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The impact of halitosis on social interactions and self-esteem can be significant. People with chronic bad breath may feel self-conscious about speaking or being close to others, which can affect their relationships and overall quality of life. It is important to differentiate between occasional bad breath and halitosis in order to seek appropriate treatment and support.
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If your dentist determines that your mouth is healthy and the odor is not of oral origin, you may be referred to your family doctor or to a specialist to determine the odor source and treatment plan. You can go over a list of your medications with them to see if any of them could be adding to the problem. Work with them to keep diabetes, allergies, and other conditions under control.
Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed, and how it will help you. Also know what the side effects are and when they should be reported.
As dentists, we are your best resource for addressing the problem of bad breath. We are in the perfect position to recognize, discuss, and treat this particular problem. Bad breath is complex in that it has both emotional and physical repercussions. We hear the distressing emotional consequences of bad breath in our confidential conversations with patients, and we see the negative health implications inherent in severe bad breath.
The tonsils are lymph nodes located at the back of the throat. Tonsil stones (also called tonsilloliths or tonsil calculi) are small clusters of calcifications or stones that form in the craters (crypts) of the tonsils. Tonsil stones are hard and appear as white or yellowish formations on the tonsils. They usually smell bad (and make your breath smell bad) due to bacteria.
Having tonsil stones once might mean you will have to deal with it again in the future. But specific preventive measures can be taken. These steps are:
On the other hand, foods that are high in fiber, such as fruits and vegetables, can help prevent the formation of tonsil stones. Fiber-rich foods promote saliva production, which helps flush out debris and bacteria from the mouth.
If tonsil stones are large in size, they can lead to swallowing and may also trigger infections. These stones can sometimes cause a number of side effects like sore throat, swelling, cough, ear pain, and irritation (a sensation of a foreign substance in the throat), etc.
Therefore, it is advisable to use cotton swabs or water picks for this purpose as they can handle it more delicately. If the tonsil stones are large, the doctor may recommend surgical removal.
Most of the time, we ourselves are the cause of bad breath by not paying enough attention to our daily oral hygiene. The most common mistakes we make are brushing teeth too short and not thoroughly, brushing with an improper technique, brushing teeth too infrequently, not cleaning the interdental spaces, neglecting the care of the tongue.
Proper brushing technique involves gently brushing all surfaces of the teeth, including the front, back, and chewing surfaces. It is also important to brush your tongue to remove bacteria that can contribute to bad breath. Flossing helps remove plaque and food particles from between the teeth and along the gumline.
Large stones damage the tissue, which results in swelling, inflammation, and infection.
Bacteria is usually to cause of bad breath, but there are a number of health conditions that can be a culprit as well. Bad breath may be the first warning sign to more serious problems. Postnasal drip, respiratory and tonsil infections, sinus problems, diabetes, liver and kidney issues, and certain blood disorders can be causes of bad breath. It’s rare, but bad breath can be a sign of cancer or other serious conditions like metabolic disorders.
Even more concerning to us, as dentists, are the potential health implications of chronic bad breath. Persistent bad breath that does not respond to home care may be the result of a serious health problem. Your bad breath could be a warning sign that you have a dental infection or other medical condition.
Tonsil stones are commonly found in people and are generally not dangerous. Therefore, it has few complications. However, it may lead to tooth decay, bad breath, and, in rare cases, disrupt and damage typical tonsil tissues. In such cases, surgery may be required, so it is advisable to speak to your healthcare provider. Bansal Hospital Bhopal has a well-functioning ENT department that helps diagnose and provide apt treatment for mild to severe conditions.
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