Lifestyle changes that can improve overall oral health and prevent bad breath
If you have any questions or concerns we would love to hear from you. Our dental hygienists at Premier Family Dental are open to calls and we can advise you on what steps to take. Don’t be afraid to ask any other dental hygiene-related questions. We always love to help because you are our number one priority!
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Flossing removes food particles and bacteria that get caught between your teeth to cause bad breath. Good oral hygiene, including flossing, is one of the easiest ways to treat bad breath.
1. Peppermint oil: Peppermint oil has a refreshing scent and can help freshen breath. It has antimicrobial properties that can kill bacteria in the mouth. You can add a few drops of peppermint oil to water and use it as a mouthwash or add it to your toothpaste.
Gum disease is caused by plaque - the sticky, often colorless, film of bacteria that constantly forms on teeth. Dry mouth or xerostomia may also cause bad breath due to decreased salivary flow. Saliva cleans your mouth and removes particles that may cause odor. Tobacco products cause bad breath, stain teeth, reduce your ability to taste foods and irritate your gum tissues. Bad breath may also be a sign that you have a serious health problem, such as a respiratory tract infection, chronic sinusitis, postnasal drip, chronic bronchitis, diabetes, gastrointestinal disturbance, liver or kidney ailment.
- Yogurt: Yogurt contains probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that can help balance the oral microbiome and reduce bad breath.
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.
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Chronic rhinitis (non allergic rhinitis) causes runny nose, sneezing, nasal itching and congestion. Post-nasal drip is drainage of mucus from the sinuses into the throat. Treatment includes over-the-counter (OTC) medications.
Halitosis, which is simply the official term for bad breath that is chronic and persistent, can have a wide variety of causes, ranging from simple to serious. Some of the most common offenders include:
For decades after Listerine first hit the market in the 1880s, it was kind of a jack-of-all trades product. Originally invented as a surgical antiseptic (and named after the founding father of antiseptics, Dr. Joseph Lister), its uses were varied—they including foot cleaning, floor scrubbing and gonorrhea treating.
To manage diet-related bad breath, it is important to be mindful of what you eat and drink. Avoiding foods with strong odors or opting for mints or gum after consuming them can help mask the smell. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day can also help flush out bacteria and keep your mouth hydrated, reducing the risk of bad breath.
Tonsil stones are common. Several people get them without even knowing that they have them. They are tiny lumps of hard material that form in the tonsils. Tonsil stones are generally not harmful or painful.
Antibiotics. Medications may help, but they have side effects and can’t fix what’s causing your tonsil stones.Surgical removal. If your tonsil stones are unusually large or causing problems, your doctor might remove them.Tonsillectomy. If tonsil stones are a long-term problem, you might need to have your tonsils taken out.Cryptolysis. This uses a laser or a radiofrequency wand to scar your tonsils, making tonsil stones less likely.Tonsil Stone Home Remedies
Even if food isn’t naturally smelly, it can become smelly if it’s left in your mouth too long. If you’re not cleaning your mouth well enough, food residue can rot in your mouth, causing very bad breath. This is particularly common for people who don’t floss and have residue stuck between their teeth.
If you have more questions about halitosis/bad breath treatment, please contact our office and we will be happy to discuss further. Services Sedation Dentistry Teeth Whitening Wisdom Teeth Removal Cold Sore Treatments Tooth Extractions All Services Quick Links About Us Contact Careers Patient Resources Schedule Online Office Fees Wisdom Teeth Recovery Post Operation Sedation & Dentistry Connect
The most common cause of chronic severe bad breath is a dental infection. We do not mean a simple overgrowth of oral bacteria due to a buildup of plaque. That is what we discussed in the previous section. We mean an active dental disease, like decay (cavities) or gum disease.