Bad Breath "HALITOSIS"

Does bad breathe cause lack of self-confidence? It does! 
You try to withdraw yourself socially the moment you realize you have bad breath. 
This medical problem called halitosis can result from poor dental habits, which may be a major sign of other health problems. Sometimes, bad breath can also be made worse by the types of foods you eat and few other unhealthy lifestyle habits. So, it is critical to choose the right bad breath remedies.

Let’s take a look at the different causes of halitosis and how you can go about to treat or prevent it altogether.

Causes

According to scientists, the food eaten tends to break down in your mouth. As foods are digested, it is absorbed into the bloodstream. They are carried to your lungs and given off in your breath

There a wide range of conditions and habits that can cause halitosis, the most prominent being poor dental hygiene. When you don’t maintain proper dental hygiene, food particles and dead cells stay in your mouth where it causes odors and bad smells.

Other halitosis causes include underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, sinus infections, kidney or liver failure, and throat infections. Infections cause bad smells in your mouth and the medication from some of these conditions can also cause dry mouth. When there is no saliva to remove odor-causing cells and bacteria, it can lead to halitosis.

One of the most common causes of halitosis has to do with lifestyle habits like smoking or excessive drinking. The intake of certain foods or liquids can also cause halitosis, for example, coffee, garlic, or onions.

Remember that persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth acts as a warning sign of gum (periodontal) disease. It occurs due to the build-up of plaque. Such infections, viruses, and bacteria cause the formation of toxins, which irritates the gums. If the disease extends or remains untreated, it can damage the gums and jawbone. The medical condition for dry mouth is termed as Xerostomia can result in bad breath.

 Remember that saliva is necessary to moisten the mouth, balance and neutralize the acids produced by plaque, as well as washing away dead cells that accumulate on the tongue, gums, and cheeks. Sometimes, when these infectious cells aren’t removed, they can decompose and can cause bad breath.

  Dry mouth may be a side effect of various medications, continuous breathing through the mouth, or salivary gland problems. 

Other bad breath causes include poorly fitting dental appliances, yeast infections of the mouth, and dental caries (cavities).

Few tips for preventing or treating Bad Breath

• Bad breath can be reduced or prevented by practicing good oral hygiene.
• Always see your dentist regularly at least twice a year. After conducting an oral exam and professional teeth cleaning, you will be able to identify and treat periodontal disease, parched mouth, or other obstacles that may be the cause of bad mouth odour.
  
  
  
• Remember to brush your teeth and tongue twice a day with fluoride toothpaste to remove food debris and plaque. No doubt it is advised to use herbal toothpaste as well, but fluoride works better on cavities. Brush teeth after you eat a snack or meal. Ensure that you replace your toothbrush every twice or thrice a month to prevent illness. Use floss or interdental cleaning devices to remove food particles and plaque that is stuck in between teeth once a day.
  
• For Elder people Dentures can be removed at night and cleaned thoroughly before being placed in your mouth the next morning.
• Another habit that you need to stop for bad breath cure is to give up on smoking and chewing tobacco-based products. 
  
• Drink lots of water as it helps keep your mouth moist.
• Chewing gums (preferably sugarless) or sucking on sugarless candy can stimulate the production of saliva, which helps wash away food particles and bacteria. Gums and mints containing Xylitol always work as the best method because Xylitol is a lower-calorie sugar substitute with a low glycemic index. Some research suggests that it may also improve dental health, prevent ear infections, and possess antioxidant properties. Xylitol is a sugar alcohol, which is a type of carbohydrate and does not actually contain alcohol. xylitol kills germs. It does not do it in the traditional dental way — killingupon contact. Xylitol actually stops bacteria from living by starving it, and acids are not created, which alters the pH.