Bad breath can be embarrassing, but it’s no reason to be ashamed. The fact is that bad breath affects an estimated 50-75% of the population at some point in their lives. It can have many causes and treatments, so don’t be afraid to take charge and help yourself.
The dentist’s office is not the only place where you can get bad breath. You might be experiencing it right now, and not even know what to do about it. When we eat certain foods, we produce an abundance of sulfur compounds that are responsible for these unpleasant odors. On top of that, some people have naturally higher levels of bacteria in their mouths that create a foul smell when they exhale. Some people also experience dry mouth or have inflamed gums as a result of conditions like diabetes or Sjogren syndrome which can lead to halitosis (bad breath).
In this blog post, I’m going to tell you everything you need to know about bad breath: what causes it, how doctors diagnose it, and how it’s treated.
Coffee is a major cause for bad breath because of its extreme taste and also the effect that it has on saliva production by the oral glands. When drinking coffee, the usual caffeine causes a fall in saliva production immediately after drinking. The saliva is used to moisten the tissues in the mouth and the tongue. It is this saliva that harbours bacteria and causes bad breath because it allows the bacteria to breed. This process continues until the coffee has been drunk completely.
Good oral care consists of two major things: brushing and flossing.
Brushing removes particles of food lodged between the teeth, thus reducing the amount of bacteria that grow on the teeth. It is therefore important to brush the teeth regularly. However, sometimes the brushing is not sufficient. We have a tendency to put too much pressure on the teeth during brushing, so we need to practice oral care techniques like the tongue scraper, which is a special tool that lifts and scrapes the tongue so that we can get rid of leftover food particles that we do not want in our mouth.
Flossing is also an important factor in fighting halitosis. In flossing, we move the floss from the back of the mouth towards the centre of the mouth. This action pulls up food particles stuck between the teeth and reduces the halitosis-causing bacteria. There are some guys that can not take the pressure of the movement of the floss and may result in bleeding. In such cases, consulting a dentist or a medical professional is advisable.
Certain foods cause bad breath. Some of these foods include onions, garlic, milk, and some types of fish. Some people are sensitive to these odor-causing food particles and may not be able to overcome the smell. This is why it is important to know how to avoid them. Some simple ways to make sure you eat the right kinds of food and avoid foul breath include chewing some mints or parsley, chewing gum made of baking soda or salt, and rinsing your mouth with water after eating certain foods.
Daily brushing twice a day is an important part of oral hygiene. Brushing prevents bad breath by removing food particles that cause plaque and thus reduce the amount of bacteria present in the mouth. If you feel that brushing is not sufficient to keep plaque at bay, you can purchase a special toothbrush called a tongue scraper. This is a good alternative to brushing as it removes food particles stuck between your teeth.
People suffering from halitosis are advised to avoid certain foods such as garlic, onions, milk, and certain types of fish because these foods are rich in volatile sulfur compounds (VSC), which are odor-causing agents. Some of these odors are also found in other foods such as eggs and bread. If you have halitosis and your doctor prescribed you a diet that is high in fat then you should limit its consumption to two or three meals a day rather than all day long.
The mouthwash that you use is also another way to prevent halitosis. Most mouthwashes are made of alcohol and thus may contribute to the cause of bad breath. However, there are many mouthwashes that are specifically made for preventing halitosis and these are more preferable because they do not contain harmful ingredients. There are also mouthwash products available in the market today that contain antibacterial agents that kill the bacteria present in the mouth. These products are mostly preferred over antibacterial mouthwash because they have fewer side effects.
It should be noted that excessive saliva can also cause bad breath. Certain conditions, such as diabetes, kidney problems, hyperthyroidism, and dry mouth, can result in excessive saliva output and thus can lead to dry mouth. A person with dry mouth will tend to produce more saliva and this will result in more production of volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) in the mouth. Excessive VSCs are known to produce an odor. The mouthwash products that contain alcohol in them will only add to the amount of saliva produced by the body and hence will contribute to dry mouth. It is therefore advised that one should try to use a product that contains antiseptics and antioxidant in it so as to overcome dry mouth and bad breath.
Bad Breath from Throat: Causes and Remedies
What Actually Is Bad Breath?
