Tonsil stones form when the food particles, bacteria and mucus gets trapped in the pockets of the tonsils. When you don’t maintain healthy oral hygiene, the particles and bacteria can get trapped. This trapped debris is the hub of bacteria to infest. This can lead to infections and cause symptoms such as soreness, swelling, and even bad breath.
There are two types of halitosis or bad breath, which can vary depending on the cause. In the following sections, we will define each type and highlight their differences.
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[iv] What is halitosis? Occasional bad breath or a chronic problem? Colgate https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/conditions/bad-breath/what-is-halitosis-occasional-bad-breath-or-a-chronic-problem-0514
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.
If you are experiencing symptoms of tonsil stones, there are several treatment options available.
Saliva helps displace bacteria in the mouth that causes bad odors. When you have dry mouth, odor-causing bacteria is not washed away by saliva, resulting in bad breath. This is why most people have "morning breath;" your saliva production decreases when you are sleeping causing dry mouth and bad breath.
It is not a dangerous condition, and one can get rid of it by using some home remedies. However, it may require antibiotics and surgery in some cases.
Drinking more water throughout the day helps keep the mouth hydrated and washes away bacteria and food particles. Avoiding foods and drinks that contribute to bad breath, such as garlic and coffee, can also help maintain fresh breath.
The medical condition dry mouth (also called xerostomia) also can cause bad breath. Saliva is necessary to moisten the mouth, neutralize acids produced by plaque, and wash away dead cells that build up on the tongue, gums, and cheeks. If not removed, these cells decompose and can cause bad breath. Dry mouth may be a side effect of various medications, salivary gland problems, or continuous breathing through the mouth. In fact, morning breath is worse for people who sleep with their mouths open.
Small tonsil stones can be removed at home using a cotton swab or the back of your toothbrush. Gently apply pressure to the tonsil to push the stone out of the crevice.
Poor dental hygieneLack of saliva in the mouthPoor lifestyle choices such as smoking and alcohol
Certain foods and drinks can also contribute to bad breath. Foods like garlic and onions contain volatile compounds that are absorbed into the bloodstream and then exhaled through the lungs. Coffee and alcohol can also dry out the mouth, leading to a decrease in saliva production and an increase in bacteria growth.
The primary method to prevent halitosis is to brush twice a day, floss regularly, and use mouthwashes to clean and plaque-free your oral cavity. Staying well-hydrated and lessening smoking, alcohol, and caffeine consumption is beneficial. Maintain regular visits with your healthcare provider to identify possible causes before they worsen.
To prevent bad breath related to poor oral hygiene, it is important to maintain a regular oral care routine. This includes brushing your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily to remove food particles and plaque from between your teeth, and using mouthwash to kill bacteria and freshen your breath. It is also recommended to visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and check-ups.
Poor dental hygieneLack of saliva in the mouthPoor lifestyle choices such as smoking and alcohol
Brush your teeth at least twice a day, every day, for at least two minutes. And don’t forget to floss between your teeth every night before bed to clean out all that bacteria that leads to bad breath!
We also work closely with medical professionals to help you find a solution when the source of the bad odor is not in the mouth.