Better Health & Living
Posts tagged Halitosis
Cure for Bad Breath
Apr 1st
Halitosis or bad breath is an extremely common condition. Many people suffer from bad breath as a result of poor oral 
hygiene. A person with a halitosis can also suffer from a lack of self confidence and a poor self esteem as people tend to make critical comments about him or turn their heads away which causes them embarrassment. On the other hand, may people are unaware that they have a bad breath until pointed out by their friend or a partner.
Treatment for bad breath
Bad breath is caused as a result of a number of reasons. So the treatment for bad breath is is mainly targeted at treating the underlying cause. Some of the common forms of treatment for bad breath are listed below.
1. Maintaining good oral hygiene
A poor oral hygiene is one of the major causes of bad breath. Dental experts believe that simply brushing the teeth properly can reduce the severity of bad breath by at least 70%. It is recommended by health professionals and dental experts that in order to maintain a good oral hygiene one should brush the teeth twice every day- once in the morning after waking up and once in the night before going to bed. Brushing the teeth properly helps in cleaning the mouth and getting rid of the food particles that are lodged inside the gums and the teeth. These food particles cause strong odors responsible for bad breath. They also become breeding grounds for germs and bad odor causing bacteria. Regular flossing is also necessary in maintaining a good oral hygiene. Along with brushing the teeth it is important to wash the teeth and gums thoroughly by gurgling with plain water or a mouthwash
2. Consult a dentist to treat oral infections
It is important t consult a dentist in order to treat the oral infections. Oral infections like periodontal infections, infections of the teeth and the gums and bleeding gums may be associated with bad breath. Once the underlying cause is treated the person is able to overcome the bad breath.
3. Temporary relief from bad breath with the help of mouth freshener
If bad breath is caused by consumption of foods with strong odors like garlic, onions and cauliflower then the person can get temporary relief from bad breath with the help of a mouth freshener. Bad breath may also be caused by consumption of tobacco. Tobacco stains the teeth, causes irritation of the gums and results in bad breath. It is important to overcome tobacco addiction as it may lead to other serious health problems.
4. Consult a doctor if bad breath is a result of acid reflux
Acid or bile reflux from the stomach is also one of the common causes of bad breath. In this case it is important to consult your doctor. Once the underlying cause is treated the person no longer experiences bad breath.
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Causes of Bad Breath
Mar 31st
Halitosis or bad breath is an extremely common condition. It has to be understood that halitosis is not infectious. Some of the common causes of bad breath are as follows:
1. Dryness of mouth is one of the major causes of bad breath
The most common cause of bad breath or halitosis is dryness of mouth. Dryness of mouth occurs when the flow of saliva in the mouth is decreased. A dry mouth can be caused as a result of a number of reasons. Nervousness or anxiety causes dry mouth thereby leading to bad breath. Dryness of mouth can also be associated with being dehydrated. Certain medicines and drugs can also lead to bad breath and dry mouth. Smoking is also associated with a bad breath and dryness of mouth as smoking starves the mouth of oxygen.
2. Poor oral hygiene causes bad breath
Another common cause of bad breath is poor oral hygiene. Dental experts recommend that one should brush the teeth twice a day- once in the morning after waking up and once at night before going to bed. After we consume food some of the food particles get lodged inside the mouth and in the gums. This may be a breeding ground for bacteria and germs that cause bad breath. Hence It is very important to clean the mouth properly by a mouthwash or gurgling with plain water after consumption of food in order to get rid of these harmful germs and bacteria.
3. Consumption of foods with strong odors leads to bad breath
Another common cause of bad breath is the consumption of foods with strong odors such as onions and garlic. Alcohol intake and consumption of tobacco can also cause bad breath. Foods high in sugar content and proteins may also be a causative factor for bad breath.
4. Bad breath is an associated symptom of dental infections
Many dental conditions like infection of the gums and teeth as well as bleeding gums are associated with bad breath. Periodontal disease is a disease in which bacteria attack the teeth and the surrounding structures. This may be one of the causes of bad breath. Hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy and menstruation may also result in bad breath. Many pregnant women complain of bad breath as a result of hormonal changes.
5. Chronic sinusitis or nasal infections may lead to bad breath
Bad breath can occur as a result of chronic sinusitis. People suffering from conditions like chronic nasal sinusitis or frequent nasal infections may experience difficulty in breathing through the nose. As a result of this they tend to breathe through the mouth. This causes dryness f the mouth and may lead to bad breath.
6. Acid reflux or bile reflux from the stomach can also cause bad breath.
Acid reflux or bile reflux is also a common condition that is associated with bad breath. These people usually complain of a bitter, sour or a metallic taste in the mouth. Other associated symptoms may include constipation.
Halitosis
Mar 30th
Halitosis, in simple terms, means bad breath. This is an extremely common condition. It is mainly caused by bacteria that live in the surface of the tongue and in the throat. These bacteria are sulphur-producing bacteria. The bacteria start to produce sulphur by breaking protein at a rate higher than normal. As a result of this sulphur compounds are released from the back of the tongue and throat. These sulphur compounds are volatile and have a strong offensive odor. So the sulphur producing bacteria are the main culprits in the formation of bad breath.
Bad breath may lead to poor self esteem
A person with a bad breath can also suffer from a lack of self confidence and a poor self esteem as people tend to make critical comments about him or turn their heads away which causes them embarrassment.
Bad breath is mainly caused as a result of dryness of mouth
One of the major causes of bad breath is a dry mouth. Dry mouth may be caused by a number of reasons like getting thirsty, being dehydrated or even when the person is nervous, anxious or under stress. Another major cause of dryness of mouth is a poor oral hygiene. Bad breath may also be caused after consumption of foods with strong odors like onions and garlic. Smoking is also associated with bad breath.
Associated symptoms of bad breath
Halitosis may be associated with a number of other symptoms. Some of the common associated symptoms of bad breath are listed as below:
1. A whitish colored or yellowish colored coating on the tongue.
2. Bleeding and sore gums.
3. A sour, bitter or a metallic taste in the mouth that is present constantly.
4. Dryness of the mouth and the tongue.
5. Constant bad breath that does not go away even after brushing the teeth or gurgling.
6. Constant secretion of saliva in the mouth
7. Frequent urge to clear the throat.
8. Bad breath that is worse in the morning.
Treatment for halitosis
Treatment for halitosis mainly depends on the cause of bad breath. In most situations a person is able to get rid of his bad breath by maintaining a good oral hygiene. This is achieved by brushing the teeth regularly and gurgling the mouth with water after consumption of food. Some medically formulated mouthwashes and toothpastes are very effective in overcoming a bad breath. Even keeping oneself hydrated by drinking at least eight to ten glasses of water, especially after eating food can play a significant role in fighting bad breath. If bad breath is a cause of other medical conditions like bleeding gums or infections of the gums or other oral infections, the dentist can resort to the use of antibiotics to treat the underlying medical condition. Sometimes halitosis may be associated with sinus problems. In these cases the doctor may prescribe a nasal spray to treat the underlying cause. It has to be understood that halitosis is not infectious and the problem can be solved after proper consultation with doctor or the dentist.
