Poor dental hygieneLack of saliva in the mouthPoor lifestyle choices such as smoking and alcohol
At Premier Family Dental in Gilbert, we know there are a lot of people who suffer from tonsil stones. What are these malicious white rocks in the back of your throat? Well, have you ever brushed your teeth to what you would consider perfection and even used mouthwash, but somehow your breath is still funky? Well, these stones in the back of your throat are the culprit. They contain large amounts of bacteria and are the leading cause of bad breath.
.
When the Lamberts started putting the vaguely medical sounding "halitosis" in their ads, they framed it as a health condition that was keeping people from being their very best selves. Inglis-Arkell describes the campaign’s direction:
Bad breath causes include snoring, gum disease, acid reflux, respiratory infections, tonsil stones, diabetes, liver failure, kidney failure, H. pylori, dehydration, infections, and use of certain medications. Bad breath cures or remedies depend on the underlying cause. Some people use bad breath toothpaste or mouthwash to combat the problem.
Salty water can be gargled several times a day to dislodge an existing stone. This is a preferred method of treatment for many people because the alternative of using a toothbrush or Q-tip to pick a stone out is usually met with intense gagging. Picking at tonsil stones is discouraged by doctors because the tissue at the back of the throat is delicate and could be damaged. Doctors recommend treatment such as tonsillectomy only in extreme cases of repeat stones and infection.
Halitosis is a problem that, according to conservative estimates, up to 30% of the population may be struggling with. So, as you can see, it is a very common ailment. Its source usually lies in improper oral hygiene. People who irregularly and inconsiderately brush their teeth, neglect interdental care or forget to clean their tongue are particularly exposed to the problem of bad breath. But not only. In today’s text, you will learn what else can lead to halitosis and how to effectively deal with this problem.
Natural Remedies for Treating Bad Breath from the Throat
Dr. Benjamin Greene and Dr. Jonathan Everett at Kirkland Family Dentistry have been providing dental services in Kirkland, Washington for a better part of 25 years and are staunch supporters of effectively eliminating the causes of halitosis rather than aiming to cure them.
2. Tea tree oil: Tea tree oil has powerful antimicrobial properties that can kill bacteria that cause bad breath. You can add a few drops of tea tree oil to water and use it as a mouthwash or add it to your toothpaste.
If your bad breath is a short-term problem, it only requires a short-term solution! But even long-term halitosis sufferers can often find some measure of relief in these quick fixes, such as:
Yes, small tonsil stones can be removed at home using a cotton swab or the back of your toothbrush. However, if you have large tonsil stones or are experiencing severe symptoms, it's best to see a doctor.
Home About Our Team Office Tour Careers Our Services General Dentistry Cosmetic Dentistry Emergency Care Your Visit Technology Blog Contact Us
The Role of Probiotics in Fighting Bad Breath
Let’s get one thing straight right off the bat: no one is claiming that Listerine invented bad breath. Human mouths have stunk for millennia, and there are ancient breath freshening solutions to prove it. But, as Esther Inglis-Arkell writes at io9, in more modern days, advertisements for Listerine transformed halitosis from a bothersome personal imperfection into an embarrassing medical condition that urgently required treatment. Treatment that—conveniently—the company wanted to sell.
As stated above, tonsils have many gaps, pits, and crevices known as tonsillar crypts. They trap viruses, bacteria, fungi, and other germs and make the immune system fight infections. Sometimes, crevices can add debris such as bacteria, food, and dead cells, leading to calcium build-up forming the stones.
At times, tooth extraction, dental implant, incorrectly fitted dental fixtures, wrongly performed root-canal surgery, and incomplete tooth extraction can also result in a foul smell. So, it is advisable to visit your dentist first for a check-up. Medical professionals should be approached only when advised to do so by a dental care expert.
Choosing the right mouthwash can help freshen your breath and promote good oral hygiene. Look for a mouthwash that contains antibacterial ingredients such as chlorhexidine or cetylpyridinium chloride. These ingredients can help kill the bacteria responsible for causing bad breath.