Loss of smell and taste may result from polyps in the nasal or sinus cavities, hormonal disturbances, or dental problems. They can also be caused by prolonged exposure to certain chemicals such as insecticides, and by some medicines.
One common medical treatment is a tonsillectomy, which involves the surgical removal of the tonsils. This procedure is typically reserved for severe cases of tonsil stones or recurrent infections that do not respond to other treatments.
.
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:
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.
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.
Another way that alcohol can lead to bad breath is by changing the makeup of bacteria in your mouth. A study published in Microbiome found that people who drank the most were more likely to have bacteria in their mouths that contributed to bad breath.
Saliva helps displace bacteria in the mouth that causes bad odors. When you have dry mouth, odor-causing bacteria is not washed away by saliva, resulting in bad breath. This is why most people have "morning breath;" your saliva production decreases when you are sleeping causing dry mouth and bad breath.
Radiation therapy patients with cancers of the head and neck often complain of lost smell and taste. These senses can also be lost in the course of some diseases of the nervous system.
There are several factors that can contribute to dry mouth. Certain medications, such as antihistamines and antidepressants, can reduce saliva production. Medical conditions like Sjogren's syndrome and diabetes can also cause dry mouth. Additionally, lifestyle habits like breathing through the mouth instead of the nose or excessive alcohol consumption can contribute to dry mouth.
When you experience heartburn or acid reflux, acid and some undigested food from the stomach can flow back up the esophagus, sometimes into the mouth. The combination of partially or undigested food and acid washing back into the mouth can lead to bad breath.
It is a procedure for the surgical removal of tonsils. It is generally done using a laser, scalpel, or a specific coblation device. Doctors only recommend this procedure for severe and chronic cases when other treatments might not have worked out.
- Sugary foods: Bacteria in the mouth feed on sugar and produce acids that can contribute to bad breath.
Whether your bad breath is temporary or a symptom of a bigger problem, the following tips will benefit your teeth, gums, and overall oral health.
In addition to tongue scraping, other oral care practices can also help prevent bad breath. Using a water flosser can help remove plaque and food particles from between the teeth and along the gumline. Chewing sugar-free gum can stimulate saliva production and help wash away bacteria.
To make lemon water for fresh breath, simply squeeze the juice of half a lemon into a glass of warm water. Drink this mixture first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. You can also add a teaspoon of honey for added flavor and additional antibacterial benefits.
How to Choose the Right Mouthwash for Fresher Breath
Decided to try out Premier when we felt the prices at the dental practice we have been going to for 12 years were on... the high side. Called several practices in our area to obtain prices for a procedure and found Premier to be the best price while having the highest ratings. Had the procedure done and was very pleased with the office, staff, and dentist and the quality of the procedure. Only regret was not finding them earlier.read more