People who have long-term tonsillitis are more likely to get tonsil stones. The only way to prevent them is to remove your tonsils.
When to see a dentist or doctor about bad breath
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Saliva helps to control the levels of bacteria in your mouth. When your body doesn’t produce enough saliva, odor-causing bacteria can thrive.
Eating a balanced diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables promotes good oral health. Avoiding foods that are known to cause bad breath, such as garlic and onions, can also be beneficial. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps prevent dry mouth and reduces the risk of bad breath.
If the odor is due to gum disease, for example, your dentist can either treat the disease or refer you to a periodontist, a dentist who specializes in treating gum conditions.
You may need to see an oral specialist (periodontist) for treatment or your primary healthcare provider depending on the cause.
Halitosis, which is the scientific name for bad breath, is often caused by volatile sulfur compounds. Volatile sulfur compounds are foul-smelling gases released by anaerobic bacteria.
Maintain good oral hygiene: brush your teeth after every meal, paying attention to the interproximal spaces and tongue, and complement brushing with flossing.Use mouthwash to kill bacteria and temporarily stop bad breath.Keep saliva flowing in the mouth by drinking plenty of water or stimulating saliva with foods that require a lot of chewing.Adjust your diet and avoid foods that cause bad breath or are very sugary, as these are closely linked to tooth decay, which can in turn lead to smelly breath.Reduce or eliminate tobacco and alcohol consumption.Visit the dentist once or twice a year to prevent the onset of oral conditions.Have a professional hygiene once or twice a year to remove plaque from your mouth that can lead to tooth decay or periodontal disease.
Many don’t know how their diet can be one of the causes of bad breath. Eating a high-protein, low-carb diet can cause your metabolism to change because protein is harder for your body to digest. They tend to release sulfurous gases when they don’t metabolize. To avoid this, eat a more balanced and nutritious diet full of vegetables and herbs.
Certain prescription medications can also cause dry mouth, so if you believe this may be a possibility, check with the prescribing physician.
At-home removal. You might be able to remove tonsil stones by scraping gently with water picks or swabs.Saltwater gargles. Gargling with warm, salty water may help ease the pain of tonsillitis and help remove stones.Tonsil Stone Complications
If you have persistent bad breath despite practicing good oral hygiene and making lifestyle changes, it is important to see a doctor. They can help diagnose and treat any underlying medical conditions that may be contributing to halitosis, such as liver disease or diabetes.
Dentists usually diagnose bad breath. The diagnosis is based on your health history and mouth odor during the dental exam. The entire mouth is checked to see if a cause can be found, such as an infection. If the dentist can’t find the cause, they will refer you to your primary healthcare provider.
Gum disease is caused by plaque - the sticky, often colorless, film of bacteria that constantly forms on teeth. Dry mouth or xerostomia may also cause bad breath due to decreased salivary flow. Saliva cleans your mouth and removes particles that may cause odor. Tobacco products cause bad breath, stain teeth, reduce your ability to taste foods and irritate your gum tissues. Bad breath may also be a sign that you have a serious health problem, such as a respiratory tract infection, chronic sinusitis, postnasal drip, chronic bronchitis, diabetes, gastrointestinal disturbance, liver or kidney ailment.
If you don't brush and floss your teeth everyday, food particles remain on your teeth and cause bad breath. In addition, if you wear dentures, food can become lodged underneath your dentures, creating an unpleasant smell. Odor-causing bacteria can also collect on the tongue, which many people fail to clean as part their oral health routine.
Should you have any questions or concerns regarding your oral health, we are more than happy to sit down with you and discuss how you can achieve a beautiful, healthy smile. Professional Associations (972) 556-2122 5205 N. O’Connor Blvd, Suite 150, Irving, TX 75039 Notice of Privacy Practices Privacy Policy Terms of Use
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.