Everyone gets bad breath occasionally — especially after eating garlic, onions, or other strong foods. But bad breath that doesn't go away (chronic halitosis) could mean you have an oral health issue or a condition that's affecting another part of your body.
I have covered this topic extensively on my blog, but here are a few quick tips to get you started.
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You can tell you have tonsil stones if you can see the white deposits trapped in the crevices of your tonsils. Other times, you might notice them when they come out, “appearing” suddenly in your throat or mouth. They are usually white and can be soft and/or gritty.
Cough: You might discover that you have a tonsil stone when you cough. Coughing with some energy may help in loosening the stone.
Laser cryptolysis is another medical treatment option. This procedure uses laser technology to reshape the tonsil crypts, reducing the likelihood of debris and bacteria becoming trapped and forming tonsil stones.
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Halitosis is defined as a chronic bad breath that mint and mouthwash can’t solve, as mentioned above. Also known as fetor oris, halitosis can make an affected person subconscious and they feel reluctant to hang out with larger groups of people because they are embarrassed by their bad breath. It is estimated that 1 in 4 people have halitosis on a regular basis[i]. According to the latest statistics, an estimated 25% of the world population is having trouble with this annoying symptom. After tooth decay and gum disease, halitosis is the third most common reason people seek dental care[ii]. As should you if you ever notice that your toothpaste or mouthwash does not seem to win the fight over that awful bad breath.
Other medical conditions such as tonsil stones and postnasal drip can also contribute to bad breath from the throat. Tonsil stones are small, hard deposits that form in the crevices of the tonsils. These stones can harbor bacteria and emit a foul odor. Postnasal drip occurs when excess mucus drips down the back of the throat, providing a breeding ground for bacteria.
Regular dental check-ups also provide an opportunity for education and guidance on proper oral hygiene practices. Dentists can provide personalized recommendations for preventing tonsil stones and bad breath based on an individual's specific needs.
Sometimes, we eat something that causes bad breath. Peppers, onions, garlic, curries, cheese, and seafood are all culprits in causing bad breath shortly after eating.
Yes, tonsil stones can cause bad breath due to the buildup of bacteria and debris that gets trapped in the tonsil crevices.
When bacteria interact with the trapped debris in the tonsil crypts, they can produce volatile sulfur compounds, which have a strong odor. These compounds are responsible for the foul smell associated with bad breath. The presence of tonsil stones can exacerbate this process, leading to persistent bad breath.
Many people have small tonsilloliths, but it’s rare to have a large tonsil stone.
In most cases, halitosis can be treated and prevented through good oral hygiene practices and lifestyle changes. However, there are instances where bad breath may be a sign of a more serious underlying condition.
Besides stomach ulcers, even gastroesophageal reflux disease can result in foul odor. In this medical condition, the acid from the stomach travels back into the mouth resulting in a burning sensation in the chest as well as throat. The acid also damages the teeth and triggers the growth of bacteria in the mouth. Doctors conduct tests and prescribe medicines after confirming reflux disease symptoms.
Parsley is not only a popular garnish but also a natural breath freshener. It contains chlorophyll, which can help neutralize odors and freshen breath.