Halitosis, or what is commonly known as bad breath, is one of the most common health problems. The condition is so common that it affects all ages, genders and lifestyles.
While some suffer bad breath for short periods only, it has been estimated that at least half of the total world population is plagued with persistent cases of halitosis.
Common Causes Of Bad Breath
The primary and most basic cause of bad breath is bacteria coming down from food that is broken down in the mouth when people eat.
Some food items with strong aroma and flavours, like garlic or onions, cause temporary bad breath. Other habits like smoking or drinking also contribute to the occurrence of bad breath.
A persistent case however might be due to a gum disease. Some infections or sickness that is not directly related to the digestive system may also have bad breath as one of its signs and symptoms.
Taking in some medications also contribute to the condition in rare instances.
Taking Care Of Bad Breath
Bad breath can be prevented through good oral hygiene practices. Mild cases may even be treated or cured with such a regimen.
One can seek the help and advice of a dentist or a dental hygienist for advice and tips on proper dental care.
These professionals can also help you by referring you to a specialist if they suspect a deeper underlying issue that is causing your halitosis.
How To Detect If You Halitosis
The sense of smell is one of the easiest to senses to numb or to get accustomed to a condition. Once the sense of smell gets used to a particular scent, it no longer registers that particular odour, whether it be pleasant smelling or malodorous.
This is why most people who have bad breath do not actually realize they do. Other people might find it hard to disclose to you that you have bad breath. You can try to approach a family member or an intimate friend to tell you the truth.
A less intrusive way is to test yourself if you have bad breath. The first step is to lick the inside of your wrist, where you usually spray on perfume.
Let the saliva dry. Smell the area with your dried saliva, the scent you smell is most probably how your breath actually smells.
More Ways To Combat Bad Breath
The golden rule of oral hygiene has been to everyone ever since they were babies. One should develop the habit of brushing their teeth and rinsing the whole mouth after eating.
If one can do so every after he takes in food, then the better. This is to remove any fragment or particle of food in the mouth that may decay or rot and cause bad breath.
Brush Your Tongue
Do not forget to brush your tongue as well. The tongue is like a carpet of tiny hairs that may and will trap bacteria, when left to flourish, the bacteria causes the odorous scent of halitosis.
Get Regular Checkups
A regular dental check up can ensure that gum disease is ruled out as a cause, on top of preventing the same from happening.
Other issues that can be prevented, or solved and mended that may be the root of bad breath are crowns that leak, fillings that are falling off and other oral issues.
Chew Gum
Though eating may be the top intentional activity that people do that contributes to their bad breath, chewing sugarless gum may actually help reverse the effects of the presence of food in them mouth.
The chewing encourages the creation of saliva. Saliva is the natural mouth wash of the body. It also prevents the mouth from drying, one oral condition that is conducive to the growth of bacteria.
Avoid Mouthwash
Using mouthwash or mints with alcohol is more detrimental than helpful. These products only hide the foul odour rather than solving the problem causing it.
The alcohol content also makes the mouth drier. To hydrate the mouth, swoosh clean, plain water. This also helps to rinse out any food particle left over from eating.
Eat The Right Foods
Nibbling on vegetables is not only healthy but it also promotes good smelling breath. The fibre and chlorophyll in vegetables are natural removers of plaque and fresheners of breath.
Avoid taking in foods with strong scents like onions or garlic.
Keep Your Mouth Hydrated
Habits that dry the mouth should be avoided as much as possible, this include consuming a lot of alcohol and caffeine. Smoking is also a habit that promotes bad breath.
The nicotine and tar content, other than staining the teeth and tongue, inhibits the flow of saliva which leads to dry mouth.
Alternatives to expensive and commercially-manufactured oral products are available and easy to use. Tea tree or peppermint oil may be applied directly to the tongue or on the toothbrush which work by freshen the breath.
These also work double duty by being natural antibacterial agents. Baking soda has also been added to the mix ever since oral hygiene has been an issue.
As a powerful antibacterial mouthwash that will not dehydrate the mouth, equal parts of water and hydrogen peroxide can be mixed and used as a regular mouthwash.
Bad Breath And How To Treat It
Halitosis, or what is commonly known as bad breath, is one of the most common health problems. The condition is so common that it affects all ages, genders and lifestyles.
While some suffer bad breath for short periods only, it has been estimated that at least half of the total world population is plagued with persistent cases of halitosis.
Common Causes Of Bad Breath
The primary and most basic cause of bad breath is bacteria coming down from food that is broken down in the mouth when people eat.
A persistent case however might be due to a gum disease. Some infections or sickness that is not directly related to the digestive system may also have bad breath as one of its signs and symptoms.
Taking in some medications also contribute to the condition in rare instances.
Taking Care Of Bad Breath
Bad breath can be prevented through good oral hygiene practices. Mild cases may even be treated or cured with such a regimen.
One can seek the help and advice of a dentist or a dental hygienist for advice and tips on proper dental care.
These professionals can also help you by referring you to a specialist if they suspect a deeper underlying issue that is causing your halitosis.
How To Detect If You Halitosis
The sense of smell is one of the easiest to senses to numb or to get accustomed to a condition. Once the sense of smell gets used to a particular scent, it no longer registers that particular odour, whether it be pleasant smelling or malodorous.
This is why most people who have bad breath do not actually realize they do. Other people might find it hard to disclose to you that you have bad breath. You can try to approach a family member or an intimate friend to tell you the truth.
A less intrusive way is to test yourself if you have bad breath. The first step is to lick the inside of your wrist, where you usually spray on perfume.
Let the saliva dry. Smell the area with your dried saliva, the scent you smell is most probably how your breath actually smells.
More Ways To Combat Bad Breath
The golden rule of oral hygiene has been to everyone ever since they were babies. One should develop the habit of brushing their teeth and rinsing the whole mouth after eating.
If one can do so every after he takes in food, then the better. This is to remove any fragment or particle of food in the mouth that may decay or rot and cause bad breath.
Brush Your Tongue
Do not forget to brush your tongue as well. The tongue is like a carpet of tiny hairs that may and will trap bacteria, when left to flourish, the bacteria causes the odorous scent of halitosis.
Get Regular Checkups
A regular dental check up can ensure that gum disease is ruled out as a cause, on top of preventing the same from happening.
Other issues that can be prevented, or solved and mended that may be the root of bad breath are crowns that leak, fillings that are falling off and other oral issues.
Chew Gum
The chewing encourages the creation of saliva. Saliva is the natural mouth wash of the body. It also prevents the mouth from drying, one oral condition that is conducive to the growth of bacteria.
Avoid Mouthwash
Using mouthwash or mints with alcohol is more detrimental than helpful. These products only hide the foul odour rather than solving the problem causing it.
The alcohol content also makes the mouth drier. To hydrate the mouth, swoosh clean, plain water. This also helps to rinse out any food particle left over from eating.
Eat The Right Foods
Nibbling on vegetables is not only healthy but it also promotes good smelling breath. The fibre and chlorophyll in vegetables are natural removers of plaque and fresheners of breath.
Avoid taking in foods with strong scents like onions or garlic.
Keep Your Mouth Hydrated
Habits that dry the mouth should be avoided as much as possible, this include consuming a lot of alcohol and caffeine. Smoking is also a habit that promotes bad breath.
The nicotine and tar content, other than staining the teeth and tongue, inhibits the flow of saliva which leads to dry mouth.
Alternatives to expensive and commercially-manufactured oral products are available and easy to use. Tea tree or peppermint oil may be applied directly to the tongue or on the toothbrush which work by freshen the breath.
These also work double duty by being natural antibacterial agents. Baking soda has also been added to the mix ever since oral hygiene has been an issue.
As a powerful antibacterial mouthwash that will not dehydrate the mouth, equal parts of water and hydrogen peroxide can be mixed and used as a regular mouthwash.
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