Bad Breath and Post Nasal Drip
When it comes to post nasal drip, which
results from an excessive buildup of mucus in the throat and back of the nose,
bacteria, of which there are millions in the mouth, can potentially accumulate
and cause bad breath.
Symptoms of post nasal drip include a runny nose, coughing, sore throat, teary eyes, itchiness around
nose and eyes, and headaches.
In preventing conditions like this and the
consequences of it like bad breath, it’s always important to practice good oral
hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly. This includes proper brushing of
the tongue, the inside of the cheeks, and the roof of the mouth to remove any
bacteria or food particles. If you find yourself suffering from post nasal
drip, here is what you need to know for treating the condition.
Post Nasal Drip Causes
●
Sinusitis
●Allergies
●Bacterial infections
●Colds or Flu
●Pregnancy
To truly determine what is causing post
nasal drip, your doctor may ask questions and perform a quick examination. He
or she will want to know if you have any allergy symptoms or infection symptoms
like fever. Occasionally, the doctor may perform other tests, such as an X-ray,
to determine the cause behind your post nasal drip. However, it can be determined
if you have an infection depending on the mucus’s color. If the mucus is clear,
a common cold may be the case. If the mucus is thicker and has a yellow or
green color, a bacterial infection may be the reason behind your symptoms.
How Post Nasal Drip Causes Bad Breath
Post
nasal drip, which involves mucus secretions from the nose and throat, can
affect breath because the secretions are a food source for bacteria. If you
have trouble with sinusitis, the mucus drips back into the throat and creates
bad breath. It may be best to avoid dairy in this time, such as milk, cheese,
and yogurt, as this can cause mucus to thicken and congestion to worsen. The
mucus can also produce a white or yellow film on the tongue and even make patients feel as if there’s something stuck
or dripping in the back of the throat.
Preventing Post Nasal Drip
Avoiding the allergies that cause runny
noses can prevent post nasal drip from happening again. Many people with acute
allergies may only have trouble during certain seasons. This can be caused by
pollen, molds, or weeds. Those with year-round allergies can include mites,
animal dander, and mold. The chances of getting post nasal drip can be
lessened, but unfortunately it is more often treated than prevented.
For preventing the bad breath that can
come with post nasal drip, remember to brush twice daily, floss daily, and use mouthwash
as well. If a lack of saliva is contributing to your bad breath, drink more
water and chew some sugarless gum to encourage the flow of saliva.
Treatment
Treatment for post nasal drip depends on
its cause. If your doctor determines an infection is causing it, the infection is probably the
result from a virus. This can be treated simply by taking antibiotics, but
decongestants may also help treat a stuffy or runny nose caused by post nasal
drip.
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Copyright: anetlanda
/ 123RF Stock Photo
