Many smokers suffer from bad breath from time-to-time. Heavy smokers are usually more frequently affected, but occasional smokers also get bad breath. Studies suggest that smokers experience a deterioration in sensitivity, so you may not even realize you have bad breath or be able to smell it on yourself.
A dentist will also examine your mouth for any signs of gum disease or other oral health issues that may be causing bad breath. They may recommend additional treatments or procedures to address these issues and improve your breath odor.
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Drinking water throughout the day helps keep your mouth moist and promotes saliva production. It also helps rinse away any food particles that may be stuck between your teeth or along the gumline. Additionally, water can help dilute any strong odors in your mouth, reducing the likelihood of bad breath.
Your tonsils are filled with nooks and crannies where bacteria and other things, including dead cells and mucus, can get trapped. When this happens, the debris can bond together.
The primary method to prevent halitosis is to brush twice a day, floss regularly, and use mouthwashes to clean and plaque-free your oral cavity. Staying well-hydrated and lessening smoking, alcohol, and caffeine consumption is beneficial. Maintain regular visits with your healthcare provider to identify possible causes before they worsen.
Sinus infection (sinusitis) symptoms can include headaches, a sore throat, and toothaches. Antibiotics and home remedies can relieve sinus infection symptoms.
Herbal teas, such as peppermint, spearmint, and chamomile, can help freshen breath naturally. These teas have antimicrobial properties that can help kill the bacteria responsible for bad breath.
If you have diabetes and are wanting to control bad breath, having a rigid daily oral hygiene can help decrease the buildup of bacteria. Additionally, keeping blood glucose levels in their target range will ensure ketones are kept under control and sugar-free mints or gum can stimulate the production of saliva to avoid dry mouth.
Ear, Nose and Throat Journal: “Coblation Cryptolysis to Treat Tonsil Stones: A Retrospective Case Series.”
After oral hygiene issues, stomach-related problems happen to be the second most reported cause behind foul smells in the mouth.
The team from the BBC TV series 'Trust me I’m a doctor' spoke to dentists about how to spot and avoid bad breath. Watch the video below for their tips: All content within this column is provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other health care professional. The BBC is not responsible or liable for any diagnosis made by a user based on the content of this site. The BBC is not liable for the contents of any external internet sites listed, nor does it endorse any commercial product or service mentioned or advised on any of the sites. Always consult your own GP if you're in any way concerned about your health.
Hi, I'm Benjamin and I have suffered with tonsil stones for 30 years before I realized that I had a chronic problem. I've created this blog as a way to vent my frustrations and help people like yourself discover solutions.
Bad breath, also called halitosis, can be embarrassing, especially when other people comment on it, making you feel self-conscious about talking or even smiling. But chronic bad breath can also be a sign of a larger problem. Most cases of bad breath occur after a meal with onions or other ingredients with strong odors, or after going a long time without brushing. These cases are resolved by brushing or gargling with mouthwash. Chronic halitosis, on the other hand, occurs frequently and can only be temporarily relieved with basic hygiene. This is because chronic bad breath doesn’t exist on its own; it’s often a symptom of a more serious problem and cannot be resolved without the proper treatment. Poor oral hygiene habits: infrequent brushing, not flossing and not rinsing with mouthwash can lead to excessive, odor-causing bacteria in the mouth Chronic illnesses: poorly controlled diabetes can cause a buildup of sugar, which attracts bacteria, while kidney failure can cause a fishy smell in the mouth Medications: Antidepressants, diuretics and other medications that cause dry mouth can reduce your saliva production, making it more hospitable to bacteria Gum disease or infection: whether at the gum line or in the tooth itself, periodontitis and other infections in the mouth can leave an unpleasant taste and a bad odor in your mouth What are the remedies for bad breath?
If you smoke or use oral tobacco products, you may experience frequent bad breath. All types of tobacco products can cause bad breath, but they can also lead to much more serious oral health issues. Apart from leaving your mouth smelling like an ashtray, they damage the gum tissue and cause gum disease. If you’ve been using tobacco products for any amount of time, the team at Scott Edwards DDS can check for warning signs.
Diet plays a significant role in halitosis. Certain foods, such as garlic and onions, contain sulfur compounds that can be released into the bloodstream and exhaled through the lungs, causing bad breath. Avoiding these foods or minimizing their consumption can help reduce halitosis.
Certain medications can also cause bad breath as a side effect. These medications may affect saliva production or alter the balance of bacteria in the mouth, leading to halitosis. Examples of medications that commonly cause bad breath include certain antidepressants, antihistamines, and diuretics.
If your bad breath smells like ammonia, it could be a sign that you may have kidney disease. The kidneys filter out and remove waste and toxins – such as urea, which breaks down into ammonia – from the body through urination. Kidneys also regulate blood pressure and control red blood cell production.