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Bad morning breath causes. Morning Breath: Causes, Prevention, and Effective Treatment Strategies

What causes morning breath. How can you prevent morning breath. What are the most effective treatments for morning breath. Why does morning breath occur even with good oral hygiene. How does diet affect morning breath. Can certain health conditions contribute to morning breath. What role does saliva play in preventing morning breath.

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Understanding the Science Behind Morning Breath

Morning breath, scientifically known as halitosis, is a common phenomenon experienced by many individuals upon waking. This unpleasant odor emanating from the mouth can be attributed to several factors that occur during sleep. During the night, saliva production decreases significantly, creating an environment conducive to bacterial growth. These bacteria break down proteins in the mouth, releasing volatile sulfur compounds that result in the characteristic morning breath odor.

Why does saliva production decrease at night? The body’s circadian rhythm naturally reduces saliva flow during sleep to prevent choking. This reduction in saliva, combined with the closed environment of the mouth during sleep, creates ideal conditions for anaerobic bacteria to thrive and produce odorous compounds.

Primary Causes of Morning Breath

Dry Mouth: The Leading Culprit

Dry mouth, or xerostomia, is the most common cause of morning breath. Saliva plays a crucial role in maintaining oral health by washing away food particles, neutralizing acids, and controlling bacterial growth. When saliva production diminishes during sleep, bacteria multiply rapidly, leading to the formation of volatile sulfur compounds that cause bad breath.

Are certain individuals more prone to dry mouth? Yes, some people naturally produce less saliva, while others may experience dry mouth due to medications, medical conditions, or lifestyle factors such as mouth breathing during sleep.

Poor Oral Hygiene: A Breeding Ground for Bacteria

Inadequate oral hygiene practices contribute significantly to morning breath. When food particles remain trapped between teeth, in gum pockets, or on the tongue’s surface, they provide nourishment for bacteria. These microorganisms break down the food debris, releasing malodorous compounds in the process.

How often should one brush and floss to prevent morning breath? Dentists recommend brushing at least twice daily, including right before bed, and flossing once a day to remove food particles and plaque that can lead to morning breath.

The Impact of Diet on Morning Breath

The foods we consume can have a lasting effect on our breath, even hours after eating. Certain foods are notorious for causing persistent bad breath, which can be particularly noticeable in the morning.

  • Garlic and onions: These contain sulfur compounds that are absorbed into the bloodstream and expelled through the lungs, affecting breath odor.
  • Dairy products: These can increase mucus production and thicken saliva, providing more protein for bacteria to break down.
  • High-protein foods: Proteins are broken down into amino acids, which can be converted to volatile sulfur compounds by oral bacteria.
  • Coffee and alcohol: These beverages can dehydrate the mouth, reducing saliva flow and exacerbating morning breath.

How long do food odors persist in breath? Some food odors, particularly those from garlic and onions, can linger in breath for up to 72 hours after consumption.

Health Conditions Associated with Morning Breath

Periodontal Disease: A Hidden Threat

Periodontal disease, which begins as gingivitis, can be a significant contributor to persistent morning breath. This condition creates pockets between the teeth and gums where bacteria thrive, producing a constant source of odor-causing compounds.

How can one recognize the signs of periodontal disease? Look for symptoms such as red, swollen, or bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, and loose teeth. Regular dental check-ups are crucial for early detection and treatment.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Individuals with GERD may experience more severe morning breath due to stomach acid refluxing into the esophagus during sleep. This acid can cause a sour taste and odor in the mouth upon waking.

Can GERD-related morning breath be managed? Yes, treating GERD with acid-reducing medications and lifestyle changes, such as elevating the head during sleep, can help alleviate GERD-related morning breath.

Lifestyle Factors Influencing Morning Breath

Tobacco Use: A Major Contributor

Smoking and other forms of tobacco use significantly increase the risk of morning breath. Tobacco not only dries out the mouth but also leaves behind odorous compounds that linger long after use. Additionally, smokers are more prone to gum disease, which can exacerbate bad breath.

How quickly can quitting tobacco improve breath odor? Many individuals notice an improvement in breath odor within days of quitting tobacco use, with further improvements continuing over time as oral health recovers.

Alcohol Consumption

Regular alcohol consumption, especially in the evening, can contribute to morning breath. Alcohol has a dehydrating effect on the body, reducing saliva production and creating an environment favorable for odor-causing bacteria.

Does the type of alcohol consumed affect morning breath severity? While all alcoholic beverages can contribute to morning breath, those with higher alcohol content or added sugars may have a more pronounced effect.

Effective Strategies for Preventing Morning Breath

  1. Maintain excellent oral hygiene:
    • Brush teeth thoroughly before bed
    • Floss daily to remove food particles
    • Use an antiseptic mouthwash
    • Clean your tongue with a tongue scraper
  2. Stay hydrated:
    • Drink plenty of water throughout the day
    • Consider using a humidifier in your bedroom to prevent dry mouth during sleep
  3. Avoid trigger foods and beverages:
    • Limit consumption of strong-smelling foods in the evening
    • Reduce intake of coffee and alcohol, especially before bedtime
  4. Quit smoking and tobacco use
  5. Chew sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva production
  6. Address underlying health conditions:
    • Seek treatment for GERD or periodontal disease
    • Consult a doctor about medications that may cause dry mouth

How effective are natural remedies in preventing morning breath? While some natural remedies like green tea, parsley, and fennel seeds may help freshen breath temporarily, they are not substitutes for proper oral hygiene and addressing underlying causes.

Treatment Options for Persistent Morning Breath

Professional Dental Care

For individuals experiencing chronic morning breath, professional dental intervention may be necessary. Dentists can perform deep cleanings, including scaling and root planing, to remove plaque and calculus from teeth and gums. In cases of advanced periodontal disease, more extensive treatments or surgery might be required.

How often should one undergo professional dental cleanings? Most dentists recommend professional cleanings every six months, but individuals with a history of gum disease or persistent bad breath may benefit from more frequent visits.

Medical Interventions

In some cases, morning breath may be a symptom of an underlying medical condition requiring treatment. For instance, individuals with GERD may be prescribed acid-reducing medications to be taken before bedtime. Additionally, those experiencing severe dry mouth might benefit from saliva substitutes or medications that stimulate saliva production.

Can probiotics help in treating morning breath? Some studies suggest that certain probiotic strains may help reduce bad breath by promoting a healthier balance of oral bacteria, but more research is needed to confirm their effectiveness.

Innovative Products and Technologies for Combating Morning Breath

The oral care market has seen an influx of innovative products designed to target morning breath specifically. These include:

  • Advanced toothpastes and mouthwashes containing specialized compounds to neutralize odor-causing bacteria
  • Night-time breath strips that slowly release breath-freshening ingredients throughout sleep
  • Tongue cleaning devices with specialized textures to remove bacteria more effectively
  • Smart toothbrushes that track brushing habits and provide feedback on oral hygiene techniques

Are these high-tech oral care products worth the investment? While innovative products can be helpful, they are most effective when used in conjunction with good oral hygiene practices and a healthy lifestyle.

The Role of Diet in Long-term Breath Management

Adopting a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can contribute to better breath over time. These foods help maintain a balanced oral microbiome and provide nutrients essential for gum health. Additionally, crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples and carrots can help mechanically clean teeth and stimulate saliva production.

Can specific foods actively improve breath odor? Some foods, such as parsley, mint, and green tea, contain compounds that may help neutralize bad breath temporarily, but they should not be relied upon as a sole solution.

The Psychological Impact of Morning Breath

While morning breath is a common and natural occurrence, it can have significant psychological effects on individuals. Concerns about morning breath can lead to social anxiety, reduced intimacy in relationships, and decreased self-confidence. Understanding that morning breath is normal and manageable can help alleviate these concerns.

How can one address the anxiety associated with morning breath? Open communication with partners, maintaining good oral hygiene, and seeking professional help when needed can help manage both the physical and psychological aspects of morning breath.

