Bad breath in babies or young children may be a sign of infection or undiagnosed medical problems. Consult the child's doctor or dentist if an infant or young child has bad breath. A complete medical and dental history should be taken. The patient will be asked about their bad breath problem, dietary habits, tobacco use, medications, medical conditions, and family history.A dentist will examine the patient's mouth. X-rays may be taken, and periodontal charting may be done to determine if the odor is due to gum disease.
Oral Health Conditions: Gum Disease and Tooth Decay
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Many don’t know how their diet can be one of the causes of bad breath. Eating a high-protein, low-carb diet can cause your metabolism to change because protein is harder for your body to digest. They tend to release sulfurous gases when they don’t metabolize. To avoid this, eat a more balanced and nutritious diet full of vegetables and herbs.
If dry mouth is the cause of your bad breath, try to drink more water throughout the day, and as soon as you wake up. This will help keep bacteria from sticking to your teeth and causing odors. Other beverages like soda, coffee, or alcohol can actually make the problem worse, so swap those types of drinks in favor of water if you’re concerned about dry mouth.
Poor oral hygiene is one of the leading causes of tonsil stones. When you don't brush and floss regularly, bacteria and food particles can accumulate in your mouth, leading to the formation of tonsil stones.
Large cavities and progressive gum disease both provide perfect hiding spots for large collections of bacteria. As cavities worsen, bacteria accumulate in actual holes in the teeth. When gum disease progresses, deep pockets develop between the tooth’s roots and the surrounding gum and jawbone. The deep pockets are breeding grounds for bacteria that become more dangerous as the pocket deepens.
Sometimes, we eat something that causes bad breath. Peppers, onions, garlic, curries, cheese, and seafood are all culprits in causing bad breath shortly after eating.
Medical Treatments for Tonsil Stones and Halitosis
Dr. Jonathan Everett received his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Washington and completed his undergraduate studies in biochemistry at Washington State University. During this time, Dr. Everett served as both the President of the American Student Dental Association chapter as well as the Student Council Vice President. As a board-member of DentPAC for the Washington State Dental Association, Dr. Everett fought to maintain the quality of dental care provided in Washington State by working with state legislators and advocating for patient-centered dentistry in Olympia.
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.
Maintaining good oral hygiene practices, such as brushing, flossing, and tongue scraping, is crucial in preventing halitosis. Natural remedies, dietary changes, probiotics, and oil pulling can also help freshen breath and improve oral health.
Chewing gum also helps remove any food particles that may be stuck between your teeth or along the gumline. It can also help mask any odors temporarily. However, it's important to choose sugar-free gum to avoid promoting tooth decay.
However, it is important to note that these products only provide temporary relief and should not be used as a substitute for proper oral hygiene practices. It is also important to read the labels and follow the instructions carefully to avoid any potential side effects.
The Role of Probiotics in Halitosis Treatment
If you are taking medications and experiencing chronic bad breath, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider. They may be able to adjust your medication or recommend strategies to alleviate dry mouth and improve your breath.
Know what to expect if you do not take the medicine or have the test or procedure.
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.