A dentist can assess your oral health and identify any underlying issues that may be causing bad breath. They may recommend professional cleanings, treatment for gum disease, or further evaluation for any potential oral health problems.
When someone struggles with chronic bad breath, it causes emotional distress. When you are aware that you have bad breath, you are likely to struggle with confidence and avoid close conversations, exuberant laughter, and intimate encounters. People with self-consciousness regarding bad breath shy away from social interactions to spare themselves embarrassment.
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The Connection Between Smoking and Bad Breath
When it comes to children, issues like poor oral health, dry mouth, tongue bacteria, medicines, oral infections, and mouth breathing can cause halitosis.
At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis, and any new medicines, treatments, or tests. Also write down any new directions your provider gives you.
In addition to masking bad breath, chewing sugar-free gum helps protect your teeth and gums between meals. Teeth are more at risk of an acid attack directly after you’ve eaten. Chewing gum after a meal helps reduce acid and the harm it may cause to your teeth. It prompts the mouth to produce more saliva, which is the mouth’s natural defense against acid.
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4. Refer You to Your Medical Doctor – When all oral causes of bad breath have been ruled out or repaired, we will work with your medical doctor to help you solve persistent bad breath. Some patients will need to see an ear, nose and throat specialist (ENT) to address chronic sinus or throat infections. Others need help from a gastroenterologist (GI specialist) for issues in the stomach and/or esophagus.
Even more concerning to us, as dentists, are the potential health implications of chronic bad breath. Persistent bad breath that does not respond to home care may be the result of a serious health problem. Your bad breath could be a warning sign that you have a dental infection or other medical condition.
Tobacco products, such as cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco, and snuff, stain the teeth and put the body at risk for many diseases. But they also help cause bad breath. Tobacco users also are at higher risk for:
Another side effect of smoking is dry mouth, caused by bacteria in the mouth from tobacco. Dry mouth has a significant correlation to smoking, which is also a leading cause of halitosis. Dry mouth not only affects breath, but also affects gingivitis, making an even bigger case for the importance of regular dental checkups if you are a smoker.
Sinus infections and allergies can cause post-nasal drip, which is when excess mucus drips down the back of the throat. This can lead to a foul odor and bad breath. Treating the underlying sinus infection or allergies can help alleviate bad breath.
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Halitosis in Children: Causes and Prevention
Keeping an eye on your oral health for signs of cavities is important to prevent further tooth decay. Regular visits to the dentist can ensure any early signs are caught and teeth are receiving professional cleaning.
Conclusion
Diagnosing tonsil stones and halitosis typically involves a combination of physical examination, imaging tests, and breath tests.