Coffee and alcohol can also contribute to bad breath. Both of these beverages can dry out the mouth, leading to a decrease in saliva production. Saliva plays a crucial role in washing away bacteria and food particles, so a decrease in saliva can lead to an increase in bacteria growth and bad breath.
The commonalities between these causes are that the salivary glands are negatively affected, inhibiting the production of saliva. Saliva keeps the mouth moist and washes away any food particles or bacteria from the surface of the teeth. Without the presence of saliva, bacteria or food stays on the surface of the teeth and can start to produce an odour.
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Here are some of the causes of bad breath, so you can be more confident when you show your smile.
The UK health research body Cochrane is currently assembling a review of the scientific literature on interventions for bad breath. In their previous review of mouthwashes in 2008, the five best trials showed that if they contained anti-bacterials such as chlorhexidine and cetylpyridinium chloride, chlorine dioxide or zinc, they could reduce unpleasant smells to an extent. But the authors did call for more trials to be done. Hopefully this next review will be able to give more information about which mouthwashes to choose.
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.
Your tonsils have a very important role. They’re supposed to trap bacteria and debris that would otherwise go into your lungs or stomach. Unfortunately, sometimes they accumulate too much, creating balls of bacterial residue called tonsil stones. These can smell very bad and contribute to bad breath.
With proper treatment and prevention methods, halitosis can be cured within a short period. For bad breath associated with pathologic diseases, the prognosis depends on the severity and treatment of the underlying condition.
In addition to plaque on the teeth, it can also accumulate in the deep grooves and pits on the tongue. For this reason, many people also need to add tongue cleaning to their oral hygiene routines.
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Diabetes can reduce blood flow throughout the body, including gums, by damaging blood vessels. Additionally, diabetes can raise glucose levels in the mouth which may breed bacteria and promote infection. If someone with diabetes develops periodontal disease, it will often take them longer to heal and it will be more severe than someone without diabetes.
In addition, odor-causing bacteria and food particles can cause bad breath if dentures are not properly cleaned.
Serious cases of gingivitis may need to be treated with a periodontist, who are specialists in treating gum disease and restoring bone and tissue loss because of it.
There are several over-the-counter products available that can help manage bad breath from the throat. Mouthwashes and sprays specifically designed for freshening breath can help kill bacteria in the throat and provide a temporary solution for bad breath.
To alleviate bad breath caused by food and beverages, it is essential to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Water helps wash away food particles and bacteria in the mouth and throat. Chewing sugar-free gum can also stimulate saliva production and freshen breath.
Eventually this sludge will turn hard enough to calcify – so if you want them gone then you’re going to have to be proactive!
The Importance of Oral Hygiene in Maintaining Fresh Breath
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