Medical Insider – Dr. Rhodora T. Entero
Bad Breath, Sore Throat: Could It Be a Warning Sign of Tonsillitis?
(Part 5)
We have presented to you 2 causes of halitosis among children which are: Poor Oral Hygiene and Diet and Nutrition:
Now we discuss Infections and Diseases as another cause. What are these? Tonsillitis is just one of many other infections and diseases that can cause bad breath. Your child’s bad breath may have another origin if you and your dentist are satisfied with their oral hygiene regimen.
Additionally, halitosis can be a sign of a number of illnesses and infections. Among them are:
- Sinus Infections: Bacteria love to congregate in the nasal passages and throat where fluid accumulates due to sinus problems. The result? Halitosis is resistant to treatment with mouthwash and a toothbrush alone.
Call your doctor to schedule an appointment and discuss treatment options if you think you may have a sinus infection that could be causing symptoms like post-nasal drip, burning nasal passages, and sore throat.
- Swollen Tonsils: Tonsillitis, as discussed at length above, can also be a culprit for your bad breath. There are levels of severity to tonsillitis though. Some levels are more treatable than the others.
Take a peek inside your child’s mouth with a flashlight to see how their tonsils appear. Infected tonsils are red, swollen, sometimes have white spots, and smell awful.
Healthy tonsils should be pink and spotless. Bad breath can be caused by bacteria that grow inside the pits of swollen tonsils and combine with the sickly smell of an infection.
-Your child’s pediatrician or dentist should examine and prescribe treatment if their tonsils appear swollen or red. (To be continued)