It was also marketed to dentists as a way to kill germs in the mouth, but no one paid much attention until the 1920s. That's when, as Inglis-Arkell writes, the owner of the company, Jordan Wheat Lambert, and his son, Gerard, came up with a marketing plan that would forever change the dental aisle. The key was an old Latin phrase that had long dropped out of general usage and which, according to writers over at Cracked, meant “unpleasant breath.” A 1928 ad for Listerine reads in part: “No matter how charming you may be or how fond of you your friends are, you can not expect them to put up with halitosis (unpleasant breath) forever. They may be nice to you—but it is an effort.” Bettmann/CORBIS
Since these bacteria cause a foul odor, killing them with salty, acidic, and oxygen-based rinsing agents can significantly reduce the bad smell and potentially even remove the stone.
.
After you remove your tonsil stones, it’s crucial to treat the area with vinegar, peroxide, or saltwater for several days.
Tonsil stone treatment is not always needed. Stones frequently either dissolve on their own or are coughed up.
Chronic sinus infections and post-nasal drop often lead to bad breath, as do persistent throat infections. Some people suffer from infections in the stomach that travel up the esophagus into the mouth, leaving a bad smell. Severe acid reflux and GERD can cause a bad odor, and certain metabolic disorders emit unpleasant gases through the breath.
Gargling strenuously with salt water may help in the removal of the stones and can ease the discomfort caused in the throat. It can also eliminate the constant lousy odor that comes with tonsil stones.
A dry socket is a potential complication that can occur when a blood clot in the gums becomes dislodged after a tooth extraction. Dry socket signs and symptoms include pain, mouth odor, and unpleasant taste in the mouth. A dentist may treat a dry socket with analgesic dressing. Over-the-counter pain medications can also relieve symptoms. A dry socket usually heals within 7 days. Avoiding smoking, drinking with a straw, and vigorous rinsing and spitting may help prevent the formation of dry socket.
Certain prescription medications can also cause dry mouth, so if you believe this may be a possibility, check with the prescribing physician.
Good oral care,regular dental visits,stopping tobacco use/smoking, andavoiding certain foods can prevent most cases of bad breath. The prognosis for bad breath is generally good as bad breath is usually more of a nuisance rather than a serious medical condition.Most individuals with bad breath can treat and eliminate the condition on their own.Additionally, dentists and physicians can help with cases of chronic bad breath. Oral Health Resources Bad Breath: See How to Stop ItNatural Ways to Whiten Your Teeth Featured Centers What Are the Best PsA Treatments for You?Understanding Biologics 10 Things People With Depression Wish You Knew The American Dental Association, "Bad Breath (Halitosis)." Health Categories First Aid & Emergencies Topics A-Z eMedicineHealth About Us Privacy Terms of Use Advertising Policy Contact Us
In addition to tongue scraping, other oral care practices can also help prevent bad breath. Using a water flosser can help remove plaque and food particles from between the teeth and along the gumline. Chewing sugar-free gum can stimulate saliva production and help wash away bacteria.
Claudia Hammond analyses the science, the misconceptions – and what you may be doing wrong.
Morning breath, your saliva production decreases when you sleepHungry or thirsty, when you dehydrate, you don’t have enough salivaAlcoholic drinksUsing multiple medications
Small tonsil stones may not cause any symptoms that you’d notice. Even when they’re large, some tonsil stones are found only after X-rays or CT scans. Symptoms include:
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that can help improve oral health and combat halitosis. These bacteria can help restore the natural balance of bacteria in the mouth, reducing the growth of odor-causing bacteria.
The first stop when you have halitosis is usually your dentist. If your dentist determines you have a healthy mouth, you will likely be referred to a physician to look for an underlying health problem. If you have periodontal disease, you may see a periodontist, a dentist who specializes in gum disease and dental implants. If you have braces, it's like your bad breath is caused by food getting stuck in them. You may see your orthodontist for an adjustment. Bad breath in babies or young children may be a sign of infection or undiagnosed medical problems. Consult a child's pediatrician or dentist if an infant or young child has bad breath.
Resources For Patients What To Expect Dental Learning Pain Management Oral Health Products
There are many different kinds of medication you can purchase over the counter at your local pharmacy or drug store that can help quell the effects of acid reflux. Histamine blockers, proton pump inhibitors, and antacids are all helpful and effective in reducing discomfort related to acid reflux.