Did you know your tonsils could be giving you bad breath? Here's how to fix it

Few ailments are worse than bad breath. Bad breath can make you feel self-conscious and embarrassed. You may be at a loss, unable to figure out why no matter how often you brush, your breath just well... stinks.

Have you considered there may be an issue with your tonsils? According to Huffington Post, the main function of the tonsils is to trap bacteria. Bacteria is smelly. It's what makes your sweat stink. It's also (sometimes) what makes your breath smell. When bacteria calcifies on the tonsils, you develop tonsil stones. Open your mouth and look at your tonsils. Do you see little white bumps? Those are tonsil stones. It is important to visit your dentist to have tonsil stones properly removed as not to aggravate an infection.

Continue reading to learn home remedies to prevent tonsil stones and smelly tonsil-breath:

1. Gargle with salt water. Live Science recommends this two-ingredient home remedy to dislodge tonsils stones. To prevent tonsil stones, gargle daily with salt water or a solution made from hydrogen peroxide and water.

2. Eat more pickles. Fermented foods like pickles, sauerkraut, and kimchi can help maintain a balance between good and bad micro-organisms, says Healthy and Natural Wold. When the micro-organisms are balanced, the smelly bacteria is kept at bay.

3. Suck on a lollipop. Seriously! Healthy and Natural World says this home remedy pries tonsil stones away from the tonsil itself. If tonsil stones are a regular problem for you, keep a tasty lollipop in your purse or wallet.

4. Double up on the brushing. Mayo Clinic recommends brushing not only in the morning and night but also after meals. Take extra care to gently brush your tongue and don't forget to floss. Good oral hygiene decreases the overall bacteria in the mouth and prevents bad breath.

5. Gulp more water. Keeping the body hydrated is key for preventing bacteria from sticking to the tonsils and other parts the body. VKool suggests starting the morning with 1 cup of water and following with 8- 10 cups throughout the day.

6. Honey. This sweet antiseptic can remove tonsil stones and prevent their return. For best results, VKool recommends dissolving honey in a cup of warm water and then gargling with the sticky solution. Repeat several times daily. This strategy further works to boost the overall immune system.

7. Basil. This Italian herb is anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and known to increase the speed of healing. To treat tonsil stones, VKool says to boil 1 1/2 cup water with 10- 12 basil leaves for 10 minutes. Strain the leaves, add honey and lemon to taste and drink. Enjoy this tasty home remedy 3 times daily. After 2 or 3 days, you should see the tonsil stones disappear.

8. Figs. Everyone's favorite summer fruit is an excellent treatment for tonsil stones. Begin by boiling dried figs in water. Mash the figs and eat with 1 tablespoon honey 2 to 3 times daily. VKool says you may also find it helpful to mash the figs into a paste and apply the paste directly to the stones.

Additional signs of tonsil problems, according to Prevention, are snoring and pain when swallowing. If you are suffering from all three of these ailments (bad breath included), you may want to ask your dentist about having your tonsils removed.

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