Saliva is a naturally occurring substance in our body that keeps the mouth, esophagus and digestive tract clean. Think of it as engine oil for your mouth and digestive system. Breaking your fast in the morning regenerates saliva so that the digestive system can continue to do its job. Skipping breakfast brings this entire process to a halt, introducing certain compounds in your mouth that not only lead to dryness but also bad breath.
Halitosis, commonly known as bad breath, is a condition characterized by an unpleasant odor coming from the mouth. It can be embarrassing and affect one's self-confidence. Bad breath can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor oral hygiene, certain foods and drinks, smoking, dry mouth, and underlying medical conditions. Symptoms of halitosis may include a persistent bad taste or odor in the mouth, dry mouth, and a white or yellow coating on the tongue.
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There are numerous causes of bad breath. Many causes are harmless, but some conditions that can cause bad breath can be serious. Causes of bad breath include: Bacteria in the mouth Dry mouth Gum disease Food Smoking and tobacco use Certain medical conditions Sinus condition Gastric reflux (GERD) Diabetes Liver or kidney disease Acute rheumatic fever Lung abscess Blood dyscrasias Uremia Diphtheria, dysentery, measles, pneumonia, scarlet fever, tuberculosis Syphilis Hand-Schuller-Christian disease Scurvy Wegner`s granulomatosis Dry mouth When people are stressed, their mouth often gets dry Alcohol and caffeine — which people may consume when stressed — are diuretics that can contribute to dry mouth Without adequate saliva, bacteria can build up Poor eating When people are stressed, they may eat foods that can cause bad breath (foods high in sugar can cause bad breath) Smoking and tobacco use When people are stressed, they may tend to smoke or use tobacco, which can also cause bad breath and oral health problems Acid reflux Stress can aggravate GERD, which can result in bad breath Bad breath (halitosis) is an embarrassing problem of undesirable odor coming from the mouth. An estimated 65% of Americans have had bad breath and many people are not aware they have it.
If you are diabetic, visiting your dentist regularly will ensure any concerns are dealt with promptly and early signs of DKA or gum disease are caught before they can progress.
The UK health research body Cochrane is currently assembling a review of the scientific literature on interventions for bad breath. In their previous review of mouthwashes in 2008, the five best trials showed that if they contained anti-bacterials such as chlorhexidine and cetylpyridinium chloride, chlorine dioxide or zinc, they could reduce unpleasant smells to an extent. But the authors did call for more trials to be done. Hopefully this next review will be able to give more information about which mouthwashes to choose.
What are tonsil stones and how do you get rid of them? Learn more about tonsil stone problems and what you can do about tonsil stones.
Antiseptic mouthwashes contain ingredients such as chlorhexidine or cetylpyridinium chloride, which help reduce the amount of bacteria in the mouth. These mouthwashes can be effective in freshening breath and preventing gum disease. Fluoride mouthwashes help strengthen tooth enamel and prevent tooth decay. Cosmetic mouthwashes contain ingredients such as mint or cinnamon to temporarily mask bad breath.
Take the Dental Health Quiz to test your IQ of oral hygiene, cavities, and common tongue and gum diseases. This quiz covers healthy mouths and teeth from brushing to flossing and everything in between check-ups!
Diet plays a significant role in the development of bad breath. Certain foods, such as garlic and onions, contain sulfur compounds that can be absorbed into the bloodstream and released through the lungs, resulting in bad breath. Other foods, such as coffee and alcohol, can also contribute to bad breath by drying out the mouth.
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A dry socket is a potential complication that can occur when a blood clot in the gums becomes dislodged after a tooth extraction. Dry socket signs and symptoms include pain, mouth odor, and unpleasant taste in the mouth. A dentist may treat a dry socket with analgesic dressing. Over-the-counter pain medications can also relieve symptoms. A dry socket usually heals within 7 days. Avoiding smoking, drinking with a straw, and vigorous rinsing and spitting may help prevent the formation of dry socket.
Can cavities cause bad breath or halitosis? Tooth decay occurs when bacteria break down the tooth enamel and dentin, resulting in cavities. The bacteria responsible for cavities can cause bad breath and are, therefore, can be one of the causes of halitosis.
Dr. Benjamin Greene and Dr. Jonathan Everett at Kirkland Family Dentistry have been providing dental services in Kirkland, Washington for a better part of 25 years and are staunch supporters of effectively eliminating the causes of halitosis rather than aiming to cure them.
This condition originates mainly inside the oral cavity, either due to the accumulation of bacteria on the tongue or due to periodontal diseases, tobacco consumption, dental cavities, among others.
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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