Gargling strenuously with salt water may help in the removal of the stones and can ease the discomfort caused in the throat. It can also eliminate the constant lousy odor that comes with tonsil stones.
Halitosis and Respiratory Issues: What You Need to Know
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Halitosis, also known as bad breath, can be caused by various factors, some of which originate in the mouth, while others may stem from elsewhere in the body. Here are some of the most common reasons and causes of bad breath or halitosis:
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.
Chronic rhinitis (non allergic rhinitis) causes runny nose, sneezing, nasal itching and congestion. Post-nasal drip is drainage of mucus from the sinuses into the throat. Treatment includes over-the-counter (OTC) medications.
1. Peppermint oil: Peppermint oil has a refreshing scent and can help freshen breath. It has antimicrobial properties that can kill bacteria in the mouth. You can add a few drops of peppermint oil to water and use it as a mouthwash or add it to your toothpaste.
Dry Mouth: A Common Culprit of Chronic Bad Breath
Tonsil stones can frequently be seen in the back of the throat. They typically appear as white or yellowish spots on or around the tonsils that may range in size from a grain of rice to a pea.
Treatment for throat-related bad breath will depend on the underlying cause. For example, if GERD is the culprit, lifestyle changes and medication may be recommended. If sinusitis is causing bad breath, nasal irrigation and medication may be prescribed. Tonsil stones may require removal by a healthcare professional.
Dentists usually diagnose bad breath. The diagnosis is based on your health history and mouth odor during the dental exam. The entire mouth is checked to see if a cause can be found, such as an infection. If the dentist can’t find the cause, they will refer you to your primary healthcare provider.
Sinusitis, an inflammation of the sinuses, can also contribute to bad breath from the throat. When the sinuses become blocked or infected, mucus can build up and create an environment for bacteria to thrive. This can result in bad breath. Treating sinusitis with nasal irrigation and medication can help reduce bad breath.
Tooth decay, also known as cavities, can also cause bad breath. When bacteria in the mouth break down sugars and carbohydrates from food, they produce acids that can erode tooth enamel and lead to cavities. These cavities can harbor bacteria and food particles, resulting in bad breath.
Dr. Benjamin Greene and Dr. Jonathan Everett at Kirkland Family Dentistry have been providing dental services in Kirkland, Washington for a better part of 25 years and are staunch supporters of effectively eliminating the causes of halitosis rather than aiming to cure them.
Most of the time, you can remove your tonsil stone at home with ease. Still, it’s crucial to be careful with your tonsils since they’re extremely sensitive and prone to rupture.
To alleviate bad breath caused by food and beverages, it is essential to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Water helps wash away food particles and bacteria in the mouth and throat. Chewing sugar-free gum can also stimulate saliva production and freshen breath.
No, halitosis is not contagious. Since halitosis is caused by bacteria in the mouth, it should not be passed from person to person.
If you think there’s an issue in your mouth that’s behind your bad breath, seeing a dental professional for treatment can help you get to the bottom of the problem and improve your oral health and the scent of your breath at the same time.