When you have a cavity (or tooth decay), plaque (food particles and bacteria) accumulates in the cavity and causes bad breath.
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If you are experiencing chronic bad breath despite practicing good oral hygiene and making lifestyle changes, it is important to see a healthcare professional. They can help identify any underlying medical conditions or medications that may be contributing to your bad breath and recommend appropriate treatment options.
After you eat, let your food digest before performing physical activity or lying down. This can allow the contents in your stomach to digest while your LES stays closed.
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Terms of UseAbout the BBCPrivacy PolicyPrivacy PolicyCookiesCookiesAccessibility HelpParental GuidanceContact the BBCMake an editorial complaintBBC emails for youAdvertise with usCopyright © 2023 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking. oral health center/oral health a-z list/tonsil stones article Medical Author: John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP Medical Editor: Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhD Introduction What are tonsil stones? Causes & Risk Factors What are causes and risk factors of tonsil stones? Symptoms What are the symptoms of tonsil stones? Diagnosis How are tonsil stones diagnosed? Treatment What are the treatments for tonsil stones? Home Remedies How do you get rid of tonsil stones at home? Prognosis How long do tonsil stones last? Prevention How to prevent tonsil stones Tonsil stones can form when food, mucus, and bacteria get stuck in the craters of the tonsils.
Most of the time, bad breath can be cured and prevented with proper oral hygiene. It is rarely life-threatening, and the prognosis is good. However, bad breath may be a complication of a medical disorder that needs to be treated. Rosenberg, Mel. "Bad Breath." UpToDate.com. September 2019.
Those who have bad breath and have just started a new medication or who have had recent dental surgery should consult their healthcare provider.
Lifestyle changes for maintaining fresh breath
DIY Remedy #5: Herbal Tea
Manual removal: Using a toothbrush to remove the tonsil stone is not recommended. Tonsils are delicate, so it is essential to be soft on that part. Removing it manually can be risky and cause complications, which may include infection or bleeding. If you still want to try, then use a water pick or cotton swab. However, small surgery may be required if the stone is too large.
There are some things a person can do to eliminate or at least temporarily mask bad breath. Good oral hygiene, such as brushing the teeth and tongue and flossing, keeps the mouth healthy and can often get rid of bad breath, at least in the short term. Mouthwash may temporarily mask bad breath and can help with oral hygiene. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking on sugar-free mints may temporarily mask bad breath odor. For more serious cases of bad breath, dentists can prescribe special toothpaste and mouthwash that can improve the symptoms of bad breath.
DIY Remedy #6: Cinnamon Chewing Gum
No, halitosis is not contagious. Since halitosis is caused by bacteria in the mouth, it should not be passed from person to person.
Halitosis is caused by oral bacteria trapped in your mouth for an extended time. The key to dealing with it is treating the root of the problem – removing the source of the odor. Most over-the-counter remedies such as mouthwash, mints and gum only mask the problem.
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Digestive issues can also contribute to bad breath. When the digestive system is not functioning properly, it can lead to the buildup of gases in the stomach and intestines, which can then be released through the mouth, causing halitosis. Common gastrointestinal problems that can lead to bad breath include acid reflux, gastritis, and constipation.