The Connection between Smoking and Bad Breath from the Throat
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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
If so, avoid foods like spinach, peppercorns, sesame seeds, popcorn, and other foods that can easily become stuck in your mouth. Check out my article on tonsil stone diet tips here.
As a result of all these neglects, volatile sulfur compounds, food debris and plaque begin to accumulate in the oral cavity. All these harmful deposits are the direct cause of bad breath. Not to mention that they often lead to tooth decay and periodontal disease.
Halitosis is the condition of having a bad breath. Some common causes of bad breath are-
- Yogurt: Yogurt contains probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that can help balance the oral microbiome and reduce bad breath.
Diet can play a role in the formation of tonsil stones and bad breath. Certain foods can contribute to the accumulation of debris in the tonsils, while others can help prevent bacterial overgrowth and reduce bad breath.
Your dentist or periodontist may tell you to use an antimicrobial mouth rinse. You may also be told to brush your tongue gently each time you brush your teeth. This will help remove odor-causing bacteria.
There are a few health conditions outside the mouth that can contribute to bad breath. Because dental problems are far more likely to be the culprit, we always rule them out first. If your dentist rules out any dental problems as the source of your bad breath, you then likely need to look outside the mouth.
The Importance of Regular Dental Checkups for Fresher Breath
Bad breath is often evaluated by a dentist. In addition to patient history and physical examination of the mouth, tests may be needed to diagnose the cause of bad breath, such as: Organoleptic testing: assesses the strength of bad breath Sulfide monitors to measure mouth-air volatile sulfur compound (VSC) content, which are produced by anaerobic bacteria from food debris in the mouth that cause bad breath Gas chromatography to measure VSCs X-rays of the mouth Periodontal charting if gum disease is suspected Brush and floss twice daily Mouthwash Can help kill bacteria or neutralize and mask bad breath Mouthwash is only a temporary solution Clean dentures regularly and thoroughly Keep saliva flowing Chew sugar-free gum or suck on sugar-free hard candy Eat healthy foods that require a lot of chewing, such as carrots or apples Use artificial saliva if your dentist recommends it Don’t smoke See your dentist regularly https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/b/bad-breath https://www.uptodate.com/contents/bad-breath?search=bad%20breath&source=search_result&selectedTitle=1~150&usage_type=default&display_rank=1#H2120250223 https://www.healthgrades.com/right-care/oral-health/6-surprising-causes-of-bad-breath#:~:text=A%20diet%20very%20high%20in,unpleasant%20odor%20from%20your%20mouth.&text=There%20are%20many%20types%20of,turn%20leads%20to%20bad%20breath
If the dentist determines that the cause of bad breath is not related to oral health, they may refer you to a doctor for further evaluation. The doctor can assess your overall health and determine if there are any underlying medical conditions that need to be addressed.
You can also implement the use of a water pick. You can mix water and mouthwash into the container and flush out your tonsil stones that way. This method is a little easier and also shouldn’t affect your gag reflex as bad as the q-tip might. It is also good for knocking out loose bacteria and food particles that may be hidden inside your tonsils.
Regular dental check-ups play a crucial role in preventing tonsil stones and halitosis. Dentists are trained to identify the signs and symptoms of tonsil stones and can provide appropriate treatment or referral to a specialist if necessary.
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/bad-breath-what-causes-it-and-what-to-do-about-it-2019012115803#:~:text=Halitosis%20(Latin%20for%20%22bad%20breath,or%20coffee)%20and%20tobacco%20smoking. 7 Foods That Can Cause Ulcers Why Does My Breath Smell Really Bad? What Are Some Symptoms of Dental and Oral Problems? Quick Links Lipid Profile Creatinine, Serum Covid-19 Antibody Test Liver Function Test Basic Metabolic Panel Complete Blood Count (CBC) Comprehensive Metabolic Panel For Patients Find a doctor Order Lab Tests Order Radiology Get a Wellness Check Schedule Procedure Order Home Testing Kits Primary Care Practices near me Patient Education Patient Education For Physicians Refer a patient to a specialist Order labs for patients Order radiology for patients Download fax order form Get your practice listed For Company CURA4U corporate plans Social Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Instagram Term & Conditions Privacy Policy Terms & Conditions © Copyright 2023 American TelePhysicians. All rights reserved. Select Location Detail Form Submit Request Book Through Us
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