Eating a balanced diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables promotes good oral health. Avoiding foods that are known to cause bad breath, such as garlic and onions, can also be beneficial. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps prevent dry mouth and reduces the risk of bad breath.
If a person experiences severe symptoms like ear pain, redness in tonsils, or swelling, it is recommended to see a doctor. These can be the sign of tonsillitis or any other serious issue. Also, if tonsil stones are very large, it needs immediate medical attention. Besides, if tonsil stones are recurrent, then also one must see a doctor.
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The Role of Diet in Causing Bad Breath
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).
In addition to causing bad breath, smoking can also lead to other oral health issues such as gum disease and oral cancer. Quitting smoking is the best way to improve your oral health and maintain fresh breath. If you need help quitting, there are various resources available, such as support groups and nicotine replacement therapies.
The Connection between Smoking and Bad Breath from the Throat
Treatment Options for Halitosis: Finding the Right Solution for You
Chronic sinus issues can also increase the risk of tonsil stones. When you have sinus problems, your sinuses produce more mucus, which can drip down the back of your throat and contribute to the formation of tonsil stones.
Sometimes bad breath could be temporarily a problem also. When you drink or eat foods that contain garlic, onion or alcohol, you are more likely to have bad breath. Smoking is another way that can make the mouth dry leading to bad breath.
Kidney disease – about 31 million people in the United States or 10% of the population have chronic kidney disease[vi]. Kidney disease refers to the gradual loss of kidney function and it can be a complication of many other health conditions. How does kidney disease cause halitosis? These organs filter out different minerals in the blood and send healthy blood back to your body and heart. Kidney failure impairs the ability of this organ to filter out minerals and they accumulate in the bloodstream. As a result, you experience a metallic taste and bad breath.
You may need to see an oral specialist (periodontist) for treatment or your primary healthcare provider depending on the cause.
Drinking green tea can also be beneficial for combating bad breath. Green tea contains polyphenols, which have been shown to have antimicrobial properties that can help kill bacteria in the mouth.
Bad breath can also be caused by poor dental hygiene, as it enables the buildup of food particles in the mouth and creates an environment that fosters the growth of bacteria on the teeth and tongue, both of which can lead to bad breath.
Those who have bad breath and have just started a new medication or who have had recent dental surgery should consult their healthcare provider.
The Importance of Oral Hygiene in Preventing Halitosis
If the odor is due to gum disease, for example, your dentist can either treat the disease or refer you to a periodontist, a dentist who specializes in treating gum conditions.
Dentures that are not cleaned correctly may be collecting bacteria, fungi, and remaining food particles. All of these cause bad breath.