Halitosis, commonly known as bad breath, is a condition characterized by an unpleasant odor coming from the mouth. It can be embarrassing and affect one's self-confidence. Bad breath can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor oral hygiene, certain foods and drinks, smoking, dry mouth, and underlying medical conditions. Symptoms of halitosis may include a persistent bad taste or odor in the mouth, dry mouth, and a white or yellow coating on the tongue.
Tonsil stones can last for weeks or even months if left untreated. However, they can be removed at home or by a doctor.
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In addition to plaque on the teeth, it can also accumulate in the deep grooves and pits on the tongue. For this reason, many people also need to add tongue cleaning to their oral hygiene routines.
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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.
[iii] Aylıkcı BU, Çolak H. Halitosis: From diagnosis to management. Journal of Natural Science, Biology, and Medicine. 2013;4(1):14-23. doi:10.4103/0976-9668.107255. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3633265/
One common medical treatment is a tonsillectomy, which involves the surgical removal of the tonsils. This procedure is typically reserved for severe cases of tonsil stones or recurrent infections that do not respond to other treatments.
Diabetes occurs when your body cannot produce insulin, which supplies your cells with the fuel they need in the form of glucose. When your body cannot burn sugar, it burns fat instead, which produces ketones that build up in urine and blood.
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Tonsil stones are calcified deposits that form in the crevices of the tonsils. They are usually small, but can grow to the size of a pea in some cases. Tonsil stones can be yellow or white in color, and they often have an unpleasant odor.
Poor oral hygiene is one of the leading causes of tonsil stones. When you don't brush and floss regularly, bacteria and food particles can accumulate in your mouth, leading to the formation of tonsil stones.
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.
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Beverages such as coffee and alcohol can also contribute to bad breath. Coffee can leave a strong odor on the breath due to its strong aroma. Alcohol can dry out the mouth, reducing saliva production and promoting bacterial growth.
Often the goal of low carb diets is to move the body into ketosis, which helps it burn fat. During ketosis, the body produces ketones, which have a notable odor. One way to minimize the smell of ketones is to drink more water. If the smell is bad enough, you might consider giving up the diet. It’s up to you and your doctor to weigh the pros and cons of losing weight versus having bad breath.
Your dentist will often treat the cause of the problem if your bad breath is from poor oral healthcare.