Understanding Halitosis: What Causes Bad Breath?
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In many cases, tonsil stones do not cause any symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they may include: Persistent bad breath (halitosis) White or yellow formations on the tonsil Sore throat Difficulty swallowing Ear pain Swollen tonsils The sensation of a foreign object lodged in the back of the throat/choking feeling Cough Chronic tonsil inflammation/infection If symptoms of tonsil stones are severe, you may see an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist, also called an otolaryngologist.
If you are taking medications and experiencing chronic bad breath, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider. They may be able to adjust your medication or recommend strategies to alleviate dry mouth and improve your breath.
Certain strains of probiotics, such as Streptococcus salivarius K12 and Lactobacillus salivarius, have been shown to reduce the levels of harmful bacteria in the mouth and improve breath odor. These probiotics can be found in certain oral health products, such as lozenges or mouthwashes.
Severe mouth odor is typically caused by dental infections that require treatment by a qualified dental professional. Other common causes of bad breath include diets containing certain foods, smoking and other tobacco use, poor oral hygiene, some medications, and may even result from health conditions present throughout the body.
This condition originates mainly inside the oral cavity, either due to the accumulation of bacteria on the tongue or due to periodontal diseases, tobacco consumption, dental cavities, among others.
A dentist will also examine your mouth for any signs of gum disease or other oral health issues that may be causing bad breath. They may recommend additional treatments or procedures to address these issues and improve your breath odor.
Your liver is also supposed to filter out toxins. And like the kidneys, when it’s not doing its job, the result can be a toxic buildup that you can smell. The type of breath related to liver disease is called fetor hepaticus, and it’s usually described as a musty smell. If you have this type of bad breath, you need to talk to a doctor.
To remove your tonsil stones, use a tonsil stone pick or water flosser on a very low setting, but never put too much pressure on your tonsils, even if you cannot get the stone out. Check out my article on the best tonsil stone removal tools.
When bacteria and food particles aren’t properly removed from the surface of the teeth, cavities can begin to form, eating away at the enamel of our teeth. If cavities aren’t properly dealt with, they can cause further decay and infection which may lead to abscesses and broken teeth.
The same spices that make a meal a work of art can leave a strong scent lingering on your breath. Foods and spices such as garlic, onion, spicy foods, curry, some cheeses, fish, and acidic beverages such as coffee can leave a lingering smell. These smells usually fade quickly or can be fixed by giving your mouth a quick rinse with some mouthwash or chewing a piece of sugar-free gum.
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:
Introduction
Those who would like to professionally check the quality of their breath can do so with a halimeter. This is a device that resembles a breathalyzer in appearance and operation. All you have to do is blow air into it and it will give you a clear indication of how much undesirable volatile sulfur compounds are in your breath.
Certain medical conditions can also contribute to halitosis. These include respiratory infections, sinusitis, diabetes, liver disease, and kidney disease. In these cases, treating the underlying condition is necessary to alleviate bad breath.
10 Home Remedies For Curing Bad Breath EffectivelySaltwater gargling Using irrigator in low pressureConsuming probioticsUsing essential oilsEating garlic clovesMaking better food choicesUsing good toothbrushesUsing Apple cider vinegarUsing cotton swabsUsing aromatic herbs and spices10 Ways To Fight Bad BreathFinal words If any bacteria or virus is feeding on the tonsil stones, gargle with salt water to kill them. Moreover, tonsil stones cause scratches and soreness in the throat which can also subside after saltwater gargling. Also, gargling with saltwater also loosens and reduces the size of the tonsil stones as well as removes bad breath caused by tonsil stones. Evidently, gargling with salt water also helps to heal oral wounds. Water irrigators such as a water flosser can loosen the tonsil stones but you have to use them in low pressure so that you don’t accidentally damage the stones.