Although (as you probably know) there’s no cure for the common cold, there are ways to help yourself feel better when you have one. Taking a decongestant can help your nasal passages drain and drinking plenty of water and other fluids can help to flush out excess mucous.
Manual tonsil stone removal at home is generally not recommended. Tonsils are delicate tissues, and removing them on your own may cause bleeding and infection. Salt-water gargle: This may help dislodge tonsil stones and get rid of the odor and bad breath they cause. Coughing: Tonsil stones are often coughed up inadvertently. In some cases, a hard cough may help dislodge them. Oral irrigation: Oral irrigators can sometimes be used to gently shoot water into the back of the mouth in an attempt to dislodge the tonsil stones. Follow instructions and use caution because it is possible to injure the tonsils if it is not done gently. Tonsil stones may dislodge or dissolve on their own in a short time. Tonsil stones may last for weeks if bacteria continue to grow on the tonsils due to tonsil stones deep in the throat. If tonsil stones are ignored and left in place without lifestyle changes, they may last for years. The only surefire way to cure tonsil stones and prevent any recurrence is to have the tonsils removed (tonsillectomy). Maintain good oral hygiene: Brush and floss regularly; consider using a tongue scraper to remove bacteria. Gargle regularly with mouthwash or saltwater solution. Drink plenty of water. Quit smoking. Avoid excess alcohol. Reduce consumption of carbonated beverages such as sodas. Treat sinus infections or allergy symptoms promptly. Limit dairy products. American Academy of Otolaryngology. Tonsils and Adenoids. 2019. October 2019. Busaba, Nicholas and Shira Doron. Tonsillectomy in adults: Indications. Sept. 24, 2019. October 2019.
Gum, mints, and other quick fixes are just temporary solutions to occasional bad breath. If you’re dealing with true halitosis due to decay, illness, or any other reason, you shouldn’t stop at simply masking the problem. Dr. Edwards is an experienced dentist with over thirty years of experience treating families in Memphis and the surrounding areas. If you suffer from halitosis, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with him at our East Memphis or Midtown office to find out the underlying cause of the problem. Once we know what the issue is, we can offer a variety of treatment options to get rid of your chronic bad breath for good!
This condition is often a key part of halitosis. When your mouth doesn’t make enough saliva, your mouth can’t clean itself. It can’t remove debris and particles left behind by food. Dry mouth may be caused by certain medicines. It may also be caused by a salivary gland problem or by always breathing through the mouth instead of the nose.
Anyone who has ever had a tonsil stone can attest to the fact that they are not pleasant. It’s hard to breathe, it feels like there is something stuck in your throat, and they smell really, really bad.
Sinusitis, an inflammation of the sinuses, can also contribute to bad breath from the throat. When the sinuses become blocked or infected, mucus can build up and create an environment for bacteria to thrive. This can result in bad breath. Treating sinusitis with nasal irrigation and medication can help reduce bad breath.
Tonsil stones are an embarrassing problem. They can cause tons of discomfort, and they are hard to get rid of. It's also difficult to find tonsil stones treatments that will actually work for... link to How Quickly Tonsil Stones Can Form (and How To Prevent Them)
4. Refer You to Your Medical Doctor – When all oral causes of bad breath have been ruled out or repaired, we will work with your medical doctor to help you solve persistent bad breath. Some patients will need to see an ear, nose and throat specialist (ENT) to address chronic sinus or throat infections. Others need help from a gastroenterologist (GI specialist) for issues in the stomach and/or esophagus.
I had a lot of work done and the staff was awesome! Great and positive atmosphere. I enjoyed my first experience and... would recommend to others!read more
Having bad breath can be embarrassing and can lead to self-consciousness. It can affect our self-esteem and make us hesitant to engage in conversations or interact with others. In professional settings, bad breath can hinder our chances of success as it may give the impression that we lack proper hygiene or carelessness. In social situations, it can create distance between us and others, making it difficult to form meaningful connections.
It is a laser resurfacing that helps smooth crevices which trap debris. It is a procedure that doctors do with local anesthesia and takes less time in recovery.
I had several fillings replaced. Their office is welcoming and the front office staff is very warm from the moment you... walk in the door. The entire dental team really cares that you are comfortable throughout all of the procedures, including a regular checkup and cleaning as well as more involved procedures. Their numbing process is fantastic!!!read more
Dr. Nguyen enjoys spending time with his wife and three daughters, staying active in the gym, and trying out new restaurants. When he isn’t at work, you can find him playing basketball, tennis, football, or hiking.
2. Dental Treatment of Active Diseases – You cannot win the fight against bad breath if you have cavities and/or gum disease. Both of these bacterial infections continue to worsen and grow over time without intervention. Stop them by undergoing any recommended dental treatment.
Bad breath can also affect children, and it is important to help them maintain good oral hygiene. Common causes of bad breath in children include poor oral hygiene, dry mouth, sinus infections, and certain medical conditions. Here are some tips for helping your child fight bad breath:
Halitosis that is caused by a persistent dry mouth is due to a lack of saliva. Because your saliva washes away the leftover food particles that can make your breath smell, an inadequate amount of it can mean those particles stay put. Drinking water is an easy way of mimicking saliva, and will help to rinse away the debris that leads to bad breath. Keep a water bottle with you whenever possible so you can sip on water throughout the day to keep bad breath at bay
Many people have small tonsilloliths, but it’s rare to have a large tonsil stone.