The Future of Morning Breath Research and Treatment

Ongoing research in the field of oral microbiology and breath analysis is paving the way for more targeted treatments for morning breath. Scientists are exploring the use of specific probiotics to promote a healthier oral microbiome and developing more sophisticated breath analysis tools to identify the root causes of bad breath more accurately.

What breakthroughs can we expect in morning breath treatment? Future treatments may include personalized oral care regimens based on an individual’s unique oral microbiome composition and targeted therapies to neutralize specific odor-causing compounds.

Prevention, Causes, Treatment, and More

Morning Breath: Prevention, Causes, Treatment, and More

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Medically reviewed by Christine Frank, DDS — By Ana Gotter — Updated on March 27, 2018

Waking up with morning breath isn’t a fun way to start your day. But it’s extremely common, and most people experience it at some point. Fortunately, it can be treated like all other causes of halitosis (bad breath).

There are a number of different causes of morning breath, but the two biggest causes are dry mouth and bad oral hygiene.

Dry mouth

If you have good oral hygiene, dry mouth is most likely to blame. Saliva is responsible for removing the bacteria that can cause bad breath. When we sleep, saliva production decreases significantly. Certain medications can cause dry mouth, making morning breath even worse.

Poor oral hygiene

Poor oral hygiene is another common cause. Our mouths are the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. If you’re not brushing or flossing effectively, food particles can get stuck in crevices on the surface on the tongue, between the teeth, or along our gum tissue.

The bacteria in your mouth will break down those food particles, which releases the lovely bad breath come morning time.

Morning breath can be a symptom of periodontal disease, especially if poor oral hygiene goes unchecked. Periodontal disease affects the gums, causing infections in pockets beneath the teeth that can cause strong, persistent halitosis. Periodontal disease —which starts as gingivitis — will need to be treated by your dentist.

Eating certain foods

What you put into your body can result in morning breath. Eating strong-smelling foods in the evening like garlic or raw onions can cause morning breath the next day, even if you brush your teeth well.

Tobacco

Tobacco use — particularly smoking — is also directly linked to both morning breath and general halitosis. It can dry out your mouth and make you more prone to gum disease. Add the smoke smell on top, and it can be a recipe for potent breath.

GERD

People with gastrointestinal reflux (GERD) — also known as acid reflux — may experience bad breath due to stomach acid washing back up in their esophagus when they sleep at night.

In many cases, morning breath can be treated at home with a combination of better oral care and lifestyle changes.

Maintaining impeccable oral hygiene is both the best quick fix and long-term solution for bad breath of any kind. Brush your teeth immediately before you go to bed at night, and don’t eat or drink anything afterward. Doing so can introduce food particles that will be broken down over night. Floss your teeth and use an antiseptic mouthwash after using a tongue scraper.

If you wear a retainer or other orthodontic gear, clean it daily. Brush your teeth as soon as you’re awake to eliminate any remaining morning breath.

If you’re smoking or using tobacco, stop immediately.

Sugar-free gum may also be helpful, especially if you’re on the go and experiencing recurrent bad breath along with morning breath. Sugar-free gum doesn’t give the bacteria in your mouth sugar to thrive on. It can also help to stimulate the flow of saliva and freshen your breath simultaneously.

Your dentist will need to treat periodontal disease with deep cleanings. This will likely include a scaling and root planing procedure, where your dentist removes plaque and calculus from the teeth and gums. Depending on how advanced the infection is, surgery may be required.

For those experiencing bad breath as a result of GERD, your doctor can prescribe acid-reducing medication that you can take at night before you sleep. They also may recommend sleeping in a more upright position to reduce acid in the esophagus.

Morning breath can be treated, but most people would prefer to avoid it altogether.

What you put in your body matters a great deal:

  • Drink lots of water, especially before you go to bed at night. This keeps you hydrated, preventing dry mouth and the resulting bad breath.
  • Avoid strong-smelling foods at night, like garlic or onion, and skip out on coffee (even decaf) once the afternoon is over. Ultimately, a healthy, well-balanced diet will help your overall health and can reduce morning breath.
  • Giving up tobacco can improve your breath instantly, day and night.