Halitosis is the terminology used to define the condition of bad breath. It is when an unpleasant odor emanates from a person’s mouth which can be a cause of discomfort or unpleasant feeling for people around. Bad
Bad Breath can be caused due to a variety of reasons which will be discussed in this article and the remedies (including products and procedures) which can be applied for its cure.
Causes of Bad Breath from Throat
There can be numerous causes for bad breath like overconsumption of acidic foods for e.g. onions, garlic, cheese, cauliflower etc. Smoking habits and poor oral hygiene practices only seem to aggravate the problem of bad breath. Dental problems such as cavities can also be the reason that’s causing false aroma from the breath. Additionally, it can occur because of having a sore throat, or even other throat issues including throat cancer. Having problems involving the sinus area can also contribute to the bad breath issue. In other words it can be said that a debris accumulation in the throat can be a major cause of bad breath. The debris , if one may say that way, needs to be cleansed and treated in order to heal bad breath. The tonsils, palatine and nasopharyngeal are prone to bacterial infections, becoming a breeding ground for microorganisms that cause sulphur like smell in the mouth. Moreover, the bacteria causing bad breath can also be found on the tongue and gums.
Remedies of Bad Breath From Throat
There are quite a lot remedial products available in the market for curing bad breath depending on the real cause of bad breath. Before discussing those products, there are some measures that can be taken by anyone planning to battle the bad breath issue. These remedies include:
- The intake of lots of fluid such as water, and fresh juices can really help cure bad breath. This is to keep the tongue, gums and throat properly moisturized and to keep these parts properly lubricated. It will definitely help in controlling the bad breath problem.
- Good oral hygiene practices such as brushing twice a day at least and using a good mouthwash (for flossing) could also help you in your fight against the breath issues and boost your self-confidence by a mile.
Here’s what we suggest you to use to remove your bad breath from its sore:
Use a Superior Toothbrush
Brushing twice a day with an awesome toothbrush can give you fresh breath all day long. We suggest.
This toothbrush is just an amazing product from ORAL B. It is 2x time more efficient against plaque than a normal toothbrush and has a clinically proven superior 3D cleaning system. The pressure sensors integrated in the brush stop pulsating when you are brushing a bit too hard.
The brush also has an in-handle timer: This feature pulses every 30 seconds to notify you to switch sides, assisting its user in every possible way.
People who have used this product are quite satisfied with it and cannot imagine a switch to any other toothpaste. Surely it is worth giving a try. If this toothbrush doesn’t suit you, then you could choose one from our best sonicare toothbrushes.
Change Your Toothpaste
If you are having a bad breath even after brushing your teeth twice a day, then you surely need to change your Toothpaste. We suggest Cruelty-Free/Vegan Toothpaste Brands. It gives you 12 hours of fresh breath right after brushing. So, if you brush twice a day you do not need to worry about having a bad breath.
We have an article about the best toothpaste for bad breath. You can read that to choose the right toothpaste for you.
Use a Top Notch Oral Rinse
Oral Rinse is another amazing product when it comes to healing bad breath. It has been recommended by dentists for over 20 years and is proven to work quite quite efficiently and has a prolonged effect. The dentist recommended The Breath Co Fresh Breath Oral Rinse prevents the mouth from going dry and sticky and is completely free from alcohol, artificial colors and flavors. The Oral rinse has a mild mint flavor that is soothing to the senses.
Key benefits of The Breath Co Fresh Breath Oral Rinse:
- It’s very effective and fast. Stops bad breath completely.
- Helps to recover from dry mouth problem.
- It has a mild mint flavour, thus it doesn’t burn your mouth.
- It does not contain any alcohol or added colors.
Now that you are aware of bad breath and its causes and remedies, we hope you will be in a better position to fight it off. In most of the cases you will be able to prevent this from occurring if you follow a healthy dental hygiene and stay away from foods or drinks that contain strong stench. Nonetheless, if you still have this issue there are many products available, as mentioned earlier.
Bad Breath From Nose: Causes and Cure
Bad breath can be annoying and is often left unnoticed by the person having it. Even though, a bad breath is common in the morning, a smelly nose may bother you with embarrassing comments if it persists throughout the day.
Usually, we think of oral hygiene when it comes to combatting bad breath, but it would not completely banish the smell if it is coming from your nose.
