Cosmetic Dentistry Blog

So many people around the world are affected by bad breath, technically known as halitosis. While some cases deemed from improper hygiene are diagnosed, almost all cases aren’t the persons fault! There are multiple reasons why, but we’ll cover the main topics, each with specific solutions, to help gain the confidence back in your life that everyone needs!  The first and most dominant reason why is, surprisingly enough, from your tonsils!

Tonsils main function is to trap foreign debris entering the mouth for protection of your body. While the need for tonsils is mostly in adolescent ages, people who have never had their tonsils out can develop what we call "tonsillitis", or "tonsil stones", which are one of the main causes of chronic halitosis. They're essentially formed when mucus runs down the back of the throat, referred to as "post nasal drip", which then gathers in the holes, or "crypts", of your tonsils. Tonsils being the bodily defender they are, attack the mucus combined with small food particles creating small white or yellowish formations in the tonsils.

The gases and bacteria produced by tonsil stones spread around the mouth, tongue, and back of the throat creating the most dominant cause of mouth odors in all cases! While you can find many commercial products for prevention of tonsil stones, their effectiveness has always been questionable. By study, the most effective combatant for prevention is grapefruit seed extract, gargled. This method takes a week or more to be effective but the time spent is merely the time it takes for the existing tonsil stones to dissolve and remove themselves from the crypts of your tonsils.

No method works for everyone, but the only absolute way to eliminate bad breath related to tonsil conditions is removal of the tonsils, or "tonsillectomy" which will stop tonsil stones from forming. Risks increase as age increases so consult with your dentist before deciding if a tonsillectomy is right for you.

The second most dominant cause is related directly to gum disease, known as "Periodontal Disease". This is something that typically has to be directly dealt with by your dentist, though there are natural cures such as honey, tea tree oil, cranberry, and vitamin C, to name a few.

Each type of bad breath has its own distinct odors and symptoms which can mostly be self-diagnosed by either noting the development of white spots on your tonsils, tonsillitis, or discoloration around the gum line. Both of these forms will give you a slightly sour and bland taste in your mouth.

So if you're one of the millions of people suffering from halitosis, know the symptoms, know your options, and do something about it! Contact us today to set up an appointment and get your bad breath under control.