, which is the mouth’s natural defense against acid.
Whether you have a tonsil stone, have already removed it, or just want to avoid them, adding a drop of these essential oils to your toothbrush when you brush your teeth can help fight the anaerobic bacteria that give tonsil stones their foul smell.
Bad breath is often evaluated by a dentist. In addition to patient history and physical examination of the mouth, tests may be needed to diagnose the cause of bad breath, such as: Organoleptic testing: assesses the strength of bad breath Sulfide monitors to measure mouth-air volatile sulfur compound (VSC) content, which are produced by anaerobic bacteria from food debris in the mouth that cause bad breath Gas chromatography to measure VSCs X-rays of the mouth Periodontal charting if gum disease is suspected Brush and floss twice daily Mouthwash Can help kill bacteria or neutralize and mask bad breath Mouthwash is only a temporary solution Clean dentures regularly and thoroughly Keep saliva flowing Chew sugar-free gum or suck on sugar-free hard candy Eat healthy foods that require a lot of chewing, such as carrots or apples Use artificial saliva if your dentist recommends it Don’t smoke See your dentist regularly https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/b/bad-breath https://www.uptodate.com/contents/bad-breath?search=bad%20breath&source=search_result&selectedTitle=1~150&usage_type=default&display_rank=1#H2120250223 https://www.healthgrades.com/right-care/oral-health/6-surprising-causes-of-bad-breath#:~:text=A%20diet%20very%20high%20in,unpleasant%20odor%20from%20your%20mouth.&text=There%20are%20many%20types%20of,turn%20leads%20to%20bad%20breath
You get tonsil stones when deposits of bacteria sit inside your tonsils for a long time. It turns into this crystalized white or yellow rock. There is a chance you have actually accidentally bitten one. The Trick to Treating Your Teeth Right: Halloween Dental Do’s and Don’ts Mindful Eating for Healthy Teeth: World Food Day and Your Dental Wellness World Smile Day Special: Affordable Teeth Whitening Options in Gilbert International Coffee Day Recovery Plan: Your Dentist’s Recommendations Smile Makeovers: Transforming Your Smile with Cosmetic Dentistry in Chandler
Understanding Tonsil Stones and Halitosis: Causes and Symptoms
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I have covered this topic extensively on my blog, but here are a few quick tips to get you started.
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.
In some cases, medical treatments may be necessary to effectively treat tonsil stones and halitosis.
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But it could also be more serious than that. Bad breath can be an indicator that something is seriously wrong with your health. But how can you tell the difference? Here’s a guide to some of the causes of bad breath, and how serious they might be.
Your dentist may treat the gum disease. Or they may refer you to an oral specialist (periodontist). Cleaning by a periodontist often helps to remove the bacteria, tartar, and plaque that have built up. This will ease the inflammation at the gum line.
There are several natural remedies that can help freshen breath and improve oral health. Chewing on herbs like parsley and mint can help mask bad breath temporarily. These herbs contain natural compounds that can help neutralize odors in the mouth.
Our clinical experts continually monitor the health and medical content posted on CURA4U, and we update our blogs and articles when new information becomes available. Last reviewed by Dr.Saad Zia on April 29th, 2023.