Read on to understand what causes bad breath from nose and how to deal with it.
Can Bad breath come from the nose?
Bad breath (termed as halitosis) is common and can affect almost anyone. Most often, the bad odor comes from the oral cavity.
There could be many causes for halitosis including poor oral hygiene and certain ailments that coat the tongue making it a perfect place for bacteria to breed.
But in some cases the smell may come from your nose.
Since the nasal cavity and mouth is connected with each other, the origin of bad breath may seem difficult to figure out.
The bacteria present in the mouth may get in the nasal cavity, thereby causing a smelly nose. If left untreated, the bad breath may linger on for years .
Finding out the right cause may help you to configure the underlying condition and treat it likewise to get rid of it.
What causes bad breath coming from the nose?
A bad breath from nose may have many causes, the most prevalent being a post nasal drip . During a post nasal drip, the excess mucus tends to trickle from the back of the nose.
The mucus may cause a coating in the back of the tongue , which provides a perfect bed for bacteria to thrive.
Since these bacteria emit a foul odor, it passes with breath through the nasal cavity. That being said, people suffering from sinusitis and post nasal drip often show such bad breath coming from the nose.
Another reason for a smelly nose is an underlying medical condition that induces bad odor.
Diabetes and liver diseases are most common causes of bad breath. Allergies that causes stuffy nose may also lead to foul odor from the nasal cavity, which goes off naturally when the problem is addressed.
A polyp in the nasal cavity or any blockage is also related with bad breath. Minute objects stuck in the nostrils may produce a bad odor in small children. Apart from this, a high temperature may also cause built up of bacteria leading to bad breath.
How to cure bad breath from the nose?
The treatment for bad breath coming from the nose involves finding out its exact cause as the first line of action.
If you have a post nasal drip, a top quality nasal spray may help you to clear the passage and prevent bacterial growth.
If you have liver problem and diabetes, it is important to get proper treatment for the underlying medical condition. Talk with your physician if you have any blockage on the nasal cavity.
Besides, maintaining a good oral hygiene by cleaning the back of your tongue twice daily may reduce the odor to some extent. Use a mouthwash to check the built up of plaque in your oral cavity .
In addition to the above treatment of bad breath from nose, a decongestant may also help in reducing the production of mucus in the nasal cavity, thereby reducing the built up of bacteria.
If bad breath is persistent for a longer time, you must get professional help from an otolaryngologist to know the actual cause and treatment options available.
Post-Nasal Drip and Bad Breath: Causes and Cures(Explained)
The throat and nose have glands that constantly produce mucus and this amounts to approximately two quarts per day in the average adult.
Mucus is a necessary substance because it works to clean and moisten the nasal membranes, it clears and traps any foreign matter you breathe in, it humidifies the air and it helps to fight infection. Under normal circumstances, you unconsciously swallow this mucus, but there are times when you can feel it dripping or accumulating in your throat and this is when it is referred to as a post-nasal drip.
Post-nasal drip and bad breath often go hand-in-hand. The secretions associated with this condition act as a reservoir for bacteria and it provides the bacteria something adequate to feed on.
This allows the bacteria to grow and thrive. The secretions drip into the back of your throat, sit there and allow the bacteria to sit, live and cause a foul odor. In most cases, the thicker the mucus, the more bacteria that is present to cause the bad breath, but those who experience thinner mucus secretions can also have bad breath as a result.
If you have post-nasal drip, you want to avoid dairy products because this can cause your mucus secretions to be thicker and better able to harbor bacteria. They can also exacerbate congestion and the post-nasal drip as a whole.
The mucus is able to create a film on your tongue that is yellow or white in color and further cause your breath to worsen.
If you feel that you have to often clear your throat or that there is something stuck in your throat, you should be evaluated for a post-nasal drip. You also want to know the thickness of your secretions, so that you can use the proper bad breath remedies.
Causes of Abnormal Mucus Secretions
The secretions associated with post-nasal drip might be thin or thick and there are different causes for each. The most common causes can be taken care of at home using the right oral hygiene products and at-home treatments.
