If you have persistent bad breath that doesn’t go away with brushing and flossing alone, your bad breath could be caused by something other than a plaque or the foods you consume. Bad breath or halitosis has many causes, including dry mouth, medications you may be taking, or a condition called tonsillitis. Tonsillitis is a condition of the lymph nodes known as your tonsils. The tonsils are located in your mouth, at the intersection of your throat and palate. Their primary function is to help your immune system by blocking germs from entering the throat. Tonsils are full of white blood cells that kill germs, too. The condition known as tonsillitis occurs when the tonsils become inflamed and infected. Sometimes, tonsillitis can be caused by a condition called tonsil stones, where the tonsils become full of ‘stones’ or hardened calcium deposits that get stuck in the pits and crevices of the tonsils. These calcium deposits are caused by oral plaque and bacteria and bits of swallowed food. Though tonsil stones are usually harmless, if they become infected your dentist may recommend they be removed, especially if your tonsillitis is recurring. Though tonsillitis is more common in children, it can still affect adults. Dr. Martin Abelar is a dentist practicing in San Diego, California. He says that tonsillitis is a common cause of bad breath because of the inflammation it causes. “Tonsilitis can be a major contributor of bad breath because it inflames the mucous membranes of the tonsils, making them cause a foul odor. Also, the bits of food and plaque stuck in the tonsils may cause foul odor as they decompose.” Abelar says that if you have difficulty swallowing or a persistent sore throat you may have tonsillitis and should be seen by a dentist for an evaluation. Bad breath is another symptom you may want to be on the lookout for. “If you do have bad breath, try the traditional means of eliminating it first. Brush your teeth at least twice per day, floss your teeth, and if you don’t already add steps to your routines such as mouthwash and tongue scraping.” As for tonsil stones, Abelar says they are usually harmless and unless they are causing pain can usually be left alone and can clear up on their own, but if you are concerned about bad breath or infection, you should speak to your dentist about having them removed. Artificial Intelligence Could Soon Diagnose Osteoarthritis Of The Temporomandibular Joint How To Prevent White Spots On Your Teeth During Orthodontic Treatment September 30, 2023 Denstistry, Orthodontics Artificial Intelligence Could Soon Diagnose Osteoarthritis Of The Temporomandibular Joint September 30, 2023 Denstistry, Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Autism Could Increase The Risk Of TMJ Dysfunction September 30, 2023 Denstistry, Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction
Medications can lead to bad breath for two reasons. In some cases, the way your body breaks down the medicine leads to the production of odorous chemicals. In other cases, medications contribute to dry mouth, which can make bad breath more likely.
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Other dental causes of bad breath include poorly fitting dental appliances, yeast infections of the mouth, and cavities.
You may need to see an oral specialist (periodontist) for treatment or your primary healthcare provider depending on the cause.
If you’re trying out a fad diet, such as the ketogenic diet or another low-carb diet, then you might want to know that some diets can contribute to bad breath.
Chronic diseases can also contribute to bad breath. Conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, and liver disease can cause changes in the body's metabolism, leading to the production of certain chemicals that can cause halitosis. Additionally, dry mouth, which is a common symptom of many chronic diseases, can also contribute to bad breath.
Poor dental hygiene, chronic sinus issues, inflamed tonsillitis, and large tonsils may contribute to a build-up of this hardened material.
The UK health research body Cochrane is currently assembling a review of the scientific literature on interventions for bad breath. In their previous review of mouthwashes in 2008, the five best trials showed that if they contained anti-bacterials such as chlorhexidine and cetylpyridinium chloride, chlorine dioxide or zinc, they could reduce unpleasant smells to an extent. But the authors did call for more trials to be done. Hopefully this next review will be able to give more information about which mouthwashes to choose.
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.
Chewing gum can help remedy bad breath until you are able to see your dentist for a deep cleaning. The best chewing gum is sugar-free chewing gum. The sweetness of this gum comes from sweeteners and not sugar, so it doesn’t cause tooth decay.
Along with bad breath, other symptoms of tonsilloliths are ear pain, swollen tonsils, an accumulation of white-colored debris, as well as trouble swallowing.
Conclusion
Even if food isn’t naturally smelly, it can become smelly if it’s left in your mouth too long. If you’re not cleaning your mouth well enough, food residue can rot in your mouth, causing very bad breath. This is particularly common for people who don’t floss and have residue stuck between their teeth.
Dry mouth can be caused by dehydration, medication, or aging. Once you’ve identified dry mouth, we can look for the cause and try to find a solution.
You may need to see an oral specialist (periodontist) for treatment or your primary healthcare provider depending on the cause.
However, they can also be routine in people with frequent tonsil infections. People with more tonsillar crypts, gaps, and crevices in tonsils tend to get more tonsilloliths. To understand the condition further, it is essential to know how it forms and its symptoms.
Halitosis: An unpleasant odor from the mouth, commonly referred to as bad breath. Halitosis can be caused by the consumption of certain foods, poor oral hygiene, alcohol or tobacco use, dry mouth, or by certain chronic medical conditions. Drug Categories Drugs & Medications Pill Identification Tool Vitamins, Herbs, & Dietary Supplements Dictionary RxList About Us Consumer Contact RxList Terms of Use Privacy Policy Sponsor Policy