Besides food items, medical conditions like a build-up of calculus, gum diseases, dry mouth, poorly fitted dentures, acid reflux, and tonsil stones are often found to be some of the causes. Halitosis should not be left untreated because it can be one of the symptoms of severe problems like chronic sinus infections, bronchitis, diabetes, pneumonia, and even kidney-linked issues.
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Remember to gargle with salt water and practice good oral hygiene to prevent tonsil stones from forming. Small tonsil stones can be removed at home, but if you have large tonsil stones or are experiencing severe symptoms, it's best to see a doctor for proper treatment.
Lifestyle changes for maintaining fresh breath
Quitting smoking and tobacco use is not only beneficial for your overall health but also for your oral health. It can help improve breath, reduce the risk of gum disease and tooth loss, and improve the appearance of your teeth.
- Garlic and onions: These foods contain sulfur compounds that can be released in the mouth and contribute to bad breath.
Bad breath bacteria loves the back of your tongue, because it’s an area that’s often neglected, allowing the stinky stuff to multiply. Use a toothbrush or a tongue scraper to clear them all out during your morning and evening hygiene routine.
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Tonsil stones can last for weeks or even months if left untreated. However, they can be removed at home or by a doctor.
In addition to poor oral hygiene and dietary factors, certain medical conditions can cause chronic bad breath. Dry mouth, or xerostomia, reduces saliva production, which leads to an increase in bacteria in the mouth. Sinus infections and respiratory conditions can also contribute to bad breath due to the presence of mucus and bacteria in the nasal passages.
Tonsil stones form when this debris hardens, or calcifies. This tends to happen most often in people who have long-term inflammation in their tonsils or repeated cases of tonsillitis.
Infections in the mouth, including gum and bone disease, can contribute to bad breath. The bacteria that causes gum and bone disease or infections, like a dental abscess, often has a very strong odor.
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To floss effectively, use a piece of floss about 18 inches long. Wrap the ends of the floss around your middle fingers and hold it tightly between your thumbs and index fingers. Gently slide the floss between your teeth, using a back-and-forth motion. Curve the floss around each tooth in a C shape and slide it up and down to remove plaque and debris. Be sure to floss both sides of each tooth and along the gumline. Use a clean section of floss for each tooth.
Tonsil stones are formed when debris, such as food particles, dead cells, and mucus, become trapped in the crevices of the tonsils. Over time, these trapped materials harden and calcify, forming small stones. The exact cause of tonsil stones is not fully understood, but factors such as poor oral hygiene, chronic sinus issues, and large tonsils with deep crevices may contribute to their formation.
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The science behind bad breath: Understanding the causes