Poor dental hygiene, chronic sinus issues, inflamed tonsillitis, and large tonsils may contribute to a build-up of this hardened material.
Gargling with salt water can help dislodge tonsil stones and reduce inflammation in the tonsils. Mix a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and gargle for 30 seconds before spitting it out.
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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.
If you suspect that your bad breath is caused by sinus issues or allergies, it is important to see a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. They may recommend nasal sprays, antihistamines, or other medications to help alleviate your symptoms and improve your breath.
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.
There are several natural remedies that can help treat bad breath from the throat. Drinking green tea is one such remedy. Green tea contains polyphenols, which have antibacterial properties that can help kill bacteria in the throat. Gargling with salt water is another effective remedy as it helps reduce bacteria in the throat.
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is another common cause of halitosis. When plaque builds up on the teeth and gums, it can lead to inflammation and infection. This can result in an unpleasant odor coming from the mouth. Certain medical conditions such as dry mouth, sinus infections, and respiratory tract infections can also contribute to bad breath.
The definition of bad breath, or halitosis, is an unpleasant smell coming from the mouth. Halitosis can occur on occasion, or it can be a chronic condition. It may be caused by foods a person eats, poor oral hygiene, diseases, or other factors.
Dr. Jonathan Everett received his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Washington and completed his undergraduate studies in biochemistry at Washington State University. During this time, Dr. Everett served as both the President of the American Student Dental Association chapter as well as the Student Council Vice President. As a board-member of DentPAC for the Washington State Dental Association, Dr. Everett fought to maintain the quality of dental care provided in Washington State by working with state legislators and advocating for patient-centered dentistry in Olympia.
In turn, we can divide the causes of halitosis or bad breath into two categories: Non-pathological and pathological.
Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption are also important in preventing bad breath. These habits not only contribute to bad breath but also have detrimental effects on overall oral health.
Most of the time, you can remove your tonsil stone at home with ease. Still, it’s crucial to be careful with your tonsils since they’re extremely sensitive and prone to rupture.
When the Lamberts started putting the vaguely medical sounding "halitosis" in their ads, they framed it as a health condition that was keeping people from being their very best selves. Inglis-Arkell describes the campaign’s direction:
Although tonsil stones are rarely serious, they are be unsightly, uncomfortable, and cause secondary conditions such as halitosis so bad your friends and family may consider a restraining order....
Other symptoms of tonsil stones may include sore throat, difficulty swallowing, ear pain, and a persistent cough. Some people may also experience a sensation of something stuck in the back of their throat.
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.
Our clinical experts continually monitor the health and medical content posted on CURA4U, and we update our blogs and articles when new information becomes available. Last reviewed by Dr.Saad Zia on April 29th, 2023.