Good oral hygiene is an important part of maintaining a healthy body and positive image. Bad breath, or halitosis, can detract from a person’s appearance and supercede all other efforts towards creating a good impression. But sometimes bad breath is a symptom of something more serious and, if it persists, a doctor should be consulted.
The most common form of bad breath is the result of having food particles left in the teeth. Daily brushing and flossing will remove these bits of food, but if this does not occur, the food will actually decompose in the mouth. The food itself will emit a foul odor and cause halitosis. Left untreated, this food will lead to the growth of bacteria. Ultimately, the bacteria will affect the gums, causing gum disease, which causes bad breath.
Most bad breath (halitosis) comes from something in the mouth. Certainly, there are certain foods that naturally leave a strong aftertaste and odor. Onions, garlic, certain meats and fish, all are legendary for causing bad breath. Smoking will also make the breath unpleasant.
Regular brushing and flossing will clean the teeth and remove any food particles left behind. Additionally, twice-yearly cleanings are recommended. There are also devices on the market that facilitate cleaning the tongue. These “tongue brushes” are really a type of scraper that removes microscopic food particles and bacteria from the tongue.
Mouthwashes can help mask the odor but, for the most part, they do not usually last very long. There can be a negative side effect in overusing mouthwashes that contain alcohol. The alcohol can cause the tissues in the mouth to dry out and, eventually, a secretion called plasma proteins will be created. This actually makes the breath worse.
Oral hygiene is more than simply brushing the teeth daily. It is important to floss daily as well. This practice will dislodge food stuck between the teeth or in crevices. Ideally, brushing should be done after each meal, and certainly after sweets are consumed. If brushing is not possible, rinsing the mouth with water will help to dislodge some of the food particles that remain.
There are other conditions that cause bad breath that are physical in nature. Frequently, a sinus or throat infection will result in halitosis, and the nose may also be a source. There is some evidence that stress may also cause the problem in that the digestive system is affected. Chronic dieting or malnutrition may also result in bad breath since digestive enzymes are not being created in the proper amount.
Some people develop bad breath as the result of infected tonsils or even allergies. Bad digestion leads to stomach gas, which can emit through the mouth. People who wear dentures are also prone to bad breath, and it is important that the dentures be removed daily and cleaned according to instructions.
Bad breath can also be an indicator of serious medical problems including kidney or liver failure, diabetes, acid reflux disease, ulcers, and eve breathing disorders. This condition should be discussed during physical examinations as well as with the dentist.
Further, there are certain types of food that can lead to bad breath. Don’t overdo the dairy products, and be careful with an excess of coffee or tea, which are acidic. To ensure fresher breath, eat plenty of fruits and fresh vegetables. Additionally, certain vitamins can also be helpful. Vitamin B and C are both known to help reduce toxins, and a zinc deficiency can also be a problem. And, drink plenty of water. Water flushes the system and removes toxins, which can lead to a problem with bad breath.
There are also some home remedies that are thought to aid digestion, and thus help reduce bad breath. Drinking a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar before each meal can help, and some people find that brushing with baking soda reduces acidity in the mouth, which, in turn will slow down the growth of bacteria.
Clove tea can be used as an effective mouthwash, and chewing filberts will absorb bad breath. To stop onion or garlic breath, chew on a piece of lemon that has been sprinkled with a little salt. Sucking on a piece of myrrh or cinnamon bark can also relieve the problem, and chewing herbs such as wintergreen, basil, parsley and mint will also help. If a change in oral hygiene and diet do not help, consult a doctor. As stated, bad breath can be a symptom of something more serious, and it is unwise to take chances.
