Halitosis (bad breath) is mostly caused by sulphur-producing bacteria that normally live on the surface of the tongue and in the throat. Sometimes, these bacteria start to break down proteins at a very high rate and odorous volatile sulphur compounds (VSC) are released from the back of the tongue and throat.
Halitosis — or bad breath — may be due to poor oral hygiene, but this isn't always the case. It can also occur due to a number of health conditions, including dry mouth, heartburn or even disease in another part of your body. Treatment for halitosis depends on the underlying cause.
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.
You have bad breath
“There's a correlation between people who have periodontal disease and people with cardiovascular disease,” says Florida periodontist David Genet. "While there may not be a direct cause and effect between medical diseases, such as heart disease and dental health, they are closely interrelated.
Periodontal disease. One of the main symptoms of this gum disease is bad-smelling breath, and an unpleasant taste in the mouth. This condition needs immediate care by an oral health professional.
Zinc supplements are available over the counter, or you can try to fill your diet with some zinc-filled foods like pumpkin or other squash seeds, dark chocolate or cocoa, or chickpeas in order to curb your bad breath naturally. Believe it or not, poor belly health can directly affect your breath!
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.
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.
Ranitidine. Ranitidine is an antacid, antireflux agent and antiulcerant, prescribed for peptic ulcer. Your listener might not complain about it but it certainly can drive him or her away from you, and in worse circumstances - bad breath can become the sole reason why people repel from you.
A: While there is no cure for chronic halitosis, following proper oral hygiene habits and using an effective treatment regimen can help to control the condition and keep bad breath at bay.
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.
Bad breath that just won't go away or a constant bad taste in your mouth can be a warning sign of advanced gum disease, which is caused by a sticky, cavity-causing bacteria called plaque. Garlic, onions, coffee… The list of breath-offending foods is long, and what you eat affects the air you exhale.
While deficiency in a number of micronutrients is linked to bad breath, zinc and magnesium are both thought to interact with sulfur. This interaction can help prevent and cure bad breath. Ions of metals such as zinc and magnesium may neutralize sulfur molecules before they form odor.
When it comes to persistent bad breath, the types of probiotic bacteria found in fermented foods like yogurt, sourdough bread and miso soup may help ease the offending odor, a new study suggests.
Bad breath may also be a sign of iron deficiency anaemia.
Unfortunately, the stench of your tasty meal hitchhikes along for the ride, eventually arriving at your lungs, where it pollutes your breath. Since the odor lies in the lungs, the quick fixes for treating bad breath—brushing, flossing and rinsing with mouthwash—are only temporary solutions.
Many medicines are associated with bad breath, usually because they dry out the mouth. Offenders include antihistamines, sedatives, amphetamines, antidepressants, diuretics, decongestants, anticholinergics, and some antipsychotics. Certain vitamin supplements (especially in high doses) are also culprits.
Rinsing with mouthwash allows you to clean virtually your entire mouth and helps freshen your breath. A twice-daily routine of brushing, flossing and rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash like LISTERINE® Mouthwash can help prevent and treat halitosis.
Dry mouth contributes to bad breath, so be sure to drink a sufficient amount of water (six to eight 8-ounce glasses) daily. Drinking water will help keep odor under control because it helps wash away food particles and bacteria, the primary cause of bad breath.
Getting older also makes us more likely to have dry mouths, which can contribute to bad breath. Decreased saliva production allows food particles, debris, and bacteria to linger around the teeth and gums and produce a noticeable odor.