Bad breath, also called halitosis, can be an embarrassing problem. It can be caused by the foods one eats, dry mouth, tobacco products, or a medical disorder. Maintaining proper oral health can help reduce or eliminate bad breath. Causes of bad breath include diet, medication, poor oral hygiene, and diseases such as diabetes, GERD, gum disease, and more. Signs and symptoms may only be temporary. See a doctor for bad breath if you have: persistent dry mouth, bad sores in the mouth, pain with chewing or swallowing, white spots on the tonsils, fever, and more. There are 6 home remedy tips. Treatment for bad breath depends upon the cause. The prognosis for bad breath is generally good as bad breath is usually more of a nuisance rather than a serious medical condition.
Halitosis vs. normal bad breath: What's the difference?
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There are many risk factors and causes for halitosis, and even healthy people have bad breath on occasion.
Sores, painful gums, bad breath -- what's going on in your mouth? Find out with our slideshow of the most common mouth problems. Learn about canker sores, cold sores, oral thrush, TMJ, and oral cancer. See what treatments for bad breath and other dental problems are available from your dentist.
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.
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Conclusion: Tips for Preventing Chronic Bad Breath and Maintaining Good Oral Health
Mouthwash and Halitosis: How to Choose the Right Product
If the odor is due to gum disease, for example, your dentist can either treat the disease or refer you to a periodontist, a dentist who specializes in treating gum conditions.
Coffee and alcohol can also contribute to bad breath. Both of these beverages can dry out the mouth, leading to a decrease in saliva production. Saliva plays a crucial role in washing away bacteria and food particles, so a decrease in saliva can lead to an increase in bacteria growth and bad breath.
However, there is also the possibility, albeit less common, that it originates outside the oral cavity. It is essentially due to disorders of the respiratory tract, the digestive system, or kidney or liver pathologies.
Living with Tonsil Stones and Halitosis: Coping Strategies and Emotional Support
Recognizing halitosis itself is not difficult, because this affliction gives us symptoms in the form of an unpleasant odor released from the mouth. So, in order to determine whether you suffer from halitosis, it is enough to perform the so-called “smell test”. This can be done, for example, by inhaling the smell of the toothbrush we use to brush our teeth, or by touching the back of our tongue with our fingers and then checking their smell.
Halitosis and Gum Disease: How to Treat and Prevent
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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.
Whether your bad breath is temporary or a symptom of a bigger problem, the following tips will benefit your teeth, gums, and overall oral health.