Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic practice that involves swishing oil in the mouth for several minutes. This practice is believed to help remove bacteria and toxins from the mouth, improving oral health and combating bad breath.
Halitosis, also known as bad breath, can be caused by various factors, some of which originate in the mouth, while others may stem from elsewhere in the body. Here are some of the most common reasons and causes of bad breath or halitosis:
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Drinking green tea can also be beneficial for combating bad breath. Green tea contains polyphenols, which have been shown to have antimicrobial properties that can help kill bacteria in the mouth.
While using mints or sugar-free gum can help to mask the odor, the most effective way to improve bad breath caused by tobacco products is to quit smoking or using other tobacco products. If you’re ready to quit, your dentist and hygienist can connect you to quitting resources and provide support.
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Some people find that rinsing their mouths with a mixture of water and baking soda helps neutralize odors and freshen their breath. Others prefer using essential oils like peppermint or tea tree oil as a natural mouthwash.
As we said before, bad breath can be a sign that things are really wrong in your body. It can mean, for example, that your kidneys are failing. Your kidneys are supposed to filter waste out of your blood, but if they aren’t working properly, it can build up. This can make your breath smell like ammonia, fish, or even urine.
Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, can contribute to bad breath from the throat. Saliva plays a crucial role in washing away food particles and bacteria in the mouth and throat. When there is a lack of saliva production, bacteria can thrive and cause bad breath.
Having tonsil stones once might mean you will have to deal with it again in the future. But specific preventive measures can be taken. These steps are:
Besides stomach ulcers, even gastroesophageal reflux disease can result in foul odor. In this medical condition, the acid from the stomach travels back into the mouth resulting in a burning sensation in the chest as well as throat. The acid also damages the teeth and triggers the growth of bacteria in the mouth. Doctors conduct tests and prescribe medicines after confirming reflux disease symptoms.
Understanding the causes of bad breath can help you make the necessary decisions and changes to address the problem. There are quite a few potential causes of bad breath, and many people have more than just one. While it can be tough to discern exactly which of these problems are leading to the unpleasant smell, we have tools to address each one of them.
Antibiotics may be prescribed in cases where tonsil stones are accompanied by an infection. Antibiotics can help kill the bacteria causing the infection and reduce inflammation in the tonsils.
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.
There’s no one specific “bad breath smell” because there are a variety of different causes for bad breath. Some common causes are:
Poor oral hygiene is one of the main causes of bad breath. When we don't brush and floss regularly, food particles can get trapped in our teeth and gums, leading to the growth of bacteria. These bacteria release sulfur compounds that produce an unpleasant odor. Additionally, plaque buildup on the teeth can also contribute to bad breath.
But if you can’t link your bad breath to specific meals, you should suspect other causes.
Smoking or chewing tobacco-based products also can cause bad breath, stain teeth, reduce your ability to taste foods, and irritate your gums.