When bacteria interact with the trapped debris in the tonsil crypts, they can produce volatile sulfur compounds, which have a strong odor. These compounds are responsible for the foul smell associated with bad breath. The presence of tonsil stones can exacerbate this process, leading to persistent bad breath.
Serious cases of gingivitis may need to be treated with a periodontist, who are specialists in treating gum disease and restoring bone and tissue loss because of it.
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However, improper oral hygiene is not the only cause of halitosis formation. This troublesome condition may also occur as a result of using dentures or braces. The hard-to-reach areas around these fillings are difficult to reach with a toothbrush or dental floss, which is why bacteria that cause bad breath thrive there. Other common causes of halitosis include: diabetes, kidney disease and thyroid disease, infections of the sinuses, throat or tonsils, dry mouth, improper eating habits (drinking large amounts of alcohol, smoking, starving oneself), taking certain medications (mainly antidepressants, painkillers and diuretics).
At Capital Dental, we treat halitosis with a professional cleaning and oral cleanse to reach crevices not normally accessed through regular brushing and flossing. Occasionally, a deep cleaning, consisting of scaling and root planing, is needed to remove bacteria trapped below the gum line. We also can perform tongue scraping, if the tongue is the source of the smell.
Antiseptic mouthwashes contain ingredients such as chlorhexidine or cetylpyridinium chloride, which help reduce the amount of bacteria in the mouth. These mouthwashes can be effective in freshening breath and preventing gum disease. Fluoride mouthwashes help strengthen tooth enamel and prevent tooth decay. Cosmetic mouthwashes contain ingredients such as mint or cinnamon to temporarily mask bad breath.
Researchers leading a recent study found that 75% of children and adults with volatile sulfur compounds in their breath had undiagnosed tonsil stones. So, that rotten-egg smell in your breath comes from bacteria growing in and around your tonsil stone.
2. Tea tree oil: Tea tree oil has powerful antimicrobial properties that can kill bacteria that cause bad breath. You can add a few drops of tea tree oil to water and use it as a mouthwash or add it to your toothpaste.
Some recommended toothpastes for fighting halitosis include Colgate Total Advanced Fresh + Whitening Toothpaste, Crest Pro-Health Advanced Deep Clean Toothpaste, and Sensodyne Pronamel Fresh Breath Enamel Toothpaste. These toothpastes contain a combination of fluoride, antimicrobial agents, tartar control ingredients, and freshening agents to combat bad breath.
DIY Remedy #4: Baking Soda Mouthwash
Most of the bad smell comes from volatile sulphur compounds, gases with distinctive odours. Hydrogen sulphide, with its classic rotten eggs smell is one of the main offenders, but even worse is a substance called ethyl mercaptan which tends to be described as smelling of decomposing cabbage. It’s the compound which makes some people’s urine particularly pungent after they’ve eaten asparagus.
Other things to avoid are alcohol, sugary foods, caffeine, and carbonated beverages. These foods and drinks can dry out your throat and feed the anaerobic bacteria that cause bad breath and tonsil stones in the first place.
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Over-the-counter products for combating bad breath
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Maintaining good oral hygiene is the best way to prevent tonsil stones. Brush and floss regularly, and use mouthwash to help kill bacteria in your mouth.
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