In turn, we can divide the causes of halitosis or bad breath into two categories: Non-pathological and pathological.
Dr. Nguyen has served on the Virginia Board of Dentistry and has many achievements such as: Invisalign Premier and Teen Provider, Pre-Fellow with Academy of General Dentistry, Graduate of Aesthetic Continuum, Engel Institute for Dental Implant Training, WaveOne Endodontic Training, HD President’s Club.
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Tonsil stones can be uncomfortable and cause bad breath, but they are generally not harmful. Maintaining good oral hygiene can help prevent tonsil stones, and there are several treatment options available if you are experiencing symptoms. If you are unsure whether you have tonsil stones or have any concerns, it's best to consult a doctor.
Using a tongue scraper can be an effective way to remove bacteria from the surface of the tongue. This can help reduce bad breath and prevent the formation of tonsil stones.
Bad breath can happen to anyone. The American Dental Association reports that about half of adults in the US have or will have to deal with bad breath at some point in their lifetimes.
Not everyone who thinks they have bad breath, does. They misinterpret people stepping back or turning away when in real cases of halitosis this isn’t the way people tend to react. One study put this proportion at 27%.
Crevices, tunnels, and pits, also known as tonsil crypts, make up your tonsils. Debris of dead cells, mucus, saliva, and food can get in there and get stuck. They build up over there, which is later fed on by bacteria and fungi, which further causes a bad smell.
Speaking of what causes bad breath, you might actually find some of them surprising.
You don’t have to live with chronic bad breath – a medical condition known as halitosis. There are ways to prevent it and eliminate bad breath once and for all.
1. Removes bacteria: The surface of the tongue can harbor bacteria that contribute to bad breath. Tongue scrapers can effectively remove this bacteria, reducing the odor in your mouth.
Laser cryptolysis is another medical treatment option. This procedure uses laser technology to reshape the tonsil crypts, reducing the likelihood of debris and bacteria becoming trapped and forming tonsil stones.
The commonalities between these causes are that the salivary glands are negatively affected, inhibiting the production of saliva. Saliva keeps the mouth moist and washes away any food particles or bacteria from the surface of the teeth. Without the presence of saliva, bacteria or food stays on the surface of the teeth and can start to produce an odour.
Your tonsils have a very important role. They’re supposed to trap bacteria and debris that would otherwise go into your lungs or stomach. Unfortunately, sometimes they accumulate too much, creating balls of bacterial residue called tonsil stones. These can smell very bad and contribute to bad breath.
Laser cryptolysis is another medical treatment option. This procedure uses laser technology to reshape the tonsil crypts, reducing the likelihood of debris and bacteria becoming trapped and forming tonsil stones.
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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.
Diabetes can cause bad breath for two different reasons; periodontal disease, and high levels of ketones in the blood.