Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It can have a negative impact on social interactions and relationships, leading to embarrassment and self-consciousness. The importance of addressing halitosis goes beyond just the social stigma, as it can also be a sign of underlying oral health issues or other medical conditions. In this article, we will explore the causes of bad breath and provide tips for maintaining good oral hygiene and managing halitosis.
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Dentists usually diagnose bad breath. The diagnosis is based on your health history and mouth odor during the dental exam. The entire mouth is checked to see if a cause can be found, such as an infection. If the dentist can’t find the cause, they will refer you to your primary healthcare provider.
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.
While using mints or sugar-free gum can help to mask the odor, the most effective way to improve bad breath caused by tobacco products is to quit smoking or using other tobacco products. If you’re ready to quit, your dentist and hygienist can connect you to quitting resources and provide support.
St. Louis Sinus Center has solutions for allergies, sinus, and snoring problems that help you live more comfortably. For more information on our services, call our St. Louis or Festus office.
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Halitosis itself is a symptom of an underlying problem. If you feel a foul odor on your breath when you exhale, look out for the possible causes inside and outside your oral cavity. Another way to check whether your breath has an odor or not is to lick your wrist and let the saliva dry. After a few minutes, smell your wrist to figure out if you have bad breath or not. Since most of the causes arise within the oral cavity, the patient might also present with plaque deposits on the tongue and around teeth, redness and bleeding from gums, and multiple carious lesions.
Maintaining fresh breath is not only important for our social and professional interactions but also for our overall health. Bad breath can be a sign of underlying oral health issues, such as gum disease or tooth decay. It can also be an indication of other health conditions, such as respiratory infections or digestive problems.
Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, occurs when there is not enough saliva in the mouth. Saliva plays a crucial role in maintaining oral health by washing away bacteria and food particles that can cause bad breath. When there is a lack of saliva, these bacteria and particles can accumulate in the mouth, leading to bad breath.
These foods and drinks can also affect the pH balance in the mouth, creating an environment that is favorable for bacteria growth. Additionally, they can cause dehydration, which reduces saliva production and increases the risk of bad breath.
You may be wondering what halitosis is. Halitosis refers to the presence of foul-smelling odors originating from the mouth, which can occur occasionally or persistently. The cause of this unpleasant and smelly breath is often attributed to the presence of bacteria on the tongue or in the crevices around the gums. When these bacteria break down, they release volatile sulphur compounds (VSCs), which produce the unpleasant smell in the mouth. The primary VSC responsible for halitosis is hydrogen sulphide, which is typically found at the back of the tongue.
Gargling and using essential oils are two great ways to freshen your breath, fight infections, and kill all of the bacteria that cause the foul smell.
Medical conditions that can cause bad breath
To make lemon water for fresh breath, simply squeeze the juice of half a lemon into a glass of warm water. Drink this mixture first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. You can also add a teaspoon of honey for added flavor and additional antibacterial benefits.
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