Do you know what causes bad breath (halitosis)? Learn how drinking alcohol, gum disease, poor health, smoking, certain foods like garlic, and even dieting can lead to chronic bad breath. Find out how to get rid of bad breath as well, with information on brushing, mouth wash, and expert oral care.
Tonsillitis is a common infection, especially in kids. Tonsillitis is caused by viruses and bacteria like the flu and herpes simplex virus, and Streptococcus bacteria. These viruses and bacterium are spread person to person. Symptoms of tonsillitis are a yellow or white coating on the tonsils, throat pain, pain when swallowing, and hoarseness.
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Chronic sinus issues can also increase the risk of tonsil stones. When you have sinus problems, your sinuses produce more mucus, which can drip down the back of your throat and contribute to the formation of tonsil stones.
If you suspect that your medication is causing bad breath, it is important to consult with your healthcare provider. They may be able to adjust your dosage or prescribe an alternative medication that does not have the same side effect. It is important to never stop taking prescribed medications without consulting a healthcare professional.
An infected tooth is another place where anaerobic bacteria can build up. An infected tooth is such a good place for bacteria to collect that it can actually serve as the jumping-off point for other infections of the bone, sinuses, lungs, or brain.
Unfortunately, even more people are unaware of strong bad breath. These may suffer rifts in personal relationships, avoidance by people at work or social occasions, or romantic rebuffs without understanding the underlying cause. People with chronic bad breath are less likely to advance within the workplace.
It is generally simple to tell if you have bad breath. Others may notice someone has halitosis before the person does, so another person may tell him or her about their bad breath or give them a larger-than-normal personal space. The most obvious sign or symptom of bad breath is noticing an unpleasant smell coming from the mouth. Unpleasant or sour taste or changes in taste Dry mouth A coating on the tongue
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Bad breath, also called halitosis, can be embarrassing, especially when other people comment on it, making you feel self-conscious about talking or even smiling. But chronic bad breath can also be a sign of a larger problem. Most cases of bad breath occur after a meal with onions or other ingredients with strong odors, or after going a long time without brushing. These cases are resolved by brushing or gargling with mouthwash. Chronic halitosis, on the other hand, occurs frequently and can only be temporarily relieved with basic hygiene. This is because chronic bad breath doesn’t exist on its own; it’s often a symptom of a more serious problem and cannot be resolved without the proper treatment. Poor oral hygiene habits: infrequent brushing, not flossing and not rinsing with mouthwash can lead to excessive, odor-causing bacteria in the mouth Chronic illnesses: poorly controlled diabetes can cause a buildup of sugar, which attracts bacteria, while kidney failure can cause a fishy smell in the mouth Medications: Antidepressants, diuretics and other medications that cause dry mouth can reduce your saliva production, making it more hospitable to bacteria Gum disease or infection: whether at the gum line or in the tooth itself, periodontitis and other infections in the mouth can leave an unpleasant taste and a bad odor in your mouth What are the remedies for bad breath?
My regular dentist moved to a new office. I was a little worried at first, but not after my first visit to the new... place. All of the staff were super friendly and this location is closer to my house. A win-win!read more
If your bad breath is a short-term problem, it only requires a short-term solution! But even long-term halitosis sufferers can often find some measure of relief in these quick fixes, such as:
Maintain good oral hygiene: brush your teeth after every meal, paying attention to the interproximal spaces and tongue, and complement brushing with flossing.Use mouthwash to kill bacteria and temporarily stop bad breath.Keep saliva flowing in the mouth by drinking plenty of water or stimulating saliva with foods that require a lot of chewing.Adjust your diet and avoid foods that cause bad breath or are very sugary, as these are closely linked to tooth decay, which can in turn lead to smelly breath.Reduce or eliminate tobacco and alcohol consumption.Visit the dentist once or twice a year to prevent the onset of oral conditions.Have a professional hygiene once or twice a year to remove plaque from your mouth that can lead to tooth decay or periodontal disease.
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Flossing is another essential step in maintaining fresh breath. It helps remove plaque and food debris from between your teeth and along the gumline, where a toothbrush cannot reach. Flossing should be done at least once a day, preferably before bedtime.
Phenomenal team! Everyone was very pleasant and friendly. The dentist talked through everything and provided great care... along with the rest of the staff. Of all the cleanings I’ve had, this was the fastest and least painful. Loved my goodie bag at the end. Moving soon, this office will be an hour away but I still plan to stay with this office.read more
What is halitosis and what causes it?
Dr. Benjamin Greene and Dr. Jonathan Everett at Kirkland Family Dentistry have been providing dental services in Kirkland, Washington for a better part of 25 years and are staunch supporters of effectively eliminating the causes of halitosis rather than aiming to cure them.