Another method is to use a spoon. Scrape the back of your tongue with the spoon and smell it. If there is a foul odor, it may indicate that you have bad breath. Alternatively, you can ask a trusted friend or family member for their honest opinion.
If you suspect that you have a tonsil stone, the first thing you could do is gargle with salt water, hydrogen peroxide, apple cider vinegar, or antiseptic mouthwash.
.
Take the first step toward improving your oral health today! Find a clinic near you and book your complimentary consultation now. Give us a call at +1 628.265.8188 or email us at careteam@smile2impress.com and we can assist you with scheduling.
Respiratory issues can also be a cause of bad breath. Sinus infections, for example, can lead to post-nasal drip, where mucus from the sinuses drips down the back of the throat and contributes to bad breath. Other respiratory conditions such as bronchitis or lung infections can also cause halitosis.
If you find that your gag reflex is too strong for this method, you may want to use a mouth-numbing spray Chloraseptic before you go in with the swab. I’ve also written about other methods here.
The complications related to tonsil stones are rare but possible. One of the main issues that it can cause is the deep infection of tonsils, known as an abscess.
The FamilyCorporate Social ResponsibilityOur clinicsDental ImplantsOrthodonticsInvisalignAesthetic orthodonticsChildren’s OrthodonticsBracketsOthers treatmentsPeriodonticsAestheticsRoot canalPediatric dentistrySpeech TherapistSleep ApnoeaAppointmentEmergenciesEnglishEspañol
Why Us Our Services Cutting-Edge Care Balloon Sinus Dilation St. Louis Sinus Quiz contact us Why Us Our Services Cutting-Edge Care Balloon Sinus Dilation St. Louis Sinus Quiz contact us close Toggle the visibility of the Accessibility Toolbar keyboard Keyboard Navigation visibility_off Disable Animations nights_stay Contrast format_size Increase Text text_fields Decrease Text font_download Readable Font title Mark Titles link Highlight Links & Buttons Accessibility Statement Powered with favoriteLove by Codenroll Home About Us Services COVID-19 TeleDentistry General Dentistry Cosmetic Dentists Dental Implants Emergency Dentist Dental Technology Smiles Gallery Reviews Blog Contact Us Home About Us Services COVID-19 TeleDentistry General Dentistry Cosmetic Dentists Dental Implants Emergency Dentist Dental Technology Smiles Gallery Reviews Blog Contact Us Call Today (480)279-5611 3050 E. Chandler Heights Road Ste. 105 Open Hours Mon - Thur: 9am - 5pm, Fri: 9am - 1pm Make an Appointment It`s that easy Gilbert Dentist | Premier Family Dental > Blog > Dentistry Treatments > How To Prevent Tonsil Stones
Even with all of these causes of bad breath, most bad breath is due to a simple problem: poor oral hygiene. If you keep your teeth and mouth clean, food particles can stay in your mouth and allow a sticky buildup of bacteria known as plaque to form on your teeth. The uneven surfaces on your tongue and tonsils are especially good at trapping food and bacteria that can cause bad breath.
Certain habits can also cause bad smells in the mouth. In general, these habits include smoking of any kind, smokeless tobacco use and e-cigs/vaping. Smoking cigarettes causes the strongest, most noticeable alteration in your breath. Smoker’s breath has a very distinct odor that does not respond well to home treatments.
If you have persistent bad breath that doesn’t go away with brushing and flossing alone, your bad breath could be caused by something other than a plaque or the foods you consume. Bad breath or halitosis has many causes, including dry mouth, medications you may be taking, or a condition called tonsillitis. Tonsillitis is a condition of the lymph nodes known as your tonsils. The tonsils are located in your mouth, at the intersection of your throat and palate. Their primary function is to help your immune system by blocking germs from entering the throat. Tonsils are full of white blood cells that kill germs, too. The condition known as tonsillitis occurs when the tonsils become inflamed and infected. Sometimes, tonsillitis can be caused by a condition called tonsil stones, where the tonsils become full of ‘stones’ or hardened calcium deposits that get stuck in the pits and crevices of the tonsils. These calcium deposits are caused by oral plaque and bacteria and bits of swallowed food. Though tonsil stones are usually harmless, if they become infected your dentist may recommend they be removed, especially if your tonsillitis is recurring. Though tonsillitis is more common in children, it can still affect adults. Dr. Martin Abelar is a dentist practicing in San Diego, California. He says that tonsillitis is a common cause of bad breath because of the inflammation it causes. “Tonsilitis can be a major contributor of bad breath because it inflames the mucous membranes of the tonsils, making them cause a foul odor. Also, the bits of food and plaque stuck in the tonsils may cause foul odor as they decompose.” Abelar says that if you have difficulty swallowing or a persistent sore throat you may have tonsillitis and should be seen by a dentist for an evaluation. Bad breath is another symptom you may want to be on the lookout for. “If you do have bad breath, try the traditional means of eliminating it first. Brush your teeth at least twice per day, floss your teeth, and if you don’t already add steps to your routines such as mouthwash and tongue scraping.” As for tonsil stones, Abelar says they are usually harmless and unless they are causing pain can usually be left alone and can clear up on their own, but if you are concerned about bad breath or infection, you should speak to your dentist about having them removed. Artificial Intelligence Could Soon Diagnose Osteoarthritis Of The Temporomandibular Joint How To Prevent White Spots On Your Teeth During Orthodontic Treatment September 30, 2023 Denstistry, Orthodontics Artificial Intelligence Could Soon Diagnose Osteoarthritis Of The Temporomandibular Joint September 30, 2023 Denstistry, Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Autism Could Increase The Risk Of TMJ Dysfunction September 30, 2023 Denstistry, Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction
When choosing a mouthwash for fresh breath, it is important to look for certain ingredients. Antiseptic ingredients like essential oils or chlorhexidine can kill bacteria that cause bad breath. Fluoride can help prevent cavities and strengthen teeth. Alcohol-free mouthwashes are gentler on the mouth and do not contribute to dry mouth, which can worsen bad breath.
Tongue scraping is a practice that involves using a tongue scraper to remove bacteria and debris from the surface of the tongue. The tongue harbors a significant amount of bacteria, which can contribute to bad breath. Tongue scraping helps remove this bacteria and can improve breath odor.
Avoiding tobacco and alcohol can also help prevent tonsil stones and bad breath. Both tobacco and alcohol can dry out the mouth, creating an environment that is conducive to bacterial growth.
But hey, at least there’s a little less bad breath in the world now than there was 100 years ago. Laura Clark | | READ MORE
If you find that your gag reflex is too strong for this method, you may want to use a mouth-numbing spray Chloraseptic before you go in with the swab. I’ve also written about other methods here.
My dental care experience at Premier Family Dental is always pleasant, professional and timely. I always feel welcomed... and valued.read more