Bad Breath After Tonsillectomy
Various complaints can occur after a tonsillectomy. In addition to pain, difficulty swallowing, or postoperative bleeding, bad breath may also occur. In many cases, this is harmless. However, it can also indicate an infection in the surgical area.
What is the healing process after a tonsillectomy?
During a tonsillectomy, the palatine tonsils are completely removed (including their capsule). This creates wound areas that heal within two to three weeks. As part of the healing process, plaques form on the wound surfaces. This is not yet a sign of inflammation but is part of the normal healing process. These coatings are yellowish-white, form crusts, and eventually, fall off. Healing after partial removal of the tonsils (tonsillotomy) is similar. Here, scabs are also formed, which fall off after some time.
Also Read: How To Prevent Tonsil Stones?
Bad Breath After Tonsillectomy
Bad breath after tonsillectomy or tonsillotomy may be expected in the first few days. Bad breath may occur due to the formation of the wound plaque. However, this should disappear after a few days. If bad breath occurs after a tonsillectomy with worsening pain and possibly fever, these are indications of an infection. A medical clarification should then take place promptly. A particularly severe bad breath can also be a sign of a disease.
Also Read: What Are The Benefits of Tonsillectomy?
Bad breath in the context of surgical risks
Although removal of the adenoids is a simple standard procedure, there are several risks associated with adenotomy. One risk is the development of wound infections. In this case, pathogens and germs settle at the wound and lead to inflammation. Patients not only suffer from difficulty swallowing but also have unpleasant lousy breath and fever. If the fever persists and the child possibly suffers from nausea, a doctor should be consulted again. They will take a closer look at the infection and, if necessary, prescribe suitable medication.
As a further possible complication, postoperative bleeding may occur, for example, if the affected person causes an increase in blood flow to the head. For this reason, it is essential not to take a hot shower or wash your hair after the operation. Hot bathing and physical exertion should also be avoided.
Also Read: Worst Day of Tonsillectomy Recovery Adults
Bad breath can be a side effect of the healing process.
In addition, bad breath after adenotomy can also be completely harmless. Many patients experience the appearance of bad breath and fever immediately after surgery. This is a natural process of wound healing. So-called wound coatings develop on the wound, which is responsible for the odor. In most cases, the bad breath disappears after a few days. However, if fever and nausea (see above) occur in addition to bad breath, You should consult a doctor.
Bad breath as a result of tonsil stones
In another context, so-called tonsils or tonsil stones can be responsible for bad breath. These are tiny white stones located directly on the palatine tonsils. They can be seen with the naked eye by shining a flashlight down the throat and using a mirror. The little stones are harmless, but they spread an extremely unpleasant odor. If you want to get rid of tonsil stones, you can use an oral irrigator. Professional cleaning at the dentist is also possible. Even if tonsil stones are harmless to health, they cause psychological impairment in many sufferers. One can think about removing the palatine tonsils to get rid of bad breath permanently. The palatine tonsils are removed in many people as early as infancy, but they can also be surgically removed in adults.
If you want to get rid of the stones without surgery, drink plenty of fluids, clean your tongue regularly and remove plaque. Additionally, it helps to avoid tobacco and alcohol and to use mouthwash after brushing the teeth. By the way, because tonsil stones sit on the palatine tonsils, they have nothing to do with the adenoids. The adenoid tonsil sits behind the nose, deep in the throat. Although an inflamed adenoid can also cause bad breath, the organ has nothing to do with tonsil stones.
What can be done?
An infection after a tonsillectomy must often be treated with an antibiotic. In addition to antibiotic treatment, mouth rinses, salt water rinses, chamomile, or sage tea can support healing and thus counteract bad breath. These applications are also helpful if no infection is present or no antibiotic is used.
Further measures to support the healing process during the first two to three weeks are
- drink enough fluids
- do not consume hot drinks
- Do not smoke
- avoid caffeine and alcohol
- eat soft foods
- avoid spicy and highly seasoned food
- shower and wash your hair only with lukewarm water
- Be very careful when brushing the back teeth, as they are close to the wound area.
- avoid physical exertion (sports, lifting and carrying heavy objects, pressing during bowel movements)
- refrain from sauna and solarium visits
