Foods and Beverages that Contribute to Throat-Related Bad Breath
What we eat can also have a significant impact on our breath. Certain foods and drinks can cause bad breath due to their strong odors or because they are broken down by bacteria in the mouth. Foods such as garlic, onions, and spicy foods are notorious for causing halitosis. Additionally, beverages like coffee and alcohol can also contribute to bad breath.
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Gum disease is caused by plaque - the sticky, often colorless, film of bacteria that constantly forms on teeth. Dry mouth or xerostomia may also cause bad breath due to decreased salivary flow. Saliva cleans your mouth and removes particles that may cause odor. Tobacco products cause bad breath, stain teeth, reduce your ability to taste foods and irritate your gum tissues. Bad breath may also be a sign that you have a serious health problem, such as a respiratory tract infection, chronic sinusitis, postnasal drip, chronic bronchitis, diabetes, gastrointestinal disturbance, liver or kidney ailment.
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Halitosis and Oral Health: The Connection Explained
Smoking can dry out your mouth, resulting in bad breath, and make your mouth smell like an ashtray. Furthermore, smokers are more prone to gum disease, which is another source of bad breath.
Viruses and illnesses, especially those that affect the sinuses, nasal passages, and throat, can sometimes result in halitosis. Offensive breath often accompanies colds and sinus infections. The American Dental Association has reported that chronic bad breath can sometimes also be a sign of certain liver and kidney diseases.
Every individual has a slightly different community of between 100-200 microbes in their mouth. As we are coming to appreciate the human microbiome and the positive role that the millions of bacteria present in our bodies can play, instead of eliminating bacteria from the mouth altogether, scientists are trying to work out how to get the right combination, by targeting specific bacteria for elimination or using probiotics to encourage certain bacteria in the mouth.
On the other hand, there are foods that can actually help freshen breath. Fruits and vegetables, such as apples, carrots, and celery, can help stimulate saliva production and wash away bacteria and food particles that can cause bad breath. Additionally, drinking plenty of water throughout the day can help prevent dry mouth, which is another common cause of bad breath.
Tonsil stones can come out in a cough. Persistent coughing may help in losing some of the stones.
Remember to gargle with salt water and practice good oral hygiene to prevent tonsil stones from forming. Small tonsil stones can be removed at home, but if you have large tonsil stones or are experiencing severe symptoms, it's best to see a doctor for proper treatment.
Over-the-counter products for combating bad breath
Millions of Americans take multiple prescription medications every day, and the combinations of medications can cause severe dry mouth. A dry mouth does not smell good. In a dry mouth, bacteria can proliferate more readily, leading to heavier plaque buildup and a higher risk for dental diseases.
My daughters had to have some extractions done and Dr. Birch was wonderful. I can’t say enough about how patient and... kind he was with them. One daughter had 3 teeth pulled, two of them molars, and he took his time and made sure she was comfortable and not feeling any pain. We have been coming here for over a year now and I am so glad we found this practice. The front staff is friendly and always helpful. I would definitely recommend them.read more
Antiseptic mouthwashes contain ingredients such as chlorhexidine or cetylpyridinium chloride, which help reduce the amount of bacteria in the mouth. These mouthwashes can be effective in freshening breath and preventing gum disease. Fluoride mouthwashes help strengthen tooth enamel and prevent tooth decay. Cosmetic mouthwashes contain ingredients such as mint or cinnamon to temporarily mask bad breath.
It is important to note that while mouthwash can help freshen breath, it should not be used as a substitute for proper oral hygiene practices such as brushing and flossing.
Very caring staff! They did everything possible to make me comfortable with my procedure. I will be using them again.