At Gross Dentistas we are aware of the importance and seriousness that the problem of halitosis entails. For this reason, we wanted to write this article dedicated to this matter. Throughout it we will show you what are its origins, causes and the treatments that fight it.
In addition to practicing good oral hygiene and seeking medical attention when necessary, there are several lifestyle changes that can help maintain fresh breath. Quitting smoking or using tobacco products can significantly improve the smell of your breath, as well as your overall health.
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Chronic Diseases and Halitosis: Understanding the Connection
Introduction
Other medical conditions that can cause bad breath include gastrointestinal issues like acid reflux or liver disease. These conditions can cause stomach acids or toxins to be released into the mouth, resulting in an unpleasant odor.
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:
If your tonsil stones keep coming back, if they’re large, or if your tonsils seem overly irritated or swollen, it might be time to visit your doctor.
Because more than ninety percent of bad breath originates in the mouth, your dentist is your first line of defense. In many cases, bad breath is simply a symptom of a bigger problem. Seeing your dentist first is important to rule out dangerous dental infections as the cause of the unpleasant odor.
If you have oral appliances like braces, Invisalign aligners, or dentures, put some extra effort into making sure they’re sparkling clean. Ask your dentist or orthodontist for tips on keeping appliances clean if your having trouble, or are worried about bad breath.
Based on the underlying cause, halitosis is divided into three classes: Physiologic halitosis, pathologic halitosis, and psychogenic halitosis. Food substances usually cause physiologic halitosis with a strong smell, such as onion, garlic, etc. In other cases, the accumulation of food particles within the oral cavity for a long time can also cause bad breath. Any abnormality that reduces the salivary flow rate or causes dry mouth contributes to physiologic halitosis.
3. Rule Out any Other Oral Origin of Bad Breath – We often find tricky spots of plaque buildup on the tongue or tonsil region. We can quickly recognize a dry mouth and help you treat it. You may have an area of consistent food collection that we can address.
Bring someone with you to help you ask questions and remember what your provider tells you.
Parsley is another herb that can help freshen breath. Chewing on a sprig of parsley after a meal can help neutralize odors and promote saliva production, which helps wash away bacteria. Other natural remedies for halitosis include chewing on cloves or cinnamon sticks, which have antimicrobial properties.
The Psychological Effects of Bad Breath on Mental Health
As we said before, bad breath can be a sign that things are really wrong in your body. It can mean, for example, that your kidneys are failing. Your kidneys are supposed to filter waste out of your blood, but if they aren’t working properly, it can build up. This can make your breath smell like ammonia, fish, or even urine.
To prevent bad breath from the throat, it is essential to practice good oral hygiene. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing daily helps remove plaque and food particles that can contribute to bad breath. Additionally, using a tongue scraper to remove bacteria from the surface of the tongue can further reduce bad breath.
Some chewable antacids are flavoured or include breath-freshening ingredients to help tackle both symptoms of acid reflux at once.