If your bad breath smells like ammonia, it could be a sign that you may have kidney disease. The kidneys filter out and remove waste and toxins – such as urea, which breaks down into ammonia – from the body through urination. Kidneys also regulate blood pressure and control red blood cell production.
It is true that in a small percentage of cases bad breath is caused by a problem elsewhere in the body such as the ear, nose and throat, kidneys, lungs or intestines, but when this does happen it’s unusual for halitosis to be the only symptom.
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If you smoke or use oral tobacco products, you may experience frequent bad breath. All types of tobacco products can cause bad breath, but they can also lead to much more serious oral health issues. Apart from leaving your mouth smelling like an ashtray, they damage the gum tissue and cause gum disease. If you’ve been using tobacco products for any amount of time, the team at Scott Edwards DDS can check for warning signs.
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The role of oral hygiene in halitosis prevention
Maintaining good oral hygiene can prevent tonsil stones easily. Hence, it is important that you brush and rinse thoroughly every day. But if you have the problem of developing tonsil stones several times, it is best to get rid of them permanently. Visit an E.N.T specialist to know more surgeries such as tonsillectomy. Bad breath due to tonsil stones troubling every day? Visit our doctors today!
If your dentist determines that your mouth is healthy and the odor is not of oral origin, you may be referred to your family doctor or to a specialist to determine the odor source and treatment plan. You can go over a list of your medications with them to see if any of them could be adding to the problem. Work with them to keep diabetes, allergies, and other conditions under control.
If you’re wondering, “do braces cause bad breath,” we’re here to explain. Patients who wear fixed orthodontic appliances, such as braces, are at risk of developing bad breath due to the buildup of food particles on the teeth and poor dental hygiene. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain proper oral hygiene to prevent unpleasant mouth odors. Crooked teeth can cause bad breath as well—as it is more difficult to clean between the teeth. Alternatively, removable orthodontic appliances, such as aligners, may be a better option since they are easier to clean as they can be removed from the mouth.
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:
Certain foods and drinks can contribute to bad breath due to their strong odors or their effects on the mouth. Foods like garlic, onions, and spices contain volatile compounds that are absorbed into the bloodstream and exhaled through the lungs. Coffee and alcohol can leave a lingering odor in the mouth due to their strong flavors.
Saliva usually washes away excess food particles and bacteria that build up on teeth. If you don’t have enough saliva to do this you will definitely suffer from an unpleasant smell. Common causes of decrease saliva are:
Beverages such as coffee and alcohol can also contribute to bad breath. Coffee can leave a strong odor on the breath due to its strong aroma. Alcohol can dry out the mouth, reducing saliva production and promoting bacterial growth.
Conclusion
Occasional bad breath is common and can be easily remedied by practicing good oral hygiene. However, chronic halitosis is a more persistent condition that requires further attention. Halitosis is often caused by underlying medical conditions or poor oral health habits that need to be addressed.
The Importance of Regular Dental Checkups for Fresher Breath
Conclusion:
Although (as you probably know) there’s no cure for the common cold, there are ways to help yourself feel better when you have one. Taking a decongestant can help your nasal passages drain and drinking plenty of water and other fluids can help to flush out excess mucous.