Halitosis, also known as bad breath, corresponds to an unpleasant and uncomfortable smell that comes off the mouth.
Medical conditions that can cause bad breath
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Certain medical conditions, such as sinus infections, respiratory tract infections, and gastrointestinal issues, can cause chronic bad breath. A healthcare professional can help identify the underlying cause of bad breath and recommend appropriate treatment.
Unfortunately, even more people are unaware of strong bad breath. These may suffer rifts in personal relationships, avoidance by people at work or social occasions, or romantic rebuffs without understanding the underlying cause. People with chronic bad breath are less likely to advance within the workplace.
From Minty Mouthwash to Tongue Scrapers: The Best Products for Fighting Halitosis
Certain prescription medications can also cause dry mouth, so if you believe this may be a possibility, check with the prescribing physician.
The bad breath caused by certain foods is easily remedied by altering the diet. You can maintain a perfectly healthy diet while avoiding particularly smelly foods. Some studies even show that diets high in dairy products can cause bad odors in the mouth. If you are unsure which food is responsible for your bad breath, these are the top ones to avoid:
These foods and drinks can also affect the pH balance in the mouth, creating an environment that is favorable for bacteria growth. Additionally, they can cause dehydration, which reduces saliva production and increases the risk of bad breath.
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It is important to note that while natural remedies can be effective in freshening breath, they should not replace proper oral hygiene practices.
The alternative is to scrape your tongue with a special tongue cleaner. This method is also under assessment in the newest Cochrane review. Their last report found just two small trials looking at this method. They showed it can work, but that the effect is short-lived. They also highlight the risk of damaging the tongue by pressing too hard and to ensure that if you want to use a toothbrush to clean your tongue, you make sure that it’s a soft one.
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Conclusion
Tonsil stones smell so bad because they house anaerobic bacteria that produce volatile sulfur compounds which smell like rotten eggs. If you want the smell to go away, you can remove your tonsil stones by gargling a vinegar solution or peroxide and adding probiotic-rich foods like yogurt to your diet.
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.
Salty water can be gargled several times a day to dislodge an existing stone. This is a preferred method of treatment for many people because the alternative of using a toothbrush or Q-tip to pick a stone out is usually met with intense gagging. Picking at tonsil stones is discouraged by doctors because the tissue at the back of the throat is delicate and could be damaged. Doctors recommend treatment such as tonsillectomy only in extreme cases of repeat stones and infection.
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