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For patients who suffer from dry mouth (xerostomia), artificial saliva may be prescribed by a dentist. Health News Could Cellphones Be Harming Men's Sperm? U.S. Infant Mortality Rate Climbs for First Time in 20 Years Playing Pro Football May Shorten Players' Lives, Study Finds Simple Antibiotic Switch for Pneumonia Patients Could Prevent Hospital Infection New A-Fib Ablation Therapy Benefits Women as Much as Men More Health News »
Certain foods and beverages can contribute to bad breath from the throat. Foods such as garlic, onions, and spices contain volatile compounds that can be absorbed into the bloodstream and released through the breath. These compounds can linger in the throat, causing bad breath.
Halitosis vs. normal bad breath: What's the difference?
The Hidden Health Risks of Halitosis: Understanding the Underlying Causes
Our body’s ability to sense chemicals is another chemosensory mechanism that contributes to our senses of smell and taste. In this system, thousands of free nerve endings especially on the moist surfaces of the eyes, nose, mouth, and throat identify sensations like the sting of ammonia, the coolness of menthol, and the heat of chili peppers.
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:
- Sugary foods: Bacteria in the mouth feed on sugar and produce acids that can contribute to bad breath.
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 then exhaled through the lungs. Coffee and alcohol can also dry out the mouth, leading to a decrease in saliva production and an increase in bacteria growth.
Smoking is a bad habit any way you slice it, but one thing it’s fairly well known for is causing halitosis, or “smoker’s breath.” Smoke particles can linger in the throat and lungs for hours, giving your breath a stale scent. The chemicals in tobacco smoke also remain in the mouth, leading to a whole host of secondary causes of bad breath. As mentioned briefly above, tobacco can lead to chronic bad breath by drying out the tongue and gums, leaving a chemical-filmed environment where oral bacteria can run amok. Giving up smoking is good for your body in many ways. Forget better breath – you’ll have a better quality of life!
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.
- Green tea: Green tea contains polyphenols, which have antimicrobial properties that can kill bacteria in the mouth.
To prevent bad breath related to poor oral hygiene, it is important to maintain a regular oral care routine. This includes brushing your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily to remove food particles and plaque from between your teeth, and using mouthwash to kill bacteria and freshen your breath. It is also recommended to visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and check-ups.
However, improper oral hygiene is not the only cause of halitosis formation. This troublesome condition may also occur as a result of using dentures or braces. The hard-to-reach areas around these fillings are difficult to reach with a toothbrush or dental floss, which is why bacteria that cause bad breath thrive there. Other common causes of halitosis include: diabetes, kidney disease and thyroid disease, infections of the sinuses, throat or tonsils, dry mouth, improper eating habits (drinking large amounts of alcohol, smoking, starving oneself), taking certain medications (mainly antidepressants, painkillers and diuretics).
3. Tartar control: Tartar buildup can contribute to bad breath. Look for toothpastes that contain ingredients like pyrophosphates or zinc citrate, which can help prevent tartar formation.
On the other hand, there are foods that can help freshen breath. Apples and carrots, for example, stimulate saliva production, which can help wash away bacteria and food particles in the mouth. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day can also help keep the mouth hydrated and reduce the risk of dry mouth, a common cause of bad breath.