Understanding Halitosis: What Causes Bad Breath?
During a physical examination, a healthcare professional may use a tongue depressor and a light to examine the back of the throat for the presence of tonsil stones. They may also gently palpate the neck to check for swollen lymph nodes.
.
During a dental check-up, the dentist will examine the mouth, including the tonsils, for any signs of tonsil stones or other oral health issues. They may also perform a thorough cleaning to remove any plaque or bacteria that could contribute to bad breath.
It’s early days, so for now the medical advice is to brush and floss your teeth carefully, to drink plenty of water, not to smoke, to eat a balanced diet and to see your dentist about bad breath in case you have early signs of gum disease.
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.
Certain medical conditions can also cause bad breath from the throat. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition where stomach acid travels up the esophagus, causing heartburn and other symptoms. This acid reflux can also lead to bad breath as the stomach acid reaches the throat.
Teeth and Gums Teeth ProblemsWisdom TeethGum ProblemsOther Oral Problems Bad BreathDry MouthYour Throat, Tonsils, and GlandsTongue and Lip ProblemsJaw ProblemsOral and Throat CancerDental Care Basics Healthy MouthBrushing and FlossingDental Care for KidsDental Care for SeniorsTreatments & Surgery Correcting Crooked TeethSurgical TreatmentsOther Dental TreatmentsResources & Tools SlideshowsPictures View Full Guide
Services Residential Aged Care GP Telehealth Psychology Telehealth 24-7 Clinics About Us Our Values FAQ Contact Us
At Capital Dental, we treat halitosis with a professional cleaning and oral cleanse to reach crevices not normally accessed through regular brushing and flossing. Occasionally, a deep cleaning, consisting of scaling and root planing, is needed to remove bacteria trapped below the gum line. We also can perform tongue scraping, if the tongue is the source of the smell.
Other medical conditions such as tonsil stones and postnasal drip can also contribute to bad breath from the throat. Tonsil stones are small, hard deposits that form in the crevices of the tonsils. These stones can harbor bacteria and emit a foul odor. Postnasal drip occurs when excess mucus drips down the back of the throat, providing a breeding ground for bacteria.
If you are noticing a bad smell underneath your own mask, do not worry! First of all, you’re not alone. One out of every four people experiences bad breath. Secondly, you are not stuck with your bad breath; in most cases, we can help you fix it.
We are a data-driven dental marketing company focused on empowering dentists and small business owners to accelerate growth through vetted and proven marketing services that tie to operational outcomes. MyChart Patient Portal For Providers Research School of Medicine Careers Contact Us Find care Make an appointment Find health & patient resources Billing and insurance Conditions and symptoms Medical records and images Patient education Patient resources Prevention and wellness I want to... Find care Make an appointment Find health & patient resources Conditions and symptoms Prevention and wellness Patient resources Patient education I want to... Make a Gift MyChart Patient Portal For Providers Research School of Medicine Contact Us Make a Gift You are here: Home Conditions & Treatments Adult Health Library Oral Health Adult Health Library A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
If bad breath persists despite practicing good oral hygiene and using over-the-counter products, it may be a sign of an underlying medical condition. It is important to seek the advice of a dentist or doctor if bad breath continues for an extended period of time.
facebook-square twitter-square instagram chevron-right chevron-left chevron-down x phone location share chevron-thin-right calendar left-quote right-quote black-star-glasses-png eye book-appointment-maroon-icon-(1) types-of-services-white-icon-(1) location-white-icon next2 previous2 forward3 backward2
Americans spend more than $1 billion a year on over the counter halitosis products, many of which are ineffective because they only mask the problem.
Conclusion: Taking Steps to Prevent and Treat Throat-Related Bad Breath
Mouthwash and Halitosis: How to Choose the Right Product