Many people have small tonsilloliths, but it’s rare to have a large tonsil stone.
Smoking can dry out your mouth, resulting in bad breath, and make your mouth smell like an ashtray. Furthermore, smokers are more prone to gum disease, which is another source of bad breath.
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An infected tooth needs to be treated with root canal therapy or extracted right away. Signs of an infected tooth include a tooth that becomes discoloured, sores on the gums, local warmth, and fever.
In addition to poor oral hygiene and dietary factors, certain medical conditions can cause chronic bad breath. Dry mouth, or xerostomia, reduces saliva production, which leads to an increase in bacteria in the mouth. Sinus infections and respiratory conditions can also contribute to bad breath due to the presence of mucus and bacteria in the nasal passages.
With proper treatment and prevention methods, halitosis can be cured within a short period. For bad breath associated with pathologic diseases, the prognosis depends on the severity and treatment of the underlying condition.
Chewing food increase saliva production, so when you are skipping meals or dieting, you can develop bad breath. A diet low in carbohydrates or any restrictive diet may increase your chances of bad breath. It is always good to drink plenty of water to keep you hydrated and to help maintain a good level of saliva in your mouth.
The only issue with antibiotics is that they will not deal with the stone’s underlying problem and may even have side effects of their own. They cannot be used for a more extended period, which means that the stone will return as soon as you stop taking the tablets.
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Dry mouth is one of the leading causes of halitosis and can be the result of stress, medications, radiation or chemotherapy, tobacco or recreational drug use, and autoimmune diseases such as Sjorgren’s syndrome.
The team from the BBC TV series 'Trust me I’m a doctor' spoke to dentists about how to spot and avoid bad breath. Watch the video below for their tips: All content within this column is provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other health care professional. The BBC is not responsible or liable for any diagnosis made by a user based on the content of this site. The BBC is not liable for the contents of any external internet sites listed, nor does it endorse any commercial product or service mentioned or advised on any of the sites. Always consult your own GP if you're in any way concerned about your health.
Tonsil stones may be a warning sign that you have high levels of bacteria in your mouth and need to improve your oral hygiene or adjust your diet.
If you are diabetic, visiting your dentist regularly will ensure any concerns are dealt with promptly and early signs of DKA or gum disease are caught before they can progress.
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.
Coconut oil is commonly used for oil pulling due to its antimicrobial properties. Swishing coconut oil in the mouth for 10-15 minutes can help kill bacteria and freshen breath. It is important to note that oil pulling should not replace regular oral hygiene practices but can be used as a supplement to maintain good oral health.
DIY Remedy #2: Lemon Water
You can tell you have tonsil stones if you can see the white deposits trapped in the crevices of your tonsils. Other times, you might notice them when they come out, “appearing” suddenly in your throat or mouth. They are usually white and can be soft and/or gritty.
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