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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Here are some of the causes of bad breath, so you can be more confident when you show your smile.
If your dentist determines that your mouth is healthy and the odor is not of oral origin, you may be referred to your family doctor or to a specialist to determine the odor source and treatment plan. You can go over a list of your medications with them to see if any of them could be adding to the problem. Work with them to keep diabetes, allergies, and other conditions under control.
[ii] Everything you need to know about bad breath, MedicalNewsToday https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/166636.php
Loss of smell and taste may result from polyps in the nasal or sinus cavities, hormonal disturbances, or dental problems. They can also be caused by prolonged exposure to certain chemicals such as insecticides, and by some medicines.
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Certain pathological diseases cause Pathologic Halitosis. Most of these occur inside the mouth, such as dental caries, gingivitis, periodontitis, etc. But some of these pathologies might arise from tonsils or sinuses. Tonsillitis, postnasal drip, sinusitis, etc., are typical examples.
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 good oral hygiene is the best way to prevent tonsil stones. Brush and floss regularly, and use mouthwash to help kill bacteria in your mouth.
The liquid will kill the anaerobic bacteria that cause the bad smell and, hopefully, soften and dislodge the stone tucked away in the crevices of your tonsils.
Choosing the right toothpaste is important in fighting halitosis. Here are some ingredients to look for in a toothpaste:
Bad breath can also be caused by certain health conditions, such as dry mouth or diabetes.
Chronic acid reflux – a digestive disorder, also known as GERD, is a condition that affects lower esophageal sphincter, the ring of muscle between stomach and esophagus. A burning sensation in the chest (heartburn), chest pain, difficulty swallowing and regurgitation of food in the mouth are the most common symptoms of GERD. Risk factors include pregnancy, obesity, smoking, eating certain foods etc. The influx of acids and other partially digested particles into the esophagus and mouth cavity can lead to halitosis.
Certain foods and drinks can contribute to bad breath due to their strong odors or their effects on the mouth. Foods like garlic, onions, and spices contain volatile compounds that are absorbed into the bloodstream and exhaled through the lungs. Coffee and alcohol can leave a lingering odor in the mouth due to their strong flavors.
Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is a common problem that affects millions of people worldwide. It can be embarrassing and can have a negative impact on a person's self-esteem and social interactions. While poor oral hygiene is often the main culprit of bad breath, there are other surprising causes that people may not be aware of.
Halitosis caused by intraoral factors results from changes that occur within the mouth and is responsible for the majority of cases of bad breath. The following are the most common intraoral causes of halitosis: