Questions about carrying Strep Pyogenes

Hi.

I recently took a microbiology course, and we tested ourselves for Strep Pyogenes. I tested positive, but wasn't sick, and my professor told me that meant that I was a carrier.

This is confusing to me because growing up I didn't receive a positive Strep test every time I went to the doctor. Sometimes it grew, sometimes it didn't. So... is it likely that I am a carrier now, even if I wasn't a few years ago? Or, is it more likely that I just had a really mild case of actual strep throat when we did our lab tests? If I am a carrier, is there anyway to get rid of it? I know lots of bacteria lives in your throat all the time and it's fine but... I'd rather this one not be there, lol.

Also, could being a carrier of Strep Pyogenes cause bad breath? I've had a problem with this throughout my life, no matter what I do. And what other effects (even small ones) could being a carrier of S. pyogenes have on a person? Just curious... I can't find much information on the internet... but it must do something, right?

Thanks for your thoughts!!

- Emily