In addition to brushing and flossing, tongue scraping is an often overlooked step in oral hygiene. The tongue harbors bacteria that can contribute to bad breath. Using a tongue scraper or gently brushing your tongue with your toothbrush can help remove these bacteria and freshen your breath.
Also see a doctor or dentist if bad breath develops after taking a new medication, after recent dental surgery, or if any other symptoms develop that are of concern.
.
4. Freshening agents: Toothpastes that contain ingredients like baking soda or menthol can help freshen breath and leave your mouth feeling clean and refreshed.
Related LinksOral Care NewsOral Care ReferenceOral Care SlideshowsOral Care QuizzesOral Care VideosBad BreathDry MouthHealthy Mouth EvaluatorMouth SoresOrthodonticsSigns of Gum DiseaseTeeth GrindingTemporomandibular Disorders (TMD)Tooth DecayMore Related Topics
Your diet can play a significant role in preventing bad breath. Certain foods and drinks can contribute to bad breath, while others can help freshen your breath. Here are some foods and drinks to be aware of:
In some cases, larger tonsil stones may cause difficulty swallowing or breathing. This can be particularly concerning in children or individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions.
UPMC: “What Are Tonsil Stones (Tonsilloliths)? Tonsil Stone Symptoms and Treatment.”
The role of oral hygiene in halitosis prevention
I had several fillings replaced. Their office is welcoming and the front office staff is very warm from the moment you... walk in the door. The entire dental team really cares that you are comfortable throughout all of the procedures, including a regular checkup and cleaning as well as more involved procedures. Their numbing process is fantastic!!!read more
In addition to causing bad breath, smoking can also lead to other oral health issues such as gum disease and oral cancer. Quitting smoking is the best way to improve your oral health and maintain fresh breath. If you need help quitting, there are various resources available, such as support groups and nicotine replacement therapies.
Baking soda is another natural remedy that can help fight bad breath. It has antibacterial properties that can kill the bacteria responsible for causing bad breath. You can mix a teaspoon of baking soda with water to create a mouth rinse or sprinkle a small amount on your toothbrush before brushing.
Small tonsil stones may not cause any symptoms that you’d notice. Even when they’re large, some tonsil stones are found only after X-rays or CT scans. Symptoms include:
Why Flossing is Crucial for Oral Health and Fresh Breath
The first stop when you have halitosis is usually your dentist. If your dentist determines you have a healthy mouth, you will likely be referred to a physician to look for an underlying health problem. If you have periodontal disease, you may see a periodontist, a dentist who specializes in gum disease and dental implants. If you have braces, it's like your bad breath is caused by food getting stuck in them. You may see your orthodontist for an adjustment. Bad breath in babies or young children may be a sign of infection or undiagnosed medical problems. Consult a child's pediatrician or dentist if an infant or young child has bad breath.
It was also marketed to dentists as a way to kill germs in the mouth, but no one paid much attention until the 1920s. That's when, as Inglis-Arkell writes, the owner of the company, Jordan Wheat Lambert, and his son, Gerard, came up with a marketing plan that would forever change the dental aisle. The key was an old Latin phrase that had long dropped out of general usage and which, according to writers over at Cracked, meant “unpleasant breath.” A 1928 ad for Listerine reads in part: “No matter how charming you may be or how fond of you your friends are, you can not expect them to put up with halitosis (unpleasant breath) forever. They may be nice to you—but it is an effort.” Bettmann/CORBIS
Hi, I'm Benjamin and I have suffered with tonsil stones for 30 years before I realized that I had a chronic problem. I've created this blog as a way to vent my frustrations and help people like yourself discover solutions.
Large tonsil stones can cause swollen tonsils and give you trouble swallowing. Tonsil stones can also sometimes trigger infections.