Here are some of the causes of bad breath, so you can be more confident when you show your smile.
Bad breath in smokers is caused by the tobacco itself—the lungs retain a measure of the tobacco smoke for a while after the cigarette has been extinguished and these chemicals remain in the mouth, making a greater case for halitosis.
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There’s no one specific “bad breath smell” because there are a variety of different causes for bad breath. Some common causes are:
Causes of Bad Breath from the Throat: Understanding the Root of the Problem
Sometimes, tonsil stones can cause infection, and the infection can spread to the rest of your tonsil. Usually, symptoms of tonsil infection include ear pain, large tonsil stones, pain in your throat or tonsils, and difficulty breathing.
If we believe that your bad breath originates elsewhere in the body, we will work with your primary care physician to help you find the right solution for fresh breath.
Smoking or chewing tobacco-based products also can cause bad breath, stain teeth, reduce your ability to taste foods, and irritate your gums.
Certain foods can increase the acidity of the stomach or relax the LES, causing acid reflux. Additionally, if you experience bad breath, avoiding pungent foods can help to limit that.
To remove your tonsil stones, use a tonsil stone pick or water flosser on a very low setting, but never put too much pressure on your tonsils, even if you cannot get the stone out. Check out my article on the best tonsil stone removal tools.
It was also marketed to dentists as a way to kill germs in the mouth, but no one paid much attention until the 1920s. That's when, as Inglis-Arkell writes, the owner of the company, Jordan Wheat Lambert, and his son, Gerard, came up with a marketing plan that would forever change the dental aisle. The key was an old Latin phrase that had long dropped out of general usage and which, according to writers over at Cracked, meant “unpleasant breath.” A 1928 ad for Listerine reads in part: “No matter how charming you may be or how fond of you your friends are, you can not expect them to put up with halitosis (unpleasant breath) forever. They may be nice to you—but it is an effort.” Bettmann/CORBIS
Many years ago, soon after I’d started working in radio, I arrived at the newsroom to be given my assignment for the day. I was asked to visit a clinic treating bad breath where I was to get my own breath tested and interview the doctor.
My family recently moved to Gilbert, Arizona. This office staff and dentist made me feel comfortable, answered all my... question, offered insight and gave a thorough and extensive cleaning, X-rays and exam. Very competent and professional. I’m pleased to have found my new dentist and staff!read more
We love Premier Family Dental! They are always wonderful from the office staff to the hygienists, to the dentists. My... kiddo is high functioning autism and Char has done such a great job with making him feel comfortable during cleanings, to the point where he no longer has any issues going to the dentist. Also, because he developed a comfort level there, he agreed to orthodontic care last year.read more
In some cases, medical treatments may be necessary to effectively treat tonsil stones and halitosis.
Treating the underlying digestive issue is key to alleviating bad breath. This may involve lifestyle changes, such as avoiding trigger foods or losing weight, or medications to reduce acid reflux or manage gastrointestinal problems.
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It is important to note that while natural remedies can be effective in freshening breath, they should not replace proper oral hygiene practices.