The reasons for bad breath range from the not-so-bad (you had a slice of garlic pizza) to the more urgent (you’ve got an infection). Understanding some of the most common causes of bad breath can help you work with your dentist and hygienist to put together a plan to keep unpleasant mouth odors away.
When the Lamberts started putting the vaguely medical sounding "halitosis" in their ads, they framed it as a health condition that was keeping people from being their very best selves. Inglis-Arkell describes the campaign’s direction:
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The alternative is to scrape your tongue with a special tongue cleaner. This method is also under assessment in the newest Cochrane review. Their last report found just two small trials looking at this method. They showed it can work, but that the effect is short-lived. They also highlight the risk of damaging the tongue by pressing too hard and to ensure that if you want to use a toothbrush to clean your tongue, you make sure that it’s a soft one.
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.
As dentists, we are your best resource for addressing the problem of bad breath. We are in the perfect position to recognize, discuss, and treat this particular problem. Bad breath is complex in that it has both emotional and physical repercussions. We hear the distressing emotional consequences of bad breath in our confidential conversations with patients, and we see the negative health implications inherent in severe bad breath.
In turn, we can divide the causes of halitosis or bad breath into two categories: Non-pathological and pathological.
One natural remedy is saltwater gargles. Gargling with warm saltwater can help reduce inflammation and kill bacteria in the mouth and throat. This can help alleviate symptoms and prevent the formation of tonsil stones.
- Fresh fruits and vegetables: Crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples, carrots, and celery can help stimulate saliva production, which can help wash away bacteria and freshen your breath.
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that can help balance the bacteria in our mouths and prevent bad breath. The oral microbiome is a complex ecosystem of bacteria, and an imbalance in this ecosystem can lead to bad breath.
Beyond Brushing and Flossing: Exploring the Lesser-Known Causes of Chronic Bad Breath
There is no agreement on what proportion of the whole population does actually have halitosis, with rates varying from 22 to 50%. The people who can’t go numb at the dentists Do you really need to floss? How often do you need to see the dentist?
Large tonsil stones can cause swollen tonsils and give you trouble swallowing. Tonsil stones can also sometimes trigger infections.
Maintaining good oral hygiene is the best way to prevent tonsil stones. Brush and floss regularly, and use mouthwash to help kill bacteria in your mouth.
During a dental check-up, the dentist will examine the mouth, including the tonsils, for any signs of tonsil stones or other oral health issues. They may also perform a thorough cleaning to remove any plaque or bacteria that could contribute to bad breath.
There are several natural remedies that can help freshen breath and improve oral health. Peppermint is a popular herb that has been used for centuries to freshen breath. It contains menthol, which has a cooling effect and can help mask bad breath. Tea tree oil is another natural remedy that has antimicrobial properties and can help kill bacteria in the mouth. It can be diluted with water and used as a mouthwash or added to toothpaste.
Bad breath can also be caused by poor dental hygiene, as it enables the buildup of food particles in the mouth and creates an environment that fosters the growth of bacteria on the teeth and tongue, both of which can lead to bad breath.
How to tell if your breath smells bad