Thinning secretions tend to harbor less bacteria than thicker ones, but bad breath can still be a problem. When secretions are thinned, this is often due to the following:
- Common cold and flu
- Cold temperatures
- Certain spices and foods
- Hormonal changes
- Allergies
- Bright lights
- Pregnancy
- Certain medications, such as those for high blood pressure and birth control
- Structural abnormalities, such as an irregular or deviated septum
In these cases, you want to do something that makes it easier to breathe and something with a strong mint flavor can do the trick. The only exception would be the structural abnormalities which will require that you see your doctor. One product that can help you to breathe easier and freshen your breath is Colgate Total Advanced Pro-Shield Mouthwash. This mouthwash comes in wintermint, peppermint and spearmint flavors and helps to freshen your breath, as well as:
- Keeps your breath fresh for up to 12 hours
- Protects your gums and teeth against decay and disease
- Does not contain alcohol so it will not contribute to dry mouth or cause a burning sensation
- Reduces plaque
- Kills 99% of the germs that can cause dental problems
The thicker your secretions, the worse your breath, so you want to make sure to have an accurate diagnosis. When your secretions are thicker, this can result from the following:
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- Dryness due to heated buildings and homes
- Allergies
- Nose of sinus infections
- Bacterial sinus infection
Dry mouth is a common problem when your mucus secretions are thicker and dry mouth is a common cause of bad breath. This is because you are not producing enough saliva to keep your mouth clean. One of the best oral hygiene products for dry mouth is Biotene PBF Plaque Dissolving Mouthwash. Some features of this mouthwash include:
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- It does not contain alcohol
- It works to cure dry mouth and prevent future recurrence
- It balances the oral environment due to containing a specific enzyme protein
- It keeps your breath fresh for 12 hours
- Reduces the risk of tooth decay and gum disease
Exploring the Treatments of Post-Nasal Drip
If you have a post-nasal drip, the first thing you need to do is determine the underlying cause. This warrants a trip to your healthcare provider so that you can get an accurate diagnosis. Once you have a diagnosis, the cause can be treated to alleviate your problem. There are a number of treatment options available and your healthcare provider will discuss the underlying cause with you and the treatments that will be effective. The sooner you are able to get your post-nasal drip under control, the sooner you can have better breath and more comfort.
The following are common treatments for the most common causes of post-nasal drip:
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- Allergies: Your healthcare provider will determine your allergies and recommend an allergy medication. You should also do everything possible to avoid your allergy.
- Bacterial or sinus infection: If you have a bacterial or a sinus infection, you will need an antibiotic. A simple blood test can tell you if either of these problems are present. Make sure to take the full course of antibiotics to ensure that you are cured.
- Structural abnormalities: You may require surgery to correct the abnormality and fix your post-nasal drip.
- Dry mouth: Your healthcare provider will recommend products and remedies that stimulate saliva production to keep your mouth moist.
- Cold or flu: These are viral illnesses and typically just need to run their course as you treat the symptoms as you recover.
- Medications: Your doctor can adjust your dose or make a medication change.
- Hormonal changes or pregnancy: If there is a hormonal imbalance, a simple blood test will reveal this and there are medications to put the hormones back in balance.
Using the Right Products to Freshen Your Breath
Getting your post-nasal drip under control will go a long way to freshen your breath, but you also want to use products and remedies that will directly work to improve your breath and oral health. Of course, your choice of dental hygiene products is going to be one of the most important decisions that you make. After this, there are a few other things you can do and use to help improve your breath and your overall dental health. These products and remedies will ensure that your breath is immediately fresher and that it stays this way long-term.
When you are looking at toothpaste options, you want a toothpaste that provides a total and protective clean. One popular option, especially when trying to alleviate bad breath associated with post-nasal drip is TheraBreath Dentist Recommended Fresh Breath Dry Mouth Toothpaste. This toothpaste is especially helpful for bad breath that is associated with dry mouth, a common problem with thick post-nasal drip secretions. Some features of this toothpaste include:
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- Contains aloe to soothe the oral cavity and alleviate dry mouth
- Does not contain any artificial colors, flavors or detergents
- Dentists recommend this toothpaste for dry mouth and bad breath
- The formula works to fight against tartar and cavities
- Instantly stops bad breath
While general floss is effective, using a Waterpik to get between your teeth is an even better option. One of the most popular options is the Waterpik Ultra Water Flosser. It removes debris, plaque and bacteria so that they are not allowed to sit and contribute to bad breath.
