If you have persistent bad breath that doesn’t go away with brushing and flossing alone, your bad breath could be caused by something other than a plaque or the foods you consume. Bad breath or halitosis has many causes, including dry mouth, medications you may be taking, or a condition called tonsillitis. Tonsillitis is a condition of the lymph nodes known as your tonsils. The tonsils are located in your mouth, at the intersection of your throat and palate. Their primary function is to help your immune system by blocking germs from entering the throat. Tonsils are full of white blood cells that kill germs, too. The condition known as tonsillitis occurs when the tonsils become inflamed and infected. Sometimes, tonsillitis can be caused by a condition called tonsil stones, where the tonsils become full of ‘stones’ or hardened calcium deposits that get stuck in the pits and crevices of the tonsils. These calcium deposits are caused by oral plaque and bacteria and bits of swallowed food. Though tonsil stones are usually harmless, if they become infected your dentist may recommend they be removed, especially if your tonsillitis is recurring. Though tonsillitis is more common in children, it can still affect adults. Dr. Martin Abelar is a dentist practicing in San Diego, California. He says that tonsillitis is a common cause of bad breath because of the inflammation it causes. “Tonsilitis can be a major contributor of bad breath because it inflames the mucous membranes of the tonsils, making them cause a foul odor. Also, the bits of food and plaque stuck in the tonsils may cause foul odor as they decompose.” Abelar says that if you have difficulty swallowing or a persistent sore throat you may have tonsillitis and should be seen by a dentist for an evaluation. Bad breath is another symptom you may want to be on the lookout for. “If you do have bad breath, try the traditional means of eliminating it first. Brush your teeth at least twice per day, floss your teeth, and if you don’t already add steps to your routines such as mouthwash and tongue scraping.” As for tonsil stones, Abelar says they are usually harmless and unless they are causing pain can usually be left alone and can clear up on their own, but if you are concerned about bad breath or infection, you should speak to your dentist about having them removed. Artificial Intelligence Could Soon Diagnose Osteoarthritis Of The Temporomandibular Joint How To Prevent White Spots On Your Teeth During Orthodontic Treatment September 30, 2023 Denstistry, Orthodontics Artificial Intelligence Could Soon Diagnose Osteoarthritis Of The Temporomandibular Joint September 30, 2023 Denstistry, Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Autism Could Increase The Risk Of TMJ Dysfunction September 30, 2023 Denstistry, Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction
Another natural remedy is apple cider vinegar. Diluted apple cider vinegar can be used as a mouthwash to help kill bacteria and reduce bad breath. It is important to dilute the vinegar to avoid irritation or damage to the teeth and gums.
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If you think there’s an issue in your mouth that’s behind your bad breath, seeing a dental professional for treatment can help you get to the bottom of the problem and improve your oral health and the scent of your breath at the same time.
Keep your saliva flowing by eating healthy foods that make you chew. Carrots and apples need a lot of saliva. You can also chew sugar-free gum or suck on sugar-free candies. If you still don’t have enough saliva to keep your mouth moist, your dentist may suggest artificial saliva.
It is also important to choose a mouthwash that does not contain alcohol, as alcohol can dry out the mouth and contribute to bad breath. Opting for an alcohol-free mouthwash can help maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in the mouth and reduce the risk of dry mouth.
It is important to note that while mouthwash can help freshen breath, it should not be used as a substitute for proper oral hygiene practices such as brushing and flossing.
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.
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The three main ways to prevent bad breath is to brush and floss teeth twice daily, use a tongue scraper to get rid of bacteria on the tongue and visit your dentist regularly. However, bad breath, also called halitosis, affects many Canadians even with proper oral hygiene practices. However, it is possible to treat and in some cases, prevent entirely.
To use apple cider vinegar for fresh breath, dilute one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water. Gargle with this mixture for 30 seconds to one minute, then spit it out. Rinse your mouth with plain water afterward to remove any residual vinegar taste. Repeat this process once or twice a day for best results.
3. Promotes oral hygiene: Using a tongue scraper as part of your daily oral hygiene routine can help maintain a clean and healthy mouth. It complements brushing and flossing by targeting bacteria on the tongue.
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At-home removal. You might be able to remove tonsil stones by scraping gently with water picks or swabs.Saltwater gargles. Gargling with warm, salty water may help ease the pain of tonsillitis and help remove stones.Tonsil Stone Complications
Catching gum disease before it happens is important to prevent symptoms such as halitosis. Check your gums daily to watch for changes in colour, bleeding, soreness, puffiness, or sensitive teeth.
3. Rule Out any Other Oral Origin of Bad Breath – We often find tricky spots of plaque buildup on the tongue or tonsil region. We can quickly recognize a dry mouth and help you treat it. You may have an area of consistent food collection that we can address.
The Connection Between Smoking and Bad Breath
Also see a doctor or dentist if bad breath develops after taking a new medication, after recent dental surgery, or if any other symptoms develop that are of concern.