Gum infections, sore throats, sinusitis, and acid reflux can cause bad breath, even if you practice good oral hygiene.
Besides poor oral hygiene, bad breath can also be caused by dry mouth or certain medical conditions. Treating these conditions can help reduce bad breath.
Infection
Infections such as streptococcal pharyngitis and sinusitis can easily cause bad breath. Bacteria invading the gums during gingivitis also lead to bad breath. Strep throat occurs when bacteria inflame the folds of the tonsils, causing bad breath. The secretions of people with sinus infections contain an enzyme that causes odor in the nasal cavity.
How to treat it: According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), strep throat and gingivitis require antibiotic treatment. In addition to antibiotics for sinus infections, home remedies such as warm compresses and nasal hygiene can help.
Acid reflux
Stress, eating too quickly, consuming carbonated or caffeinated drinks in the morning, or drinking alcohol at night can cause the esophagus to dilate, allowing stomach acid or other contents to reflux upwards. This condition causes heartburn, belching, and unpleasant odor.
Solutions: There are many causes of reflux, and adjusting eating habits can help alleviate this condition. For example, if you drink alcohol, you should drink it 3-4 hours before bedtime, avoiding it close to bedtime. Eating onions and garlic can also easily cause reflux, so eat them at lunch instead of dinner.
Bad breath is unpleasant and affects people's lives. Photo: Freepik
Tonsil stones
The tonsils have a structure consisting of many cavities and are located between the respiratory and digestive tracts, so they are constantly in contact with dirt and food particles. Food or small debris can get trapped, depositing calcium deposits and forming stones.
How to fix it: The way to get rid of bad breath in this case is to remove the tonsil stones. Gargling with salt water helps soothe the throat and reduce the formation of tonsil stones. You can buy saline solution at a pharmacy or dissolve 1/2 teaspoon of salt in 240 ml of warm water and gargle about 2-3 times a day.
Dry mouth
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), saliva helps to cleanse the mouth, removing food debris and neutralizing acids. If the mouth is dry, odor-causing bacteria will multiply rapidly. This condition can be caused by diseases such as diabetes or Sjögren's syndrome (an autoimmune disorder affecting the salivary glands). Dry mouth can also be a side effect of medication.
Solutions: Drink plenty of water, chew gum, and use mouth spray to relieve dry mouth.
Tooth decay
Tooth decay causes anaerobic bacteria to thrive on the teeth and in the mouth, creating an unpleasant odor. Symptoms include pain, sensitivity to sweet, hot, or cold foods. In severe cases, pus can form, leading to swollen gums and a high fever.
Solution: If you suspect tooth decay, you should limit your intake of sweets and visit a dentist for examination and treatment.
Bao Bao (According to Livestrong )
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