It’s imperative to practice good oral hygiene on a regular basis to both treat and prevent morning breath. Brush your teeth for two minutes before you go to bed before flossing and using an antiseptic mouth rinse to kill off any extra bacteria. You should also use a tongue scraper to keep your tongue clean.

If you’ve followed all the prevention methods and home treatments and nothing seems to work, make an appointment with your dentist. They can help you determine the cause of your morning breath and identify the best treatment options moving forward.

Last medically reviewed on March 26, 2018

How we reviewed this article:

Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

  • Auger S. (n.d.). Morning breath: prevention, treatment, and tips.
    colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/conditions/bad-breath/morning-breath-prevention-treatment-tips-0516
  • Bad breath. (2012).
    ada.org/~/media/ADA/Publications/Files/for_the_dental_patient_sept_2012.ashx?_ga=2.177955109.1869501281.1520178547-1452668450.1496595625
  • Mayo Clinic Staff. (2018). Bad breath.
    mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bad-breath/symptoms-causes/syc-20350922

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Medically reviewed by Christine Frank, DDS — By Ana Gotter — Updated on March 27, 2018

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Morning breath: Causes and remedies

Morning breath is the term that people commonly use to describe breath that smells bad when a person wakes up. It is a very common problem.

The Academy of General Dentistry have estimated that 80 million people in the United States experience chronic bad breath. However, there are many straightforward ways to treat morning breath.

Keep reading to learn more about what causes bad breath in the morning and what to do about it.

Morning breath is a type of bad breath that affects people when they wake up. The medical term for bad breath is halitosis, which describes chronic bad breath that does not go away.

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), morning breath occurs due to a buildup of bacteria in the mouth overnight.

Food particles

During the night, the enzymes in saliva will break down food particles remaining in between teeth, on the tongue, or around the gumline. This breakdown releases volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs), which give off a bad smell.

The specific foods that a person eats can also influence how their breath smells. The list of foods that can cause bad breath is very long and includes:

  • garlic
  • onions
  • coffee
  • spices

Smoking

Smoking can also cause bad breath. A person may not be aware of the effect that smoking can have on their breath odor because smoking dampens the sense of smell.

Dry mouth

A person may experience morning breath if they have a dry mouth. Saliva helps the mouth clear out bacteria that build up over the day and night. If the mouth is not producing enough saliva, bacteria will be able to build up more often. As a result, the release of VSCs overnight may be higher, potentially causing morning breath.

One study that investigated the effect of water on morning breath found that drinking water or rinsing the mouth with water in the morning reduced VSCs by 30–50%, leading to an overall improvement in morning breath.

Breathing through the mouth can also dry it out. People who sleep with their mouth open or snore heavily may have a drier mouth and be more likely to have bad breath in the morning.

Poor oral hygiene

Poor oral hygiene is a common cause of morning breath. Proper brushing and flossing remove bacteria and food particles that cause bad breath.

If a person does not regularly and effectively clean their teeth, they could also develop tooth cavities and gum disease. Gingivitis and periodontitis are types of gum disease that can cause bad breath.

Tooth cavities resulting from bacteria that produce plaque can trap more bacteria in the mouth, as can the deep pockets that gum disease causes. A person can then find it hard to clean the bacteria away when they brush their teeth.

The cause of morning breath can be as simple as poor dental hygiene, especially if it leads to complications. Tooth decay or a “dead tooth” can cause bad breath that may be even worse in the morning.

However, certain underlying chronic conditions that are not directly related to the mouth can sometimes be responsible for an unpleasant breath odor.

For instance, untreated diabetes can be a cause of bad breath. Some infections — such as tonsillitis, sinusitis, and bronchitis — and fungal infections of the mouth, lips, and tongue can also have an adverse effect on the breath.

In some cases, liver or kidney disease may result in bad breath.

A person will experience other symptoms alongside bad breath if an underlying condition is the cause.

People can often improve their morning breath by doing the following:

Keeping the mouth clean

A person can treat morning breath or longer lasting halitosis by improving their dental hygiene.

Brushing the teeth twice a day and cleaning in between them with dental floss or interdental brushes can keep mouth bacteria under control. A person can also use mouthwash to help clear bacteria out of the mouth.

One study on the effectiveness of mouthwash against morning breath found that the daily use of mouthwash significantly reduced the number of bacteria in the saliva. Flossing and mouthwash can also ensure that no food remains in the mouth overnight.

A person can also use a tongue scraper as part of their brushing routine to remove bacteria from the tongue. Tongue scraping is a gentle technique, but some people may find it uncomfortable because it can trigger the gag reflex.

Anyone who wears removable dentures should take them out at night and clean them thoroughly before wearing them again the next day.

It is also important to make regular visits to the dentist to help maintain oral hygiene.

Drinking more water

A person may find that increasing their water intake and reducing how much caffeine and alcohol they consume leads to an improvement in their breath odor.

Staying well-hydrated by drinking water can increase the amount of saliva that the mouth produces, which will help keep mouth bacteria under control.

Caffeine, alcohol, and smoking can dry out the mouth. Certain types of medication can also have this effect.

Learn more about how to maintain good mouth hygiene here.

Usually, there is no need to worry about waking up with morning breath.

However, if a person finds that their morning breath is not going away with conventional treatments, such as improving dental hygiene and keeping their mouth from becoming dry, they may need to seek advice from a dentist.

A person should see a dentist if:

  • they have a constant bad taste or smell in their mouth
  • they are experiencing other new symptoms along with bad breath
  • they spit blood when they brush their teeth

Blood in the saliva after brushing the teeth can be a sign of gum disease and requires medical treatment. If the dentist finds that the odor is not due to oral factors, they may advise the person to consult a doctor.

A person may experience poor mental health and self-esteem if they are aware that they have morning breath or halitosis. They may feel constantly stressed about having bad breath, which might adversely affect their social life and relationships.

If a person is very worried about morning breath or halitosis, a psychiatrist may be able to help them overcome their anxiety around this issue.

Morning breath is very common among the general population, and it does not usually last long into the day.

A person can improve their breath odor by brushing the teeth thoroughly, using mouthwash and dental floss, and staying hydrated to stop their mouth from becoming dry.

A person should seek medical advice if their bad breath does not go away or if they are experiencing symptoms of an underlying condition that may also be causing bad breath.

Bad breath – causes, types, how to get rid of halitosis

Have you noticed bad breath? The medical term for this problem is halitosis. In general, this is a sign of improper oral hygiene, dental or other sores. Usually the smell appears for a while or lasts throughout the day, it can be slightly noticeable or distinct.

Together with our doctor Elizaveta Belova, we will tell you what can cause bad breath and how to get rid of it.

Contents

  1. Bad breath from diseases
  2. Types of halitosis
  3. How to freshen your breath quickly
  4. How to get rid of the smell

Why adults get bad breath

  • Fragrant food 🧄
  • Smoking
  • Poor oral hygiene
  • Dryness of the oral mucosa
  • Medications

If you have eaten garlic, onions, cabbage or heavily curried dishes, we have bad news – you can’t avoid halitosis. The reason is volatile sulfur compounds, which are formed during the digestion of food or after drinking alcohol. They smell unpleasantly of rotten eggs and bring pronounced discomfort to those around them.

These substances are absorbed into the esophagus/stomach, through the bloodstream into the lungs, and then out when we breathe. Therefore, rinsing or brushing your teeth will not stop halitosis until they are removed from the blood. An unpleasant smell can quickly disappear, or it can be persistent and last up to 3 days 😮 Chewing gum will help here a little – except that it will add notes of mint or other flavor to an unpleasant amber .

Halitosis is caused not only by substances from tobacco smoke deposited in the oral cavity. Smokers often suffer from gum disease, and they do not contribute to fresh breath. Therefore, it is better to get rid of this bad habit.

