Halitosis, which is simply the official term for bad breath that is chronic and persistent, can have a wide variety of causes, ranging from simple to serious. Some of the most common offenders include:
In addition to masking bad breath, chewing sugar-free gum helps protect your teeth and gums between meals. Teeth are more at risk of an acid attack directly after you’ve eaten. Chewing gum after a meal helps reduce acid and the harm it may cause to your teeth. It prompts the mouth to produce more saliva, which is the mouth’s natural defense against acid.
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For stones that do not go away on their own, there are several types of treatments: Medications: Antibiotics to help reduce bacteria Antihistamines to reduce mucus from sinus problems or allergies Laser treatment (laser tonsil cryptolysis): a noninvasive treatment that helps minimize or remove the tonsil pockets (crypts) where the tonsil stones are lodged Coblation cryptolysis: radio waves are used to change a salt solution into charged ions that can cut through the tissue to reduce crypts on the tonsils and eliminate tonsil stones Tonsillectomy: removal of the tonsils, usually the last resort but the only way to eliminate tonsil stones and prevent new ones from forming
Your tonsils are gland-like structures in the back of your throat. You have one on each side. Tonsils are made of tissue with lymphocytes, cells that prevent and fight infections. Many experts think your tonsils play a role in your immune system and are meant to work like nets, trapping bacteria and viruses that come in through your throat.
Halitosis can often be the result of tooth decay and gum disease. Gingivitis and periodontal disease can create cavities or pockets around the gums, giving bacteria a place to hide and multiply. This bacteria can produce foul-smelling breath which short-term freshening methods only mask.
Natural Remedies for Tonsil Stones and Halitosis
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.
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.
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Check out a tonsil stone dissolver recipe that has freed many people from the misery of tonsil stones.
Halitosis, or bad breath, is a common symptom of tonsil stones. The stones themselves do not have a strong odor, but they can release volatile sulfur compounds when they interact with bacteria in the mouth. These compounds have a foul smell and can cause persistent bad breath.
The first thing many people do if they suspect they have bad breath is to reach for the mouthwash. The mint or clove flavouring does of course, disguise the smell for a short time, and many mouthwashes also contain antiseptic. The idea is to eliminate the bacteria that leads to foul-smelling compounds. For a time this can work. But there has been some debate concerning containing alcohol and whether it does or doesn’t exacerbate dehydration. A very dry mouth can cause breath to smell worse.
An infected tooth needs to be treated with root canal therapy or extracted right away. Signs of an infected tooth include a tooth that becomes discoloured, sores on the gums, local warmth, and fever.
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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.
Maintaining good oral hygiene and making healthy lifestyle choices can significantly improve overall oral health and prevent bad breath. In addition to brushing and flossing regularly, it is important to visit the dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings.