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Suffering from Bad Breath
Respected Doctor,
I’ve been experiencing a persistent bad breath issue for the past 10 years. I had consulted a dentist earlier, but unfortunately, the problem still remains unresolved.
Recently, I came to know that I have tonsil stones, so now I’m consulting an ENT specialist. However, I’m a bit worried — what if this also doesn’t completely solve the issue?
I kindly wanted to ask:
Are there any specific tests that help diagnose the exact cause of bad breath?
And is there any particular specialist I should be consulting for a long-term solution?
Answers (8)
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Hi! Chronic bad breath can have multiple causes poor oral hygiene, gum disease, tongue coating, dry mouth, tonsil stones, acid reflux, or even sinus issues. Since tonsil stones are being addressed by your ENT, I suggest visiting a periodontist or dentist again to rule out gum infections or tongue coating. Tongue scraping, hydration, and professional cleaning may help. No specific test always gives a clear cause, but a thorough oral and ENT evaluation usually identifies it. A joint approach by a dentist and ENT is often most effective for long-term relief.
Health Tips
Brush twice daily and clean your tongue gently with a tongue scraper.
Floss regularly to remove food particles stuck between teeth.
Use an alcohol-free mouthwash to avoid dryness.
Stay well hydrated — dry mouth worsens bad breath.
Avoid strong-smelling foods (onion, garlic) and tobacco.
Rinse your mouth after meals, especially if eating dairy or sugary foods.
If GERD or acid reflux is suspected, consult a gastroenterologist.
Chewing sugar-free gum can help stimulate saliva and reduce odor.
Visit a dentist every 6 months for scaling and check-ups.
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There are multiple reasons for bad breath including tartar accumulation, not maintaing oral hygiene, hyperacidity, tonsilitis. it can be managed with treatment and medication or use of mouthwash and proper oral prophylaxis. Please consult a doctor for the same.
Regards
Dental Galaxy Pune
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Many reasons of bad breath
Please get it checked for plaque and calculus
Clean the tongue using tongue scraper
Use mouth wash
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Bad breath mainly is caused due to
1. Food lodgement
2. Carious teeth
3. Tonsillitis
Next Steps
get checked by your dentist for cavities
and go for tonsillitis surgery
Health Tips
warm salt water rinses helps for irritation
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Hello
Bad breath can be due to many reasons
Start using tongue cleaner, also check for the acidity issues or other stomach related problems.
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Hello
Bad breath may be caused due to various reasons
If there are any cavities in tooth and if food lodgement happens then also bad breath issues are there
Kindly clean your tongue daily
Also consult a gastroenterologist if any acidity/ stomach related problems are there
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Hello
Halitosis which is bad breath is caused due to various reasons
Please get the tonsillectomy done to reduce the halitosis
There is no specific test to diagnose the main reason for bad breath
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Dr. Pia Patel
Dentist
14 yrs exp
Chennai
Hi,
There are plenty of reasons for bad breath. Check for any dental cavities. Visit a gastroenterologist and get a consultation.
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Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.