Oral Health Conditions: Gum Disease and Tooth Decay
Physiological halitosis is caused by bacteria that accumulate on the upper back of the tongue, even when the person has good oral hygiene. Ingesting certain types of food, smoking, or drinking alcohol can worsen the condition and produce unpleasant odors in the mouth.
.
Bad breath can happen to anyone. The American Dental Association reports that about half of adults in the US have or will have to deal with bad breath at some point in their lifetimes.
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.
Using mouthwash can also help freshen breath by killing bacteria and neutralizing odors. Chewing sugar-free gum stimulates saliva production, which helps wash away bacteria and food particles. However, it is important to note that these products should not be used as a substitute for proper oral hygiene practices.
In addition to good oral hygiene, there are other steps you can take to prevent bad breath. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day can help prevent dry mouth. Avoiding foods that can cause bad breath, such as garlic and onions, can also help keep your breath fresh. Quitting smoking and tobacco use is another important step in improving oral health and breath.
Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential in preventing halitosis. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing daily helps remove food particles and bacteria from the mouth. It is important to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to effectively clean your teeth and gums.
Phase I and II trials have already been conducted into killing the bacteria most often implicated in tooth decay. The substance has been trialled as a gel applied in a clinic and next it will be tested as a varnish, again applied in a clinic, but accompanied by strips which people can take home and apply to their teeth as a follow-up treatment. This opens up the possibility in the future for using similar methods to target the bacteria most often implicated in bad breath.
Other things to avoid are alcohol, sugary foods, caffeine, and carbonated beverages. These foods and drinks can dry out your throat and feed the anaerobic bacteria that cause bad breath and tonsil stones in the first place.
If your dentist has ruled out any oral problems that might cause a chronic bad breath, it is best to see you doctor for an evaluation too. This may indicate infection somewhere else in your body and can be a sign of a range of conditions like diabetes, strep throat, tonsilitis, respiratory tract infections, bronchitis, chronic sinusitis, HIV, digestive system ailments such as ref-lux or liver and kidney problems.
My regular dentist moved to a new office. I was a little worried at first, but not after my first visit to the new... place. All of the staff were super friendly and this location is closer to my house. A win-win!read more
Health Solutions from Our SponsorsPenis Curved When Erect? Could I have CAD? Treat Bent Fingers Treat HR+, HER2- MBC Tired of Dandruff? Benefits of CBD Rethink MS Treatment AFib-Related Strokes Risk of a Future DVT/PE Is My Penis Normal? Relapsing MS Options Liver Transplants Save Lives Finance Plastic Surgery Bent Finger Causes Living With Psoriasis? Missing Teeth?
Choosing the right toothpaste is important in fighting halitosis. Here are some ingredients to look for in a toothpaste:
Furthermore, untreated tonsil stones can contribute to poor oral health. The bacteria associated with tonsil stones can spread to other areas of the mouth, leading to tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues.
Drinking water throughout the day helps keep your mouth moist and promotes saliva production. It also helps rinse away any food particles that may be stuck between your teeth or along the gumline. Additionally, water can help dilute any strong odors in your mouth, reducing the likelihood of bad breath.
Breath tests can help determine the presence and severity of halitosis. These tests measure the levels of volatile sulfur compounds in the breath, which can indicate the presence of tonsil stones or other causes of bad breath.
Conclusion