How Can Bad Breath, Pain At The Tonsils And Left Ear Pain While Swallowing Be Treated?

Posted on Tue, 17 Apr 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 17 Apr 2018 Answered on

Wed, 13 Sep 2023 Last reviewed on

Question : Hey doctor,

I have had this problem for maybe 3 or 4 years now but I’ve never really looked into it. But basically around 3-4 years ago I started getting bad breath out of no where and to combat that I started to drink a lot more water which only helps short term until my mouth goes dry again and my breath smells bad. Now recently in the last week and half I’ve started having this bad throat/tonsil pain when I swallow without any other symptoms and just looking at them I have noticed a few things. For one I have this white fluid on the very top part of the back part of my throat behind the tonsils that stinks really bad and a friend was also telling my about Tonsil stones as well. I have attached some images but basically what could this fluid be and can Tonsil stones possibly be the cause of my bad breath? With this sore throat/Tonsil pain it seems to only be on the one side, that being the left side and I’ve never really had an infection like this before of my tonsils or throat with no other symptoms other than when it first started I was having bad left ear pain when I swallowed?

Thanks for your help in advance.

Kind Regards,
XXXX

Answered by Dr. Klarida Papaqako (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Yes, tonsil stones give bad breath.

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

Yes, tonsil stones cause bad breath for sure.

But also when white spots in the tonsils are accompanied by a sore throat, swollen lymph nodes and fever, it most probably is a strep throat infection and needs to be treated with the antibiotic. If not treated properly, the infection can remain chronic and cause bad breath for a long time. If that is the case, you should see a local doctor to prescribe an antibiotic.

If you don't have a fever, but just the sore throat, then the white spots are just tonsil stones. Doing gargles and taking a painkiller is helpful. Not much more you can do, just hope that the stones get removed from the tonsils.

If worse or not better, I would recommend seeing a local doctor.

Other causes of bad breath are bad teeth and acid reflux.

Hope this is helpful.

Regards,
Dr. Papaqako

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee