Cape One Health

Article 6 in an occasional series on the causes of bad breath

The tonsils are two lumps of lymphoid tissue, positioned in the lateral wall of oropharnyx to the rear of the mouth. When people refer to tonsils, they are referring to the palatine tonsils that can be seen dangling in the back of the throat. Tonsils are part of the human body’s immune system, and help to fight off infections.

Tonsils occasionally become inflammed, red and often have ulcers on them.  This is unpleasant affliction is called tonsillitis. Bad breath is commonly a cause of bad breathe, since the bacteria that live on the diseased tonsils cause the smell. Quinsy or peritonsillar abscesses - both similar afflications can also produce bad breath.

Removal of the tonsils is possible, though this operation is usually only performed in extreme cases of recurring tonsilitis.