There are many causes of bad breath.
It can be caused by poor dental hygiene, or food that you’ve eaten recently. You could have a problem in your mouth or teeth. This can be caused by an infection or illness in your stomach, kidneys, liver or even your lungs.
Tonsil stones are a lesser-known cause for bad breathe .
What are tonsil stones?
The tonsils at the back are like a labyrinth with crevices, pockets and other irregularities.
Tonsil stones are formed when debris such as mucus, dead cells, saliva and food particles get trapped in the crypts.
They are not just stones. These are living biofilms. These biofilms are fed by bacteria and fungi, which then produce an unpleasant smell.
Tonsil stone can be as small as a grain or rice but can also grow up to the size of grapes. Many people who have tonsil stones are unaware that they even exist. They rarely cause serious health problems.
Causes and symptoms of Tonsil Stones
People with enlarged tonsils are more likely to develop tonsil stones. They may also have a history or recurrent tonsillitis.
Symptoms include:
Sore throat
trouble swallowing
Coughing
swollen tonsils
visible debris in the tonsil
bad breath
Smaller tonsil stones may not present any symptoms.
Treatment and Prevention of Tonsil Stones
The best strategy is to prevent tonsil stones before they form. You can help by:
Good oral hygiene – Cleaning the back of your tongue
Gargling with Saltwater
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water
stop smoking
Although most tonsil stones can be harmless, some people find them unpleasant and want to have them removed.
In mild cases, it may be enough to cough and gargle salt water in order to remove the stones.
It is dangerous to try and remove the stones with your own hands, since tonsils are delicate tissues that can easily be damaged.
If tonsilloliths grow too large, causing pain and discomfort, minor surgical procedures such as laser removal, or removal of tonsils, may be recommended.
An antibiotic treatment can help to eliminate bacteria that cause tonsil stones, but it won’t remove the debris on which the bacteria feed.
Tonsil stones tend to be common and not a major problem for the majority of people.
It is important to improve your dental hygiene if you have bad breath. If you have persistent bad breath or it is accompanied by additional symptoms, you should consult your healthcare provider for a diagnosis and help in determining the best treatment plan.
