Besides food items, medical conditions like a build-up of calculus, gum diseases, dry mouth, poorly fitted dentures, acid reflux, and tonsil stones are often found to be some of the causes. Halitosis should not be left untreated because it can be one of the symptoms of severe problems like chronic sinus infections, bronchitis, diabetes, pneumonia, and even kidney-linked issues.
Researchers leading a recent study found that 75% of children and adults with volatile sulfur compounds in their breath had undiagnosed tonsil stones. So, that rotten-egg smell in your breath comes from bacteria growing in and around your tonsil stone.
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Understanding Tonsil Stones and Halitosis: Causes and Symptoms
Tonsil stones are generally not harmful and do not cause any health problems. However, they can cause bad breath and discomfort.
These keep the gums and teeth clean as well as the beta carotene in carrots can boost up oral hygiene. You can also remove a tonsil stone with the back of the toothbrush. With the non-bristle part of the toothbrush, gently free the tonsil stones from the throat. This also helps to remove the bacteria as well as prevent further stones from developing. Due to its acidic properties, apple cider vinegar works by breaking the stones into smaller pieces and finally rinsing them off completely. But first, remember to dilute with it water before gargling. Taking it raw can cause a burning sensation in the mouth and throat.
Cigarette smoke has a very strong odor, so it should be little surprise that it’s a common cause of bad breath. Cigarettes and other tobacco products can also increase your risk of gum and bone disease, which can also contribute to bad breath.
The importance of hydration in preventing halitosis
Conclusion: Taking Steps to Prevent and Treat Throat-Related Bad Breath
Foods and drinks that can cause bad breath:
5. Use a Mouthwash – Many mouthwashes on the market today target bad breath with ingredients like cetyl pyridinium chloride, activated chlorine dioxide, and zinc. The important thing to understand about mouthwash is that you must avoid those containing alcohol. It does not kill bacteria in the mouth, and actually worsens the situation by drying out the mouth.
Building up too many ketones in the blood can be dangerous, but for most people on a low-carb diet, this isn’t a concern.
There are also small monitors available which can detect certain gases, but the limitation here is that it only includes some gases and not others. Finally ‘gas chromatography’ – a technique to separate complex mixtures of gases – can measure the quantity of sulphur in the air, but involves specialised equipment that you won’t find in many doctors’ offices.
Tonsil stones often go away on their own. If they bother you, the only way to get rid of them is through surgical removal or tonsillectomy.
Dry Mouth: A Common Culprit of Chronic Bad Breath
Americans spend more than $1 billion a year on over the counter halitosis products, many of which are ineffective because they only mask the problem.
This condition originates mainly inside the oral cavity, either due to the accumulation of bacteria on the tongue or due to periodontal diseases, tobacco consumption, dental cavities, among others.
How to Choose the Right Mouthwash for Fresher Breath