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Bad Breath - Bad Breath symptom, treatment, causes

What is Bad Breath ?

Everyone gets bad breath (also called halitosis) from time to time, for example, during temporary illness, of after eating or drinking strongly flavoured things. A stale-smelling breath first thing in the morning is due to the build-up around the teeth and gums of substances that are cleared away by saliva during chewing, speaking and other mouth movements when we are awake. Anxiety, by making the mouth dry, can also cause bad breath.

People who believe they have bad breath when they haven't are said to be suffering from psychogenic halitosis. It is a common fear, which can start during an anxious time (on a teenager's first date, for example) or follow some remark during a brief episode of bad breath. The belief can become an obsession, leading to teeth-brushing and mouth-washing at every opportunity, constant sucking of scented sweets and avoidance of all close social contact. If you think you have bad breath, ask your doctor and dentist if there are any grounds for your worries. If so the cause can be treated. If you are assured that your breath is sweet, believe it, and keep it that way with good oral hygiene.

Bad breath is the common name for the medical condition known as halitosis. Bad breath is caused by odor-producing bacteria that grow in the mouth. When you don't brush and floss regularly, bacteria accumulate on the bits of food left in your mouth and between your teeth. Certain foods, especially ones like garlic and onions that contain pungent oils, can contribute to bad breath because the oils are carried to your lungs and out through your mouth. Smoking is also one of the main causes of bad breath, along with certain illnesses such as nasal and stomach conditions. Bits of food that get caught between the teeth and on the tongue will rot and can sometimes cause an unpleasant smell. Bad breath usually increases when the mouth is dry. Bad breath may emanate from the back of the throat due to sinus or tonsil infections resulting in excess bacteria. Stress is another cause which may not be readily apparent when you are looking for reasons for bad breath. Stress affects the digestive system. An insufficient supply of digestive enzymes may be another cause. Children as young or two or three can have bad breath from postnasal drip, dental plaque and transient throat infections. Most cases of halitosis are not serious and relate to dental hygiene such as gum disease and periodontal disease.

Bad breath is also more common among the elderly because of reduced saliva production. There are tactful ways of letting a person know that he or she has bad breath. Bad breath may be temporarily reduced by using a hydrogen peroxide rinse. Hydrogen peroxide at a concentration of 1.5% can be taken as an oral antiseptic by gargling 10 ml, about two teaspoons. Many other diseases and illnesses may cause bad breath. People who have periodontitis often experience bad breath because of bacteria accumulating in areas that are not cleaned easily, such as deep pockets around teeth. The stomach also is an area that causes bad breath problems for many people. Poor digestion , constipation, or bowel disorders may create gas which exits the mouth. In rare cases, bad breath can be a sign of a significant general health problem, so it should not be ignored. Bad breath can often be treated or prevented through good oral hygeine, including brushing and flossing, cleaning the back of the tongue, keeping the mouth moist, rinsing the mouth, and treatment of any underlying allergies. When your mouth is dry, there's insufficient saliva to wash away dead cells. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking on sugarless hard candy can help stimulate saliva production.

Causes of Bad breath

The common causes and risk factor's of Bad breath include the following:

• Foods and drinks, such as garlic, onions, cheese, orange juice, and soda.
• Foreign body.
• Hindered air or mucus flow.
• Candidiasis.
• Poor dental hygiene and periodontal disease can be a source of bad breath.
• Food stagnation between the teeth.
• Dry mouth.
• Smoking and other tobacco use.
• Throat or tonsil infection.
• Multiplication of odor-causing bacteria in the mouth and digestive tract.

Symptoms of Bad breath

Some sign and symptoms related to Bad breath are as follows:

• A bad taste in the mouth.
• Dry Mouth.
• Persistent bad breath.
• A white or Yellow Film on the Tongue.
• White Nodules on the Tonsils.

Treatment of Bad breath

Here is list of the methods to treat Bad breath:

• Gargle with water.
• Chew sugar-free gum, especially if your mouth feels dry.
• Eat fresh, fibrous vegetables.
• Eat a low-fat diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
• Eat less meat.
• Giving your tongue a good brushing removes dead cells, bacteria and food debris. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush your tongue with at least five to