The Hidden Health Risks of Halitosis: Understanding the Underlying Causes
Your tonsils have a very important role. They’re supposed to trap bacteria and debris that would otherwise go into your lungs or stomach. Unfortunately, sometimes they accumulate too much, creating balls of bacterial residue called tonsil stones. These can smell very bad and contribute to bad breath.
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4. Hydrate! – Many people suffer from dry mouth, which aggravates bad breath. Whether the dry mouth is the result of a prescription medication side effect or simple dehydration, one important solution is drinking lots of water. Drinking water provides the necessary resources to your salivary glands for the production of saliva. It also helps to flush away dental plaque and food debris.
Terms of UseAbout the BBCPrivacy PolicyPrivacy PolicyCookiesCookiesAccessibility HelpParental GuidanceContact the BBCMake an editorial complaintBBC emails for youAdvertise with usCopyright © 2023 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking. oral health center/oral health a-z list/tonsil stones article Medical Author: John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP Medical Editor: Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhD Introduction What are tonsil stones? Causes & Risk Factors What are causes and risk factors of tonsil stones? Symptoms What are the symptoms of tonsil stones? Diagnosis How are tonsil stones diagnosed? Treatment What are the treatments for tonsil stones? Home Remedies How do you get rid of tonsil stones at home? Prognosis How long do tonsil stones last? Prevention How to prevent tonsil stones Tonsil stones can form when food, mucus, and bacteria get stuck in the craters of the tonsils.
Halitosis and Oral Health: The Connection Explained
The Risks of Ignoring Tonsil Stones and Halitosis
Choosing the right toothpaste is important in fighting halitosis. Here are some ingredients to look for in a toothpaste:
Your tonsils have a very important role. They’re supposed to trap bacteria and debris that would otherwise go into your lungs or stomach. Unfortunately, sometimes they accumulate too much, creating balls of bacterial residue called tonsil stones. These can smell very bad and contribute to bad breath.
Tonsil stone treatment is not always needed. Stones frequently either dissolve on their own or are coughed up.
When you have a cavity (or tooth decay), plaque (food particles and bacteria) accumulates in the cavity and causes bad breath.
Halitosis, or bad breath affects an estimated 65% of Americans. Over 40 million Americans have "chronic halitosis," which is persistent bad breath. 90% of all halitosis is of oral, not systemic, origin.
Conclusion
There are several natural remedies that can help freshen breath and improve oral health. Chewing on herbs like parsley and mint can help mask bad breath temporarily. These herbs contain natural compounds that can help neutralize odors in the mouth.
To make herbal tea for fresh breath, steep a tea bag or a teaspoon of dried herbs in a cup of hot water for 5-10 minutes. Strain the tea and let it cool down to a comfortable temperature. Drink the tea slowly, swishing it around in your mouth before swallowing. Repeat this process several times a day for best results.
Tonsil stones are formed when debris, such as food particles and dead cells, gets trapped in the tonsil crevices. The debris can become trapped in the crypts of the tonsils and harden, forming tonsil stones. Some people are more prone to tonsil stones than others, and there are several factors that can increase the risk of developing them.
Sometimes, it’s not any individual meal you’re eating. It’s the combination of your diet as a whole. While it’s good to give up sugar, many people want to go further and eliminate most carbs from their diet. This drives the body to burn other sources of energy, such as fats and proteins. The byproduct of this is ketones, which have a sweet, fruity odor.
Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial in preventing bad breath. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day helps remove plaque and food particles from the surfaces of your teeth. It's important to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to effectively clean your teeth without causing damage to your gums.