Bad breath can be an occasional nuisance for many of us. Even with thorough brushing and mouthwash, if bad breath persists, there may be unexpected causes at play. In this post, let's delve into some surprising causes of bad breath and how to deal with them.
Tonsil Stones: An Unexpected Culprit of Bad Breath
One unexpected culprit behind bad breath is tonsil stones. Tonsil stones are small, hardened lumps of food debris that accumulate in the small, deep pockets of the tonsils. These stones are often common in individuals with tonsillitis or sinusitis. Tonsil stones not only cause bad breath but can also lead to symptoms such as a feeling of something stuck in the throat or an itchy, sore throat. Therefore, if tonsil stones are suspected, it's advisable to seek treatment from an otolaryngologist.
Medication Use: Bad Breath Due to Dry Mouth
Another cause of bad breath is medication use. Particularly, medications for high blood pressure and depression can contribute to bad breath by reducing saliva production, leading to dry mouth. High blood pressure medications contain ingredients that reduce saliva production, while antidepressants can prevent the action of ingredients that induce saliva production, resulting in dry mouth. In such cases, it's important to consider changing medications or consult a doctor for coping strategies.
Coping Strategies: Ways to Reduce Bad Breath
To reduce bad breath, several coping strategies can be attempted. Firstly, if tonsil stones are suspected, seeking treatment from an otolaryngologist is necessary. Treatment often involves removing the stones through a procedure called a tonsillectomy. Additionally, in cases of medication use, consulting a doctor to change medications or trying methods to keep the mouth moist, such as drinking water frequently, can be helpful.
Preventing Bad Breath with Oral Exercises
Lastly, bad breath can be prevented through oral exercises. To do this, massaging the area under the jaw or performing "oral exercises," such as pressing the tip of the tongue against the inside of the lips and moving it clockwise and counterclockwise vigorously, can be effective. Furthermore, avoiding alcohol and tobacco, which can cause bad breath, is advisable.
Bad breath may not be resolved simply by brushing teeth. Identifying causes such as tonsil stones or medication use and employing appropriate coping strategies can help reduce bad breath. Maintaining oral hygiene and adopting healthy lifestyle habits are crucial for maintaining healthy breath.
