Millions of people – an estimated 1 in 4 people globally – suffer from chronic bad breath/ halitosis. It can cause embarrassment and anxiety, but it’s relatively easy to remedy.
This particular cause may not be very surprising, though, as not brushing your teeth even for a day can send people scurrying in the opposite direction when they see you. Experts at Kirkland Family Dentistry emphasize how this is a leading factor of halitosis.
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The Risks of Ignoring Tonsil Stones and Halitosis
Using a mouthwash can be an effective way to freshen your breath and kill bacteria in your mouth. There are many mouthwashes available on the market, but not all are created equal. Here are five top-rated mouthwashes for fresh breath:
On the other hand, foods that are high in fiber, such as fruits and vegetables, can help prevent the formation of tonsil stones. Fiber-rich foods promote saliva production, which helps flush out debris and bacteria from the mouth.
It is a laser resurfacing that helps smooth crevices which trap debris. It is a procedure that doctors do with local anesthesia and takes less time in recovery.
The link between diet and bad breath, and how to make dietary changes
The Psychological Effects of Bad Breath on Mental Health
Take the first step toward improving your oral health today! Find a clinic near you and book your complimentary consultation now. Give us a call at +1 628.265.8188 or email us at careteam@smile2impress.com and we can assist you with scheduling.
Regular dental checkups are crucial in maintaining fresh breath and overall oral health. During a dental cleaning, a dental hygienist will remove plaque and tartar from your teeth, which can contribute to bad breath. They will also polish your teeth to remove any surface stains.
If you have dentures, take them out at night. Clean them completely before putting them back in your mouth. Talk with your dentist before using deodorizing sprays or tablets. Some only mask the odor for a short time.
Maintain good oral hygiene: brush your teeth after every meal, paying attention to the interproximal spaces and tongue, and complement brushing with flossing.Use mouthwash to kill bacteria and temporarily stop bad breath.Keep saliva flowing in the mouth by drinking plenty of water or stimulating saliva with foods that require a lot of chewing.Adjust your diet and avoid foods that cause bad breath or are very sugary, as these are closely linked to tooth decay, which can in turn lead to smelly breath.Reduce or eliminate tobacco and alcohol consumption.Visit the dentist once or twice a year to prevent the onset of oral conditions.Have a professional hygiene once or twice a year to remove plaque from your mouth that can lead to tooth decay or periodontal disease.
Certain foods and drinks can also contribute to bad breath. Foods like garlic and onions contain volatile compounds that are absorbed into the bloodstream and carried to the lungs, where they are exhaled. Similarly, drinks like coffee and alcohol can leave a lingering odor in the mouth.
4. Refer You to Your Medical Doctor – When all oral causes of bad breath have been ruled out or repaired, we will work with your medical doctor to help you solve persistent bad breath. Some patients will need to see an ear, nose and throat specialist (ENT) to address chronic sinus or throat infections. Others need help from a gastroenterologist (GI specialist) for issues in the stomach and/or esophagus.
Managing chronic disease-related bad breath involves addressing the underlying condition. This may involve making lifestyle changes, such as managing blood sugar levels in diabetes or following a specific diet for kidney or liver disease. It is important to work closely with your healthcare provider to develop a comprehensive treatment plan.
Halitosis, or bad breath, can have a significant impact on oral health and social interactions. It is caused by a variety of factors, including poor oral hygiene, gum disease, and certain medical conditions. Maintaining good oral hygiene, using mouthwash, and incorporating natural remedies can help prevent and treat bad breath.
Ultimately, the bad-breath campaign was so successful that marketing historians refer to it as the “halitosis appeal”—shorthand for using fear to sell product. And, while the modern advertising industry is no stranger to creating a problem to sell its solution, Listerine’s medicalization of mouth odors might just be one of the most successful iterations yet.