This product can also add a little extra moisture to your mouth to help combat dry mouth. Features of this Waterpik include:
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- Operates at 10 to 90 PSI
- Provides a 93 percent better clean compared to traditional floss
- Provides 1,200 pulses per minute
- Can dislodge debris and bacteria that are below the gum line and deep between your teeth
Since a post-nasal drip can make your mouth dry, you want to find a mouthwash that is free from alcohol so that it will not further cause dryness. Once popular option that does not contain alcohol or other chemicals is Listerine Zero Mouthwash.
Using it two to three times daily will help to ensure that the causative factors of your bad breath are neutralized and washed away. Use this product after brushing and flossing to get rid of any leftover bacteria and debris for a fresher and cleaner mouth. Features of this mouthwash include:
It is not practical to carry your whole dental hygiene routine around with you, but there are plenty of times when you need to freshen your breath on the go. Carry a breath spray with you that will easily fit into your pocket or purse, such as New Cool Mint Listerine Pocket Mist.
6 Bad Breath Myths That People Think Are True
Are you looking for a bad breath solution? Halitosis (another word for bad breath) can turn your life into a social and relationship nightmare. You wouldn’t think that a simple odor could have such a huge impact in so many areas.
Unfortunately, this one condition – bad breath – can have a negative impact on your overall image. That is what makes finding a bad breath solution so important to those who are suffering from halitosis.
Bad breath is interfering with your ability to be yourself and to project the best image of your personality and lifestyle.
Your top priority when searching for the most effective bad breath solution should be to start with a complete understanding of what causes halitosis.
Unfortunately, the subject of bad breath and effective natural cures for bad breath has been clouded with a collection of myths, untruths and misunderstandings. Let’s review some of the misinformation commonly available and see if we can clear some of the clouds away.
Myth: My Breath Smells Fine To Me
Many people believe that if they can’t detect the problem of halitosis, then they don’t have the problem. You may even know someone (wink, wink) that will check their breath by breathing into their cupped hands and taking a healthy whiff.
This might work sometimes if you’re checking for the garlic smell from lunch or whiskey vapors from your after-work cocktail. But in terms of chronic halitosis due to by long-term factors, this little method won’t help your friend (wink, wink) at all.
That’s because the more serious issues that require an effective bad breath solution start deeper in your mouth and throat.
Odors are more likely to be produced from everyday activities like talking as opposed to just puffing out a few breaths for a nose check. Another problem with this self-check method is that you tend to get used to the scent of your own breath, good or bad.
So your breath almost always smells normal to you.
Myth: My Parents Are Responsible for My Bad Breath
Halitosis itself is not passed on from one generation to the next. There is no such thing as a bad breath gene.
Now, having said that, it is true that there may be a few hereditary conditions involved. Anything that makes your mouth and digestive tract a more attractive home for bacteria could increase your chances of developing chronic bad breath.
But in general, the good news is that instead of resigning yourself to living with halitosis, you can take hope that an effective bad breath solution is possible.
Myth: My Stomach Is Responsible
The real source of bad breath actually has very little to do with what’s in your stomach. The real culprit when it comes to halitosis is the build-up of bacteria in your throat.
As bacteria progress through their life cycle, they produce malodorous by-products like sulphur.
It is possible for some people to develop digestive halitosis, which is bad breath that does originate in the stomach. If you have any sort of problems with the digestive enzymes in your stomach, there is a possibility that you may suffer from digestive halitosis.
Otherwise, the origin of bad breath is usually located in the back of your mouth and throat, not in your stomach.
Myth: My Mouthwash Must Not Be Working
One quick bad breath solution that everyone knows about is mouthwash. Another convenient option is breath mints. Unfortunately, neither of these is a true bad breath solution.
They might disguise the odor temporarily, at best. In reality, options like mouthwash could make halitosis even worse.
The drying action of alcohol that is found in many mouthwashes could make your mouth an even more attractive breeding ground for odor-causing bacteria.
Myth: My Diet Is Responsible
It is true that certain foods can make a big difference in your breath. Cheese, onions, garlic–all of these can cause a temporary change in the scent of your breath.
And for temporary causes like these, a temporary bad breath solution like breath mints makes a lot of sense.
Other foods contain sulphur (cauliflower is an example) and can increase the sulphur in our bodily systems, which is eventually expelled through our breath.
The more important factor in chronic halitosis is leftovers. No, not the potato salad mutating in your fridge.
It’s the leftover food particles in your mouth. Whenever food particles are not completely removed, you provide bacteria with an excellent source of food.
They live, grow, multiply and produce sulphur in the process. This sulphur by-product of the bacteria feast in your mouth is the primary cause of your bad breath.
The best way to get rid of your mouth leftovers and put the bacteria on a starvation diet is to be more diligent with your dental hygiene. Floss, brush your teeth and use a good antiseptic, non-alcoholic mouthwash.
Myth: I Already Use Probiotics and Hydrogen Peroxide
Although probiotics and hydrogen peroxide sound like wonderful natural cures for bad breath, but there is no clear evidence that these remedies will provide a bad breath solution.
In fact, regular use of hydrogen peroxide as a rinse can be toxic to the cells in your oral tissues.
Try some gentler natural options and give your mouth a break from this harsh chemical.
Now that you can separate fact from fiction regarding bad breath and chronic halitosis, you can start trying to find the most effective bad breath solution for you.
Whether it is fair or not, people often form an opinion of you based on first impressions. Don’t let your bad breath put you in a bad light from the beginning.
Final Words
As we’ve come to the end of our article, now we would like to know which of these myths you believed previously?
How To Check Your Bad Breath?
People who suffer from chronic bad breath are continually worried about offending the people around them. They feel shy to talk to people. They don’t join parties and any kind of public gathering.
If you are one of them, you know how bad it feels to be a “bad breath” guy. But, if you are not sure whether you have bad breath or not, we are here to help you.
There are a number of ways to check yourself for bad breath before going into a public setting.
Halimeter
Halimeters can be found in many dentist offices, where they are used by dental professionals to help diagnose patients’ issues with halitosis. The halimeter was introduced in the 1990s, by the Interscan Corporation. The instrument measures the volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) in the mouth and throat, and to a lesser extent methyl mercaptan, another foul-smelling compound produced by the anaerobic bacteria in the mouth. Halimeters have very sensitive electrochemical sensors which are able to detect these compounds down to the parts-per-billion level.
You can find a ton of bad breath tester on amazon. But finding the best one with an affordable price can be tricky. Our suggestion is to use the TANITA Slim white bad breath checker.
Traditional Testing Methods
In addition to using a precision instrument like a halimeter to measure bad breath, there are a number of simple tests a person can do at home which don’t require any instrumentation to get results. The following are recommended by Dr. Harold Katz; a noted bad breath expert and the dentist who introduced the TheraBreath brand of halitosis products:
- The Cotton Test. The Cotton Test includes wiping the top surface of the tongue with a piece of cotton gauze and then smelling it. If a yellowish stain is noticed on the cotton, it may be a sure sign that you have an elevated level of VSCs in your mouth.
- The Lick Test. To perform the Lick Test, lick the back of your hand. Let the licked spot dry for about 10 seconds and then smell it. If an odor is noticed, you may have a bad breath. Licking your hand deposits sulfur-salts from your tongue, which can be an indication of elevated VSCs in your mouth.This is one of the easiest and working ways of checking your bad breath.
- The Dental Floss Test. For the Dental Floss Test, take a length of dental floss and floss between your back molars. This is done because the back molars are a likely place in your mouth for food residue to get caught. After flossing in this manner, smell the floss. This may be an indication of the level of odors others detect when they are standing near you.
- The Mirror Test. Stand in front of the mirror and stick your tongue out as far as possible. If you notice that the very back of your tongue has a whitish hue, it may be an indication that you have bad breath.
- The Observation Test. Judge the reaction of others when you interact with them. If they step away from you or offer you gum or mints, this may be an indication that you are suffering from halitosis. You can then perform some of the simple tests discussed above to confirm your suspicions.
- The Ask Test. Ask the opinion of someone you can trust, such as a trusted friend, your spouse/significant other, or your children.
- The Diet Test. If certain foods alter your taste, it is a good sign that VSCs are being produced. If you can pinpoint foods that aggravate your halitosis problem, you can try to avoid them when you are going to be in a public setting.
If you think you might be suffering from chronic halitosis, ask your dentist to measure your breath with a halimeter the next time you have a dental checkup. Once you know you have a tendency for elevated VSCs, you can then perform some of the simple tests outlined by Dr. Katz to test your breath before you go out in public, and take appropriate action to correct the issues.
Bad Breath Solution That Really Works
Numerous bad breath solutions have flooded the market and it is hard to find the right one that works every single time. A normal adult will end up fighting bad breath at some point.
Some have the misfortune of experiencing it more often. The severity of the bad breath problem also depends on the person’s lifestyle and health.
So how do we figure out which bad breath solution works?
First, you have to understand that every instance and every individual is different. There is no “one” cure that will magically remove bad breath.
Knowing the exact cause of bad breath is almost always the key to solving the mystery of which solution to follow. The two basic solutions for bad breath include following proper oral hygiene and keeping yourself hydrated.
Oral hygiene refers to the frequent brushing of teeth properly. Professionals recommend doing this after every meal to make sure you remove all traces of food particles and hopefully some of the bacteria as well.
But oral hygiene doesn’t just stop at brushing. It also includes flossing and tongue scraping. Brushing your teeth doesn’t guarantee that you will catch all the food particles because some of them are stuck in between.
Tongue scraping is to make sure that all the bacteria hiding in the tongue (and producing that filmy white substance) is removed.
Keeping hydrated, on the other hand, helps keep your mouth clean. You take a bath to keep your body clean – you should be drinking water to rinse your mouth as well.
Other than the 2 basic ways, you need to know the cause of your halitosis.
Is it short term or long term?
Is it because of something you ingested, or is there a deeper underlying issue?
For short term halitosis, it is much easier to cure because it usually dissipates as fast as it comes. You can even follow some recommended bad breath solutions like chewing mint leaves, gargling with non-alcoholic mouthwash, and drinking tea.
Some of the causes of short-term halitosis include:
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- Drinking too much alcohol, causing your mouth to become dry
- Eating heavily spiced food
- Eating onions, garlic, and other pungent food
- Constipation
- Lack of oral hygiene
On the other hand, long-term halitosis is much harder to cure. It is best to know the underlying cause to understand the best way to fight it off.
Normally, this requires a trip to the doctor or dentist or taking medication to cure the disease. Sometimes, it can even be caused by a medication you’re taking.
Some of the long-term causes of halitosis include:
- Sinusitis or the flu
- Periodontal disease
- Post nasal drip
- Any number of oral diseases
Choosing the right solution isn’t so hard when you have all the necessary facts to fight it.
Making these lifestyle changes should be easy since I’m sure, you do not want to become a perennial victim of bad breath. Once you’ve identified the bad breath cause, finding the best bad breath solution will be easy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nvphu7OO2iM
Bad breath and your overall health
Bad breath is not only socially embarrassing, but it can also be a signal of an underlying health condition. It is commonly caused by poor oral hygiene and the accumulation of bacteria in the mouth, but it can also be a symptom of a more serious medical issue. For example, if you have chronic bad breath, it could be a sign of gum disease or an abscess in your teeth. Other medical conditions that can cause bad breath include diabetes, liver disease, or kidney failure.
It is important to take steps to prevent bad breath, such as brushing twice a day, flossing, and using mouthwash. However, if you are still experiencing bad breath despite good oral hygiene, it is worth visiting your dentist or a medical professional. They can help determine the underlying cause and provide appropriate treatment to resolve the issue.
Moreover, bad breath can also negatively affect your overall health. The accumulation of bacteria in the mouth can lead to the development of gum disease, which has been linked to other health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. When bacteria from the mouth enter the bloodstream, it can cause inflammation and damage to other parts of the body. Therefore, maintaining good oral hygiene and addressing underlying health issues can not only improve bad breath, but also prevent more serious health problems.
In summary, bad breath is not only a social concern but can also be an indication of underlying health issues. It is important to practice good oral hygiene and seek professional help if necessary to prevent and address chronic bad breath. Taking care of your oral health can lead to overall health benefits and prevent more serious health problems down the line.
Bad breath and your overall health
Bad breath is not only socially embarrassing, but it can also be a signal of an underlying health condition. It is commonly caused by poor oral hygiene and the accumulation of bacteria in the mouth, but it can also be a symptom of a more serious medical issue. For example, if you have chronic bad breath, it could be a sign of gum disease or an abscess in your teeth. Other medical conditions that can cause bad breath include diabetes, liver disease, or kidney failure.
It is important to take steps to prevent bad breath, such as brushing twice a day, flossing, and using mouthwash. However, if you are still experiencing bad breath despite good oral hygiene, it is worth visiting your dentist or a medical professional. They can help determine the underlying cause and provide appropriate treatment to resolve the issue.
Moreover, bad breath can also negatively affect your overall health. The accumulation of bacteria in the mouth can lead to the development of gum disease, which has been linked to other health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. When bacteria from the mouth enter the bloodstream, it can cause inflammation and damage to other parts of the body. Therefore, maintaining good oral hygiene and addressing underlying health issues can not only improve bad breath, but also prevent more serious health problems.
In summary, bad breath is not only a social concern but can also be an indication of underlying health issues. It is important to practice good oral hygiene and seek professional help if necessary to prevent and address chronic bad breath. Taking care of your oral health can lead to overall health benefits and prevent more serious health problems down the line.
Best practices for oral health
When it comes to oral health, there are several best practices that one can follow to ensure a healthy mouth and teeth. The first and perhaps the most important practice is to brush one’s teeth twice a day with a fluoride-containing toothpaste. This helps remove plaque and prevents tooth decay. It’s also important to use a soft-bristled toothbrush as it’s gentler on your gums and teeth.
Flossing is another crucial component of oral health. It helps remove food particles and plaque buildup from between your teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach. If you find traditional flossing difficult, there are several flossing tools such as interdental brushes and water flossers that can help make the process easier.
In addition to brushing and flossing, it’s important to maintain a healthy diet. Frequent snacking on sugary or starchy foods can lead to tooth decay. It’s best to limit the amount of these foods and opt for healthier options such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day can also help wash away food particles and keep your mouth hydrated.
Lastly, regular visits to your dentist are essential for maintaining good oral health. Your dentist can check for any potential issues and provide guidance on how to improve your oral care routine. Ideally, you should see your dentist every six months. By following these best practices, you can keep your mouth healthy and pristinely clean, ensuring that your teeth and gums stay strong and free of dental problems.
Causes of bad breath
Bad breath, medically known as halitosis, is a common yet embarrassing problem that many people experience. It is often caused by poor oral hygiene, but there are various other causes as well. One of the most common causes of bad breath is the buildup of bacteria in the mouth. When food particles are left behind in the crevices of the teeth or gums, bacteria grows and releases foul-smelling gases that result in bad breath. Poor dental hygiene and not brushing the tongue can also lead to bacterial growth in the mouth.
Another common cause of bad breath is dry mouth or xerostomia. Saliva is vital for maintaining healthy oral hygiene as it helps to neutralize the acids produced by bacteria in the mouth. When the mouth is dry, there is less saliva production, allowing bacteria to thrive and cause bad breath. Certain medications, such as antidepressants, antihistamines, and diuretics, can also cause dry mouth.
Furthermore, bad breath can also be caused by certain foods and drinks. Strong-smelling foods like onions and garlic contain sulfur compounds that are absorbed into the bloodstream and travel to the lungs, where they are exhaled. Drinking alcohol, smoking, and consuming caffeinated beverages can also lead to the onset of bad breath.
Lastly, underlying medical conditions like gum diseases, sinus infections, and gastrointestinal disorders can cause bad breath. Inflammation and infections in the nose and throat often cause postnasal drip, which leads to the accumulation of bacteria in the mouth, causing bad breath. Additionally, stomach ailments such as acid reflux can cause bad breath due to the regurgitation of stomach acids into the mouth.
In conclusion, bad breath can have a variety of causes, including poor dental hygiene, dry mouth, certain foods and drinks, and underlying medical conditions. Maintaining excellent oral hygiene, staying hydrated, and consuming a balanced diet can go a long way in preventing bad breath. If the problem persists despite these efforts, it is essential to consult a dentist or physician to rule out any underlying health problems.
