Other medical conditions such as tonsil stones and postnasal drip can also contribute to bad breath from the throat. Tonsil stones are small, hard deposits that form in the crevices of the tonsils. These stones can harbor bacteria and emit a foul odor. Postnasal drip occurs when excess mucus drips down the back of the throat, providing a breeding ground for bacteria.
Saliva keeps your mouth clean by removing food particles that can be a cause of bad breath. When you’re not producing enough saliva and your mouth is consistently dry, it will often cause bad breath. This happens for a lot of people when they sleep, but if it’s happening often during the day, talk to Dr. Scott Edwards to determine is treatment is a necessary step for you.
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Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed, and how it will help you. Also know what the side effects are and when they should be reported.
The Importance of Oral Hygiene in Maintaining Fresh Breath
In some cases, medical treatments may be necessary to effectively treat tonsil stones and halitosis.
To alleviate bad breath caused by food and beverages, it is essential to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Water helps wash away food particles and bacteria in the mouth and throat. Chewing sugar-free gum can also stimulate saliva production and freshen breath.
5. ACT Anticavity Fluoride Mouthwash: This mouthwash not only freshens breath but also helps prevent cavities. It contains fluoride to strengthen teeth and kill bacteria that cause bad breath. It has a mild mint flavor and is alcohol-free.
Dentists can diagnose halitosis through oral exams and other diagnostic tests. They will examine your mouth for signs of gum disease, tooth decay, or other oral health issues that may be contributing to bad breath. They may also ask about your medical history and any medications you are taking to determine if there are any underlying causes of halitosis.
It is a procedure for the surgical removal of tonsils. It is generally done using a laser, scalpel, or a specific coblation device. Doctors only recommend this procedure for severe and chronic cases when other treatments might not have worked out.
Know how you can contact your healthcare provider if you have questions, especially after office hours or on weekends. Online Medical Reviewer: Jessica Gotwals RN BSN MPH © 2000-2023 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions. Find a location Find a provider Make an appointment Login to MyChart patient portal Refer a patient Diseases and Conditions Bad Breath (Halitosis) StayWell Disclaimer | Manage Cookie Preferences | Do Not Sell My Personal Information Online Privacy Statement Policies and Notices Copyright And Healthcare Disclaimer Website Terms And Conditions Of Use Halitosis Can Be a Symptom of a Serious Disease Home Blog Halitosis Can Be A Symptom Of A Serious Disease
What happens when you don’t brush and floss regularly? Lots of things, such as periodontal or gum and bone disease, tooth decay, toothaches and bad breath.
Diet plays a significant role in the development of bad breath. Certain foods, such as garlic and onions, contain sulfur compounds that can be absorbed into the bloodstream and released through the lungs, resulting in bad breath. Other foods, such as coffee and alcohol, can also contribute to bad breath by drying out the mouth.
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:
In extreme cases, your doctor may recommend a tonsillectomy or laser cryptolysis, which reduces the number of crevices and folds in your tonsils.
For decades after Listerine first hit the market in the 1880s, it was kind of a jack-of-all trades product. Originally invented as a surgical antiseptic (and named after the founding father of antiseptics, Dr. Joseph Lister), its uses were varied—they including foot cleaning, floor scrubbing and gonorrhea treating.
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.
Diphtheria, dysentery, measles, pneumonia, scarlet fever, tuberculosis - extremely foul, fetid odor