Natural Remedies for Tonsil Stones and Halitosis
Sinus Infections and Allergies: How They Affect Your Breath
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Gastroesophageal reflux disease, otherwise known as acid reflux or heartburn, is a condition in which the contents of the stomach flow backward into the esophagus. The undigested food, bile, and stomach acids coming back into the esophagus can cause pain and discomfort and may lead to bad breath.
The smell of tonsil stones can be quite unpleasant and can lead to bad breath. The odor is caused by the buildup of bacteria, food particles, and other debris that gets trapped in the tonsil crevices. The bacteria break down the particles, releasing a foul smell.
Drinking more water throughout the day helps keep the mouth hydrated and washes away bacteria and food particles. Avoiding foods and drinks that contribute to bad breath, such as garlic and coffee, can also help maintain fresh breath.
The three main ways to prevent bad breath is to brush and floss teeth twice daily, use a tongue scraper to get rid of bacteria on the tongue and visit your dentist regularly. However, bad breath, also called halitosis, affects many Canadians even with proper oral hygiene practices. However, it is possible to treat and in some cases, prevent entirely.
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An upper respiratory infection is a contagious infection of the structures of the upper respiratory tract, which includes the sinuses, nasal passages, pharynx, and larynx. Common causes of an upper respiratory infection include bacteria and viruses such as rhinoviruses, group A streptococci, influenza, respiratory syncytial, whooping cough, diphtheria, and Epstein-Barr. Examples of symptoms of upper respiratory infection include sneezing, sore throat, cough, fever, and nasal congestion. Treatment of upper respiratory infections are based upon the cause. Generally, viral infections are treated symptomatically with over-the-counter (OTC) medication and home remedies.
Smoking and tobacco use can have a detrimental effect on oral health and can cause bad breath. The chemicals in tobacco products can irritate the gums, leading to gum disease. Additionally, smoking can dry out the mouth and reduce saliva production, which can contribute to bad breath.
In addition to plaque on the teeth, it can also accumulate in the deep grooves and pits on the tongue. For this reason, many people also need to add tongue cleaning to their oral hygiene routines.
Halitosis, which is simply the official term for bad breath that is chronic and persistent, can have a wide variety of causes, ranging from simple to serious. Some of the most common offenders include:
If you use tobacco, it’s a good idea to quit, and not just for your breath, either. Tobacco use can lead to tooth loss as well as dental implant failure.
In case the foul smell is caused due to poor oral hygiene or eating certain food items, it can be termed as manageable. Brushing twice a day and using floss, and interdental cleaner, to clean food particles, plaque, and other debris from various parts of the mouth can help. Such patients should ensure they do not sleep with dentures in their mouth and use antibacterial mouthwash along with regular brushing before wearing the dentures back in the morning. The patient needs to stop chewing tobacco and smoking cigarettes as well. Most importantly, cracked, infected teeth and gum diseases should be treated quickly.
Stress and anxiety can have a negative impact on oral health and breath. When we are stressed or anxious, our bodies produce more cortisol, a stress hormone that can reduce saliva production. This can result in dry mouth and contribute to bad breath.
Your dentist may treat the gum disease. Or they may refer you to an oral specialist (periodontist). Cleaning by a periodontist often helps to remove the bacteria, tartar, and plaque that have built up. This will ease the inflammation at the gum line.
Your tonsils have a very important role. They’re supposed to trap bacteria and debris that would otherwise go into your lungs or stomach. Unfortunately, sometimes they accumulate too much, creating balls of bacterial residue called tonsil stones. These can smell very bad and contribute to bad breath.