Medications that cause a dry mouth can trigger bad breath. In addition, certain medications, such as triamterene and paraldehyde, have bad breath as a side effect.
Saliva is the body’s natural defense against disease-causing bacteria in the mouth. When medications inhibit the production of saliva, your mouth suffers, and so does your breath.
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Coblation cryptolysis: In this procedure, heat is not involved. A radio wave is used to transform salt solution into charged ions, which cuts through the tissue. This procedure also reduces tonsil crypts but does not cause any burning sensation.
Psychogenic halitosis generally has no apparent cause. In this case, the person constantly feels lousy breath coming from their mouth, but another person or any diagnostic test does not detect it. This type can also be associated with other psychologic abnormalities.
Your doctor can usually diagnose tonsil stones with a physical exam. If they’re hidden in the folds of your tonsils, you might need imaging tests, such as CT or MRI scans, to spot them.
The Science Behind Bad Breath
Tonsil stones can be uncomfortable and cause bad breath, but they are generally not harmful. Maintaining good oral hygiene can help prevent tonsil stones, and there are several treatment options available if you are experiencing symptoms. If you are unsure whether you have tonsil stones or have any concerns, it's best to consult a doctor.
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.
Interestingly, we find that more people are noticing an unpleasant smell as they wear the requisite masks during the current COVID-19 pandemic. So it is appropriate to ask the question: Does wearing a mask give us the opportunity to smell our own breath?
Preventing Tonsil Stones and Halitosis: Lifestyle Changes and Oral Hygiene Tips
Saliva keeps your mouth clean by removing food particles that can be a cause of bad breath. When you’re not producing enough saliva and your mouth is consistently dry, it will often cause bad breath. This happens for a lot of people when they sleep, but if it’s happening often during the day, talk to Dr. Scott Edwards to determine is treatment is a necessary step for you.
Both cavities and gum disease are bacterial infections of the oral tissues. Tooth decay is a bacterial infection of the hard tissues of a tooth, and gum disease is an infection of the hard and soft tissues surrounding a tooth (also called periodontal disease). Both of these conditions consist of the reproduction and proliferation of specific disease-causing bacteria, and they stink.
We strive for 100% customer satisfaction. If we fell short, please tell us more so we can address your concerns. Medical Author: John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP Halitosis What Is Bad Breath? Symptoms What Are Symptoms of Bad Breath? Diagnosis How Is Bad Breath Diagnosed? How to Get Rid of Bad Breath What Is the Treatment for Bad Breath? Bad breath (halitosis) is an embarrassing problem of undesirable odor coming from the mouth. Causes of bad breath include bacteria in the mouth, dry mouth, gum disease, medical conditions, food, smoking, and stress.
Bad breath may also be caused by medications you are taking, including central nervous system agents, anti-Parkinson drugs, antihistamines/decongestants, anti-psychotics, anti-cholinergics, narcotics, anti-hypertensives, and anti-depressants.
Living with tonsil stones and halitosis can be challenging both physically and emotionally. Coping with the physical symptoms, such as bad breath or difficulty swallowing, can be distressing. Additionally, the social stigma associated with bad breath can impact self-esteem and confidence.
Lifestyle changes that can improve overall oral health and prevent bad breath
Improperly cleaned dentures can also harbor odor-causing bacteria and food particles. If you wear removable dentures, take them out at night and clean them thoroughly before replacing them.