Bad breath is an unpleasant odor in the breath. Most of the time, bad breath is of oral origin. Bacteria in the back of the tongue release volatile sulfur compounds which cause the bad breath.
Cause
Certain foods or substances that have been swallowed or inhaled,
Tooth or gum diseases, or
The fermentation of food particles in the mouth
Bacteria in the dental plaque around teeth and gums
Bacteria growing on food debris that collects around dental braces and dentures, and inside cavities
Medical conditions such as a sinus infection (sinusitis)
An abscess around the tonsils (peritonsillar abscess), a lung abscess, and esophageal reflux
What you can do?
Treatment of bad breath of oral origin includes:
Remove physical causes, e.g. stop eating garlic
Brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day, especially after meals
Brush the top of your tongue with the toothbrush
Eat fresh parsley, mint, celery for a quick cover-up. Or rinse your mouth with mouthwash
Avoiding agents (such as alcohol) that dry the mouth and aggravate the situation
Dental cleaning by a dentist or hygienist
OTC treatment
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