Halitosis and Gum Disease: How to Treat and Prevent
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Gum disease – also called gingivitis – is very common among adults. Gingivitis is caused by an inflammation of the gums due to plaque and bacteria buildup. It is important to follow good oral hygiene habits – like brushing and flossing every day – to prevent gum disease and tooth decay.
Halitosis, also known as bad breath, can be caused by various factors, some of which originate in the mouth, while others may stem from elsewhere in the body. Here are some of the most common reasons and causes of bad breath or halitosis:
If you have dentures, take them out at night. Clean them completely before putting them back in your mouth. Talk with your dentist before using deodorizing sprays or tablets. Some only mask the odor for a short time.
Most of the time, you can remove your tonsil stone at home with ease. Still, it’s crucial to be careful with your tonsils since they’re extremely sensitive and prone to rupture.
If dental malposition is the cause of your halitosis, Impress can assist you in combatting bad breath and treating halitosis using our clear removable orthodontic treatments. With Impress aligners, we can rectify malpositions like crowding or crooked teeth, align your smile, and prevent the accumulation of food debris and bacteria in your mouth that lead to bad breath.We offer various types of orthodontic treatments at Impress, tailored to your needs and the complexity of your case, with transparent prices and no surprises. We also provide financing options if you prefer to pay for your orthodontic treatment in installments.
Regular dental check-ups also provide an opportunity for education and guidance on proper oral hygiene practices. Dentists can provide personalized recommendations for preventing tonsil stones and bad breath based on an individual's specific needs.
UPMC: “What Are Tonsil Stones (Tonsilloliths)? Tonsil Stone Symptoms and Treatment.”
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There are numerous causes of bad breath. Many causes are harmless, but some conditions that can cause bad breath can be serious. Causes of bad breath include: Bacteria in the mouth Dry mouth Gum disease Food Smoking and tobacco use Certain medical conditions Sinus condition Gastric reflux (GERD) Diabetes Liver or kidney disease Acute rheumatic fever Lung abscess Blood dyscrasias Uremia Diphtheria, dysentery, measles, pneumonia, scarlet fever, tuberculosis Syphilis Hand-Schuller-Christian disease Scurvy Wegner`s granulomatosis Dry mouth When people are stressed, their mouth often gets dry Alcohol and caffeine — which people may consume when stressed — are diuretics that can contribute to dry mouth Without adequate saliva, bacteria can build up Poor eating When people are stressed, they may eat foods that can cause bad breath (foods high in sugar can cause bad breath) Smoking and tobacco use When people are stressed, they may tend to smoke or use tobacco, which can also cause bad breath and oral health problems Acid reflux Stress can aggravate GERD, which can result in bad breath Bad breath (halitosis) is an embarrassing problem of undesirable odor coming from the mouth. An estimated 65% of Americans have had bad breath and many people are not aware they have it.
Walking around with bad breath is something that’s not only detrimental to your health but also a nuisance to those around you.
You can tell you have tonsil stones if you can see the white deposits trapped in the crevices of your tonsils. Other times, you might notice them when they come out, “appearing” suddenly in your throat or mouth. They are usually white and can be soft and/or gritty.
It is necessary to understand the cause of halitosis to initiate treatment. Certain diseases that might present with similar features as halitosis include dehydration, diabetes mellitus, liver failure, kidney failure, bronchi or lung infection, tuberculosis, or internal bleeding.
Based on the underlying cause, halitosis is divided into three classes: Physiologic halitosis, pathologic halitosis, and psychogenic halitosis. Food substances usually cause physiologic halitosis with a strong smell, such as onion, garlic, etc. In other cases, the accumulation of food particles within the oral cavity for a long time can also cause bad breath. Any abnormality that reduces the salivary flow rate or causes dry mouth contributes to physiologic halitosis.
Your doctor can usually diagnose tonsil stones with a physical exam. If they’re hidden in the folds of your tonsils, you might need imaging tests, such as CT or MRI scans, to spot them.