Medical conditions that can cause bad breath
Gum disease threatens your teeth, but can also lead to deadly consequences in the form of heart disease, dementia, or cancer.
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Here are characteristic bad breath odors associated with some of these illnesses:
There are some things a person can do to eliminate or at least temporarily mask bad breath. Good oral hygiene, such as brushing the teeth and tongue and flossing, keeps the mouth healthy and can often get rid of bad breath, at least in the short term. Mouthwash may temporarily mask bad breath and can help with oral hygiene. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking on sugar-free mints may temporarily mask bad breath odor. For more serious cases of bad breath, dentists can prescribe special toothpaste and mouthwash that can improve the symptoms of bad breath.
If tonsil stones are large in size, they can lead to swallowing and may also trigger infections. These stones can sometimes cause a number of side effects like sore throat, swelling, cough, ear pain, and irritation (a sensation of a foreign substance in the throat), etc.
If you have tonsil stones, you probably want to get rid of that sulfur odor from your throat, and there are many ways to do so.
By practicing good oral hygiene, quitting smoking, and being mindful of foods and beverages that contribute to bad breath, you can reduce the risk of developing throat-related bad breath. Natural remedies and over-the-counter products can provide temporary relief, but if bad breath persists, it is important to seek professional help to address any underlying medical conditions.
Laura Clark is a writer and editor based in Pittsburgh. She's a blogger with Smart News and a senior editor at Pitt magazine. Filed Under: Advertisements, Cool Finds, Health, Marketing Smart News History Science Innovation Arts & Culture Travel At The Smithsonian Podcast Photos Video Smithsonian Institution Smithsonian.com Smithsonian Store Smithsonian Journeys Smithsonian Channel Smithsonian Books Smithsonian Membership About Smithsonian Contact Us Advertising RSS Member Services Sustainability Terms of Use Privacy Statement Cookie Policy Advertising Notice © 2023 Smithsonian Magazine Privacy Statement Cookie Policy Terms of Use Advertising Notice Your Privacy Rights Cookie Settings
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.
Now, what if the unfortunate happens? Or maybe you already have been dealing with these rocks filled with noxious gas. No matter how hard and precise you have been brushing your teeth, it seems like your breath just never gets better. You scrub your tongue relentlessly to no avail. The tonsil stones are the reason your breath still continues to be funky. There are many ways to go about removing them and returning your breath back to normal.
Daily brushing and flossing, and regular professional cleanings, will normally take care of unpleasant breath. And don't forget your often overlooked tongue as a culprit for bad breath. Bacterial plaque and food debris also can accumulate on the back of the tongue. The tongue's surface is extremely rough and bacteria can accumulate easily in the cracks and crevices.
Tonsil stones form when this debris hardens, or calcifies. This tends to happen most often in people who have long-term inflammation in their tonsils or repeated cases of tonsillitis.
Here are some of the causes of bad breath, so you can be more confident when you show your smile.
Bad breath can also be caused by certain health conditions, such as dry mouth or diabetes.
The impact of bad breath goes beyond just the physical symptoms. It can also have a significant impact on mental health and self-esteem. People with halitosis may feel self-conscious and avoid social interactions or intimate relationships due to fear of judgment or embarrassment. This can lead to feelings of isolation and low self-esteem.
Medical Treatments for Tonsil Stones and Halitosis
If the dentist determines that the cause of bad breath is not related to oral health, they may refer you to a doctor for further evaluation. The doctor can assess your overall health and determine if there are any underlying medical conditions that need to be addressed.