The main symptom of bad breath is an unpleasant or foul smell emanating from the mouth.
Unfortunately, even more people are unaware of strong bad breath. These may suffer rifts in personal relationships, avoidance by people at work or social occasions, or romantic rebuffs without understanding the underlying cause. People with chronic bad breath are less likely to advance within the workplace.
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The primary cause of bad breath from the throat is bacteria. Bacteria naturally reside in the mouth and throat, and when they break down food particles and other substances, they release foul-smelling gases. Poor oral hygiene can lead to an overgrowth of bacteria in the mouth and throat, resulting in bad breath.
Loss of smell and taste may result from polyps in the nasal or sinus cavities, hormonal disturbances, or dental problems. They can also be caused by prolonged exposure to certain chemicals such as insecticides, and by some medicines.
From Minty Mouthwash to Tongue Scrapers: The Best Products for Fighting Halitosis
One of the most common causes of bad breath is the buildup of germs and bacteria inside your mouth. When it is not cleaned regularly, over time a condition known as halitosis or persistent bad breath ensues. This oral condition is something everyone can do without, as it is particularly a nuisance to people you regularly come into contact with.
Causes of halitosis can originate either inside or outside your mouth. A person with poor oral hygiene maintenance has a higher chance of halitosis than who regularly brushes. Common causes include gingivitis, periodontitis, dental caries, excessive plaque accumulation on teeth and tongue, pericoronitis, or oral ulcers. Food substances having a strong, pungent smell are another common cause. Frequent smoking, alcohol, or caffeine intake results in temporary bad breath. Any diseases or medications that cause dryness of the oral cavity are another contributing factor. Outside the oral cavity, inflammation of the tonsils or sinuses is another important factor that affects the quality of breath. Gastric diseases, especially gastroesophageal reflux, are another cause of halitosis.
There are various treatment options available for halitosis, depending on the underlying cause. For cases related to poor oral hygiene, maintaining a regular oral care routine and visiting the dentist regularly can help alleviate bad breath. For diet-related bad breath, making dietary changes and practicing good oral hygiene can be effective. In cases where bad breath is caused by an underlying medical condition, it is important to seek medical advice and follow the recommended treatment plan.
Bad breath, medically called halitosis, can result from poor dental health habits and may be a sign of other health problems. Bad breath can also be made worse by the types of foods you eat and other unhealthy lifestyle habits. You can take steps to prevent and treat halitosis, at home and with the help of your dentist or doctor.
While eating any type of food can lead to bad breath, as the bits of food end up becoming a meal for the bacteria that call your mouth home, garlic tends to be the worst offender. In part, that’s because garlic contains sulfur compounds that get absorbed into the bloodstream and that take some time to break down.
It has about 1 million cases annually in India, and you should get checked for tonsil stones. It can lead to bad breath and sore throat, making it difficult to swallow food. Tonsil stones in throat are mainly found in teenagers.
Dry mouth can be caused by dehydration, medication, or aging. Once you’ve identified dry mouth, we can look for the cause and try to find a solution.
Occasional bad breath is common and can be easily remedied by practicing good oral hygiene. However, chronic halitosis is a more persistent condition that requires further attention. Halitosis is often caused by underlying medical conditions or poor oral health habits that need to be addressed.
Sometimes certain medications are the cause of smell or taste disorders, and improvement occurs when that medicine is stopped or changed. Although certain medications can cause chemosensory problems, others particularly anti-allergy drugs seem to improve the senses of taste and smell. Some patients, notably those with serious respiratory infections or seasonal allergies, regain their smell or taste simply by waiting for their illness to run its course. In many cases, nasal obstructions, such as polyps, can be removed to restore airflow to the receptor area and can correct the loss of smell and taste. Occasionally, chemosenses return to normal just as spontaneously as they disappeared. Quick Links News Physician Portal CME Calendar Online Orientation Careers Take Charge of Your Health Publications Pay Your Bill Vendors Foundation - Ways to Give Residency ValleyWay MyChart Institutional Review Board Practices Primary Care Offices Specialists Care Offices Walk-in Care Services Urology Cancer Heart & Vascular Women & Children Neuroscience Orthopedics Bariatric Weight Loss Program Physical Rehabilitation Other Services Patients & Visitors A Message From the Joint Commission Notice of Privacy Practices Patient Rights & Responsibilities Community Education Programs Advance Directives Support Groups Locations Cape Fear Valley Medical Center Highsmith-Rainey Specialty Hospital Rehabilitation Center Behavioral Health Care Bladen County Hospital Hoke Hospital
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If your bad breath smells like ammonia, it could be a sign that you may have kidney disease. The kidneys filter out and remove waste and toxins – such as urea, which breaks down into ammonia – from the body through urination. Kidneys also regulate blood pressure and control red blood cell production.
Can crooked teeth cause bad breath? Halitosis can be caused by different types of dental malposition, such as crowded or crooked teeth, as these conditions make it difficult to properly clean teeth, resulting in the accumulation of food particles and the proliferation of bacteria that cause bad breath.