We strive for 100% customer satisfaction. If we fell short, please tell us more so we can address your concerns. Medical Author: John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP Halitosis What Is Bad Breath? Symptoms What Are Symptoms of Bad Breath? Diagnosis How Is Bad Breath Diagnosed? How to Get Rid of Bad Breath What Is the Treatment for Bad Breath? Bad breath (halitosis) is an embarrassing problem of undesirable odor coming from the mouth. Causes of bad breath include bacteria in the mouth, dry mouth, gum disease, medical conditions, food, smoking, and stress.
If you have a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit.
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Doctors may recommend antibiotics. It helps lower the bacteria count, leading to tonsil stones development. However, the biofilms or hardened structures of the stones can resist antibiotics.
Good oral hygiene and fresh breath are important for maintaining a healthy mouth and overall well-being. Understanding the causes of bad breath and taking steps to prevent it can help us maintain fresh breath and improve our oral health. By practicing good oral hygiene, being mindful of our diet and lifestyle choices, and seeking medical attention when necessary, we can ensure that our breath remains fresh and our smiles stay bright.
Sadly, the term bad breath does not need much explanation. You inherently know what we mean because you have probably experienced it either for yourself or through a loved one. We understand the adjective bad to mean that the odor of bad breath is unpleasant or offensive. While we can certainly smell someone’s mouth odor when they breathe, we also detect it during speaking and laughing.
Understanding Halitosis: What Causes Bad Breath?
Gum disease – also called gingivitis – is very common among adults. Gingivitis is caused by an inflammation of the gums due to plaque and bacteria buildup. It is important to follow good oral hygiene habits – like brushing and flossing every day – to prevent gum disease and tooth decay.
If you or others notice this type of bad breath, it’s important to talk to a doctor right away.
- Yogurt: Yogurt contains probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that can help balance the oral microbiome and reduce bad breath.
Tonsil stones are formed when debris, such as food particles and dead cells, gets trapped in the tonsil crevices. The debris can become trapped in the crypts of the tonsils and harden, forming tonsil stones. Some people are more prone to tonsil stones than others, and there are several factors that can increase the risk of developing them.
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Halitosis, which is simply the official term for bad breath that is chronic and persistent, can have a wide variety of causes, ranging from simple to serious. Some of the most common offenders include:
What are tonsil stones and how do you get rid of them? Learn more about tonsil stone problems and what you can do about tonsil stones.
Bad breath, also called halitosis, can be embarrassing, especially when other people comment on it, making you feel self-conscious about talking or even smiling. But chronic bad breath can also be a sign of a larger problem. Most cases of bad breath occur after a meal with onions or other ingredients with strong odors, or after going a long time without brushing. These cases are resolved by brushing or gargling with mouthwash. Chronic halitosis, on the other hand, occurs frequently and can only be temporarily relieved with basic hygiene. This is because chronic bad breath doesn’t exist on its own; it’s often a symptom of a more serious problem and cannot be resolved without the proper treatment. Poor oral hygiene habits: infrequent brushing, not flossing and not rinsing with mouthwash can lead to excessive, odor-causing bacteria in the mouth Chronic illnesses: poorly controlled diabetes can cause a buildup of sugar, which attracts bacteria, while kidney failure can cause a fishy smell in the mouth Medications: Antidepressants, diuretics and other medications that cause dry mouth can reduce your saliva production, making it more hospitable to bacteria Gum disease or infection: whether at the gum line or in the tooth itself, periodontitis and other infections in the mouth can leave an unpleasant taste and a bad odor in your mouth What are the remedies for bad breath?
Kidney disease – about 31 million people in the United States or 10% of the population have chronic kidney disease[vi]. Kidney disease refers to the gradual loss of kidney function and it can be a complication of many other health conditions. How does kidney disease cause halitosis? These organs filter out different minerals in the blood and send healthy blood back to your body and heart. Kidney failure impairs the ability of this organ to filter out minerals and they accumulate in the bloodstream. As a result, you experience a metallic taste and 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.
Introduction: The Importance of Addressing Throat-Related Bad Breath