Academy of General Dentistry: "What is Halitosis?" "Does a Smaller Waist Mean Smelly Breath?"
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Most of the time, we ourselves are the cause of bad breath by not paying enough attention to our daily oral hygiene. The most common mistakes we make are brushing teeth too short and not thoroughly, brushing with an improper technique, brushing teeth too infrequently, not cleaning the interdental spaces, neglecting the care of the tongue.
Even if you cannot brush your teeth right after every meal, drinking water should help clear away leftover food particles. This will result in less bacteria buildup, in turn preventing bad breath from occurring. It is better to drink water after meals rather than sugary drinks, as sugar exacerbates the buildup of bacteria.
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.
1. Removes plaque: Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the surfaces of your teeth. If not removed, it can harden into tartar, which can contribute to bad breath. Flossing helps remove plaque from areas that a toothbrush cannot reach.
It's wise to brush those gnashers regularly to avoid whiffy breath, even if you're a hippo at London Zoo (Credit: Getty Images)
The problem with this method is that breathing into your hands doesn’t propel breath out from the back of your mouth in the same way that happens when you talk. So when you breathe into your hand you might miss out on the smells from the gases produced at the back of your tongue, the main place where bad breath originates.
Good oral hygiene and fresh breath are not only important for maintaining a healthy mouth, but they also play a crucial role in our overall well-being. Bad breath, also known as halitosis, can be embarrassing and can have a negative impact on our social interactions and self-esteem. Understanding the causes of bad breath and taking steps to prevent it can help us maintain fresh breath and improve our oral health.
Small tonsil stones may not cause any symptoms that you’d notice. Even when they’re large, some tonsil stones are found only after X-rays or CT scans. Symptoms include:
Your diet can play a significant role in preventing bad breath. Certain foods and drinks can contribute to bad breath, while others can help freshen your breath. Here are some foods and drinks to be aware of:
It’s early days, so for now the medical advice is to brush and floss your teeth carefully, to drink plenty of water, not to smoke, to eat a balanced diet and to see your dentist about bad breath in case you have early signs of gum disease.
Bad breath from the throat can be embarrassing and affect one's confidence in social situations. Understanding the causes and taking steps to prevent and treat bad breath from the throat is essential for improving overall health and well-being.
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Other medical conditions such as tonsil stones and postnasal drip can also contribute to bad breath from the throat. Tonsil stones are small, hard deposits that form in the crevices of the tonsils. These stones can harbor bacteria and emit a foul odor. Postnasal drip occurs when excess mucus drips down the back of the throat, providing a breeding ground for bacteria.
Imaging tests, such as X-rays or CT scans, may be used to get a more detailed view of the tonsils and confirm the presence of tonsil stones.
The medical condition dry mouth (also called xerostomia) also can cause bad breath. Saliva is necessary to moisten the mouth, neutralize acids produced by plaque, and wash away dead cells that build up on the tongue, gums, and cheeks. If not removed, these cells decompose and can cause bad breath. Dry mouth may be a side effect of various medications, salivary gland problems, or continuous breathing through the mouth. In fact, morning breath is worse for people who sleep with their mouths open.