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.
Everyone knows how embarrassing bad breath can be. It can even cause anxiety because you can’t always tell what other people are noticing. There are countless products out there aimed at fixing the problem. Gum, mints, mouthwash, and other products can be found in any store. Approximately 30% of the population complains of some sort of bad breath. But what causes bad breath, and how can you avoid it? Most problems can be solved by keeping your mouth and teeth clean is a simple solution. However, sometimes bad breath is an indication of a more serious health condition, and you’ll need to talk to one of the doctors at Scott Edwards DDS.
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Halitosis, or bad breath, can have a significant impact on oral health and social interactions. Understanding the causes of halitosis and how to prevent and treat it is essential for maintaining good oral health and overall well-being.
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.
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In some cases, larger tonsil stones may cause difficulty swallowing or breathing. This can be particularly concerning in children or individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions.
Halitosis is an oral health problem where the main symptom is bad smelling breath. In most cases, finding the cause of the bad breath is the first step toward treating this preventable condition.
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:
Laser cryptolysis is another medical treatment option. This procedure uses laser technology to reshape the tonsil crypts, reducing the likelihood of debris and bacteria becoming trapped and forming tonsil stones.
To remove your tonsil stones, use a tonsil stone pick or water flosser on a very low setting, but never put too much pressure on your tonsils, even if you cannot get the stone out. Check out my article on the best tonsil stone removal tools.
Most of the bad smell comes from volatile sulphur compounds, gases with distinctive odours. Hydrogen sulphide, with its classic rotten eggs smell is one of the main offenders, but even worse is a substance called ethyl mercaptan which tends to be described as smelling of decomposing cabbage. It’s the compound which makes some people’s urine particularly pungent after they’ve eaten asparagus.
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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.
Bad breath bacteria loves the back of your tongue, because it’s an area that’s often neglected, allowing the stinky stuff to multiply. Use a toothbrush or a tongue scraper to clear them all out during your morning and evening hygiene routine.
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If gingivitis is left untreated, it can progress to periodontal disease, which affects the bone and gums that keep teeth in place. Over time, plaque buildup causes weakened gums and bone loss, leading to spaces around the teeth that need professional cleaning.
It's wise to brush those gnashers regularly to avoid whiffy breath, even if you're a hippo at London Zoo (Credit: Getty Images)