Bad breath is caused by odor-producing bacteria that grow in the mouth. When you don't brush and floss regularly, bacteria accumulate on the bits of food left in your mouth and between your teeth. The sulfur compounds released by these bacteria make your breath smell.
Mouth infections can cause bad breath. However, if your dentist has ruled out other causes and you brush and floss every day, your bad breath could be the result of another problem, such as a sinus condition, gastric reflux, diabetes, liver or kidney disease. In this case, see your healthcare provider.
Gargle With Warm Salt Water
After finding out your mouth stinks, one of the quickest ways to get rid of bad breath is gargling with warm salt water. Mix ½ (half) teaspoon of salt to every 8 ounces of warm water and gargle for 30 to 40 seconds. Spit the warm salt water out and repeat the process 2-3 times.
A course of an antibiotic, effective against anaerobic bacteria (such as metronidazole, to reduce the overgrowth of sulphur-producing bacteria), may also help. Speak to your dentist, doctor or chemist to identify the cause of your halitosis and to find the most effective treatment for you.
Your digestive tract may be the cause of your foul breath if you frequently get heartburn or reflux after eating particular meals, such as dairy and spicy cuisine. These acids may smell sour, which causes gaseous odors to impact your breath.
Your body odor can change due to hormones, the food you eat, infection, medications or underlying conditions like diabetes. Prescription-strength antiperspirants or medications may help.
The rotten egg smell comes from the breakdown of microbes that live in your digestive system. It may be as simple as addressing acid reflux with an over the counter antacid or with a stronger medication if it is more persistent.
Bad breath can occasionally stem from small stones that form in the tonsils and are covered with bacteria that produce odor. Infections or chronic inflammation in the nose, sinuses or throat, which can contribute to postnasal drip, also can cause bad breath.
Some research suggests that our brain automatically filters out triggers or receptors that it deems to be non-threatening through a process called sensory adaptation. According to this theory, our nose may filter out any bad smells coming from the mouth because we have grown accustomed to our own odors.
Mix a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar (organic if possible) into a glass of water and drink up before your next meal. This little hack will help with digestion, lessening bad breath. This mixture can also be gargled like mouthwash.
Halitosis treatment
But your doctor or dentist may also offer you a prescription mouthwash to help treat gum disease.
Bad breath is temporary and is often caused by inadequate brushing, morning breath, or food debris left on teeth. Halitosis is a chronic condition caused by tooth decay and debris on the tongue and gums; unfortunately, halitosis cannot be resolved with simply brushing.
Trimethylaminuria (TMAU) is an uncommon condition that causes an unpleasant, fishy smell. It's also called "fish odour syndrome". Sometimes it's caused by faulty genes that a person inherits from their parents, but this isn't always the case. There's currently no cure, but there are things that can help.
'Like any part of the body that gets sweaty, the area around the vulva can get smelly,' says Dr Rosén. But soaps can disturb the natural balance of the vaginal bacterial flora and possibly increase the risk of bacterial vaginosis. Douching – a method of washing out or rinsing the vagina – can do the same.
Other Symptoms
Everyone also should be aware of other new symptoms, in addition to bad breath, that are possible signs of oral, oropharyngeal (throat) or laryngeal cancer. These symptoms include: A lump in the neck. Persistent ear pain.
Persistent bad breath is typically associated with chronic halitosis, a dental term that describes poor oral hygiene which causes bacteria build-up and gum disease. However, your bad breath could also indicate poor gut health and even a gastrointestinal disorder or condition.
Baking soda can rebalance the levels of acid and help to treat and prevent halitosis. Dissolve half a teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water to make an effective mouth rinse to beat bad breath.
The citric qualities found in a lemon can promote saliva production in your mouth, fighting off the bad breath in the process. Another way you can make the most of the lemon juice is making a mouth rinse from it. Add the lemon juice to a cup of water and rinse your mouth with the solution.
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