When we eat, a sticky coating of 90% bacteria forms on the teeth. The product of their excretion is the same ill-fated hydrogen sulfide, and the more it is, the more intense the smell. Therefore, high-quality teeth cleaning is our everything. It is also necessary to thoroughly clean artificial structures: braces, crowns, removable and non-removable dentures. Use dental floss or a mono-bundle brush to clean the interdental spaces and don’t forget about the tongue – bacteria and food particles can accumulate on it.

One of the functions of saliva is to wash away odor-causing particles. Most often, the mucous membrane dries up during sleep, especially with clogged sinuses. Daytime dryness of the mucosa can be caused by some diseases (diabetes, Sjögren’s syndrome) or pathologies of the salivary glands. Bad breath after sleep is observed in most people – and this is the norm. In this case, simply brushing your teeth with toothpaste or eating something hard, such as an apple, is enough.

Some of these have the side effect of dry mouth. Others, when split, release substances that enter the bloodstream, and then into the lungs.

Some drugs cause halitosis:

  • antidepressants,
  • certain medicines for lowering blood pressure,
  • inhalation preparations for the treatment of bronchial asthma,
  • drugs for angina pectoris, such as nitroglycerin.

Most common causes of halitosis

Odors from problems with teeth and gums

Halitosis can occur due to various diseases of the oral cavity:

  • Plaque Food debris and microbes form a plaque film on enamel or in hard-to-reach interdental spaces. Plaque hardens into tartar, continues to rot, and a rotten smell appears.
  • Plaque on the tongue Our tongue is made up of many papillae. Remains of food can clog between them, and pathogenic bacteria multiply, leading to inflammation of the tongue – glossitis.
  • Caries Carious formations destroy dental tissues, forming a cavity in which plaque accumulates and rots. The smell will be especially bright with pulpitis – inflammation of the neurovascular bundle in the tooth cavity.
  • Inflammatory gum disease – superficial inflammation of the gums (gingivitis) or the formation of deep periodontal pockets (periodontitis) Infected gums become inflamed, an abscess is formed with a fistulous tract through which pus comes out.
  • Alveolitis Complication after tooth extraction – tooth socket does not heal. Food remains accumulate in it, which causes an unpleasant smell and taste.

Visit the dentist!

If the cause of halitosis of the mouth is dental disease, only a dental appointment will help get rid of bad breath. The dental hygienist will remove plaque formations to stop the reproduction of pathogenic microflora, and the therapist will treat caries or inflammation of the gums.

Odors from other diseases

ENT diseases

Often bad breath occurs in chronic tonsillitis. Pus accumulates in the palatine tonsils – the source of oral halitosis. This problem can also be from other respiratory diseases: post-nasal syndrome, sinusitis and other types of sinusitis, laryngitis, bronchitis or lung infections.

Diseases of the stomach, intestinal tract, endocrine or urinary system

Another unpleasant smell arises from such diseases:

  • Diabetes mellitus – with complications of the disease, the smell of acetone is felt.
  • GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) – since this disease causes the contents of the stomach to be thrown into the esophagus, the nature of the smell will be sour.
  • Gastritis with an increase or decrease in acidity, stomach ulcer, biliary dyskinesia, liver failure – belching with the smell of rotten egg is often observed.
  • Kidney failure or liver disease – in patients with these diseases, breath smells like ammonia (urine odor).

Oncopathology

Often putrid breath is observed in cancer patients. This is due to the fact that the decay products of the tumor enter the blood, and the organs of the digestive system are also damaged.

Why does the child have bad breath?

Very common cause of halitosis in children – infection from foreign objects (beads, buttons, small parts of toys).

Another common cause is adenoids . These are overgrowths of lymphoid tissue in the nasopharynx. They block the nasal passages. As a result, the child breathes mainly through the mouth, the mucous membrane dries up and saliva does not wash away the sources of “aromas”: pathogenic bacteria and plaque.

Children often brush their teeth poorly or do not brush them at all, so it is important for parents to control this process.

If the child does not have dental diseases, diseases of the digestive tract or metabolic disorders must be excluded.

Types of halitosis

  1. True – sources of odor in the mouth or in the ENT organs.
  2. Hematogenous – molecules of odorous substances circulate in the blood and are released during respiration.
  3. Pseudogynosis – it seems that the breath is stale, but those around do not feel it.
  4. Halitophobia – persistent complaints of halitosis in the complete absence of problems in this part. This is already a psychosomatic disorder that requires the consultation of a psychotherapist.

In general, this is a common problem 😒

Halitosis is quite common: 30% of people suffer from it in one form or another.

So it’s no surprise that store shelves are overflowing with chewing gum, mint, mouthwash, and other products designed to combat bad breath.

5 quick ways to freshen your breath

Eat an apple or a carrot 🥕

1

Any other fruit or vegetable that smells good will also work. While you chew it, your teeth will be cleaned of plaque, and the aroma will kill the unpleasant amber.

Chew gum, aromatic herbs or spices

2

The secret of effectiveness is aromatic oils. They are found in dill, parsley, basil, mint, lemon balm, as well as in citrus peels, coffee beans, needles. The best spices are: anise, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves.

Brush your teeth and don’t forget your tongue

3

It is advisable to use toothpaste with a strong mint flavor. There are special toothbrushes and scrapers for cleaning the tongue. At worst, you can remove plaque with a teaspoon.

Use rinse aid

4

If this is not available, a solution of soda or salt (1 tsp per glass of water) will do. It is important to rinse your mouth and throat very thoroughly, in several passes. The rinse aid will wash away plaque, reduce acidity, and bacteria do not like this.

Drink some water

5

Water replenishes the fluid in the body, improves metabolism, and intensive production of saliva begins. Saliva washes away plaque formations, food debris.

These methods are not a panacea. If halitosis is caused by internal problems, you just have to try to stay away from the interlocutor, do not breathe into his face, cover your mouth with your palm. If you ate onions or garlic, try to feed them to your interlocutor (just kidding).

What to do – get rid of bad breath

The first thing to do if bad breath is not associated with the intake of “fragrant” food is to make an appointment with the dentist. Perhaps it will be enough for you to carry out a professional cleaning: remove tartar with ultrasound and thoroughly clean hard and soft plaque using the ClinPro or Air Flow procedure.

In any case, during the examination, the doctor will see all the problems and help get rid of them… In the inflammatory process, local treatment, physiotherapy will help, with deep periodontal pockets they are cleaned – curettage. In case of caries, it will be enough to clean the carious cavity and close it with a filling. If caries has managed to turn into pulpitis, the pulp is removed, the root canals are cleaned and sealed.

At the end of the appointment, you will be given recommendations on oral care at home, as well as on the rules of individual oral hygiene. The doctor will tell you how to properly brush your teeth, pick up a toothbrush, advise a suitable paste, rinse, dental floss, help you choose an irrigator. If, after all dental measures, the breath does not become fresh, consult a therapist. He will help determine the cause or refer you to a narrow specialist: for example, a gastroenterologist or endocrinologist.

How to Prepare for Your Doctor’s Appointment – Patient Reminder

Take a relative or friend with you to the appointment, it will be easier for them than for you to describe the nature and intensity of the unhealthy smell. Stop eating, drinking, smoking and chewing gum 3 hours before your consultation. Also, do not brush your teeth or freshen your breath with a spray. Diagnosis may be uninformative if you have taken antibiotics less than a month before your appointment.

12 Jan 2022

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Bad breath: causes and treatment

Halitosis is a persistent bad smell from the human mouth. It is formed due to certain bacteria that live in plaque.
and release gas. And the more bacteria, the worse the smell becomes. Accordingly, if you notice that you really
very bad breath, so you should not self-medicate and try various folk remedies, but you need
sign up for an appointment with the doctor.

Make an appointment

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I agree to the processing of personal data

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Bad breath: causes and treatment

The ideal environment for the growth and development of microorganisms is the stuck parts of food in the gaps between the teeth, as well as two to three days
plaque, which very quickly accumulates in the gum area. Over time, it is able to mineralize and even turn into tartar,
and there will be more bacteria. After that, even if you brush your teeth with an electric brush, use an irrigator,
100% get rid of unpleasant odors will not work. Only a dental hygienist is able to fully remove tartar.

Also, the main causes of bad breath include:

  • periodontal disease;
  • caries;
  • poor fit of crowns;
  • drying of the mucous membrane;
  • the presence of dentures;
  • the presence of diseases of the throat, inflammation;
  • difficulty teething wisdom teeth;
  • diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
  • metabolic disease.

Treatment for bad breath is selected based on the cause of the problem. For example, if the problem is due to insufficient care, then it is worth
resort to thorough cleaning. If you have severe gum disease, then you need to start treatment. If the problem is
in an improperly selected diet, you will need to competently approach food, do not eat such food, reconsider the entire diet.

You may also experience bad breath after a tooth extraction. But in this case, you need to wait a bit until the fabrics
will heal and soon the problem will disappear.

If you brush your teeth well and thoroughly every day, but you still have bad breath, you should seek help.
to the dentist. He will find out exactly why bad breath occurs, if necessary, he will definitely involve specialists in the treatment
other medical fields.

An unpleasant taste and smell from the mouth can be in both children and adults. The main causes of halitosis are not related to age,
but usually in babies, bad breath occurs due to inflammation of the mucous membrane, carious formations, etc. If you notice that your baby has
there was an unpleasant odor, then it is better to visit the dentist first.

Basic ways to check for bad breath

In order to check if an unpleasant odor is present, follow this algorithm of actions:

  1. Lick your wrist and smell it afterwards. This will allow you to understand how the outer part of the tongue smells,
    and at the root, the smell is usually even more powerful, intense.
  2. Take a spoon, lick it a few times and smell it. Saliva will remain on it, it will smell the same as your breath.
  3. Exhale against the mirror and immediately inhale deeply through your nose. The smell you smell is the one
    which will be felt by everyone around you while communicating with you.

If you experience bad breath as a result, see your dentist for help.
A specialist will help you find the true cause of the aroma and get rid of it.

Make an appointment

Please enter the phone number

I agree to the processing of personal data

To send an application, we need to obtain your consent to the processing of personal data

How to get rid of bad breath: effective ways

The main problem of halitosis is that it is not able to disguise itself with any chewing gum, candy, and even the most powerful mint.
lollipop. But there are situations when you urgently need to freshen your breath, then you can use a special refreshing spray,
for rinsing, for example with string, cumin or mint. But, unfortunately, the effect of such funds will be only temporary.

In order to get rid of the unpleasant odor more dramatically, you should first of all reduce the number of bacteria. To do this
it is necessary to remove the plaque and fully clean all the stones. At home, it is also important to carefully monitor the condition of the oral cavity,
teeth and minimize unpleasant odors, for this:

  • clean interdental spaces with special brushes and an irrigator;
  • drink at least a few liters of water per day.

It is also recommended to visit the dentist regularly, at least once every six months, undergo a professional cleaning procedure. It is absolutely painless.

In most situations, bad breath appears solely due to dental ailments, such as caries or periodontitis.
That is why it is better to start the treatment of halitosis with a visit to the doctor. The specialist will examine your oral cavity as carefully as possible,
diagnostics, eliminate the true cause of bad breath, and provide recommendations for home care. Basic Tips
oral care:

  1. Use the toothpaste recommended by your dentist. You may even need a special one that is capable of
    deal with inflammation. Also popular are whitening pastes and special formulations that are able to regulate
    volume of secreted saliva.
  2. Use a wooden or plastic toothbrush. If necessary, additional means for interdental cleaning
  3. Always clean the back of your tongue. Its uneven surface is just the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, so it needs to be
    clean thoroughly daily, while removing food debris.

Should I use mouthwash?

Mouthwash is an excellent prophylactic that can complement the process of caring for your teeth.