Halitosis, commonly known as bad breath, is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It can have a significant impact on both oral health and social interactions. Bad breath can be embarrassing and can cause individuals to feel self-conscious in social situations. Additionally, it can be a sign of underlying oral health issues or certain medical conditions. In this article, we will explore the causes of halitosis and discuss various prevention and treatment methods.
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.
.
St. Louis Sinus Center has solutions for allergies, sinus, and snoring problems that help you live more comfortably. For more information on our services, call our St. Louis or Festus office.
It is also important to choose a mouthwash that does not contain alcohol, as alcohol can dry out the mouth and contribute to bad breath. Opting for an alcohol-free mouthwash can help maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in the mouth and reduce the risk of dry mouth.
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.
Managing the psychological effects of halitosis involves addressing both the physical symptoms and the emotional impact. Seeking support from friends, family, or a mental health professional can be helpful in managing feelings of self-consciousness and building self-confidence. Additionally, practicing good oral hygiene and seeking treatment for underlying causes of bad breath can help alleviate the physical symptoms and improve overall well-being.
It is not easy for people to realize whether they have tonsils or not. They are not visible easily and can have a size of a rice grain or a grape. They do not generally cause considerable health complications. But sometimes, they grow even more extensive, which swells up the tonsils and may even have an unpleasant smell.
At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis, and any new medicines, treatments, or tests. Also write down any new directions your provider gives you.
There are multiple reasons for bad breath and sore throat. It is often due to harmful bacteria, viral infections, poor dental hygiene, or other factors. However, other factors, such as tonsillitis, can affect that simultaneously. One such factor can be the condition called tonsil stones.
Saliva helps to control the levels of bacteria in your mouth. When your body doesn’t produce enough saliva, odor-causing bacteria can thrive.
Since these bacteria cause a foul odor, killing them with salty, acidic, and oxygen-based rinsing agents can significantly reduce the bad smell and potentially even remove the stone.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease, otherwise known as acid reflux or heartburn, is a condition in which the contents of the stomach flow backward into the esophagus. The undigested food, bile, and stomach acids coming back into the esophagus can cause pain and discomfort and may lead to bad breath.
In most cases, bad breath can be effectively treated with proper oral hygiene practices and lifestyle changes. However, there are instances where bad breath may be a sign of an underlying medical condition. If bad breath persists despite practicing good oral hygiene and making lifestyle changes, it is important to see a dentist or doctor for further evaluation.
It is true that in a small percentage of cases bad breath is caused by a problem elsewhere in the body such as the ear, nose and throat, kidneys, lungs or intestines, but when this does happen it’s unusual for halitosis to be the only symptom.
Love this office. The hygienists are always very nice and gentle. They don't push extra visits and procedures. My... appointment is always on time. If I'm there early, they often get me started early.read more
I cannot say enough about this office. Dr. Birch is amazing, the whole office is caring, friendly and very... professional. I got my upper partials today and when I looked in the mirror, I’m not gonna lie, I had a couple of tears in there. Everything matches well with them, you can barely tell that I have partials in. I am a person who loves to smile and Dr. Birch and his staff gave me my smile back! When I say they went above and beyond for me, I truly mean they went above and beyond! I would recommend this office to anyone and everyone! Thank you Dr. Birch and his amazing staff! I will be back for my bottom partials for sure!read more
Disclaimer- The last three remedies might not be safe for several patients. It is best to consult with the doctor first before undertaking the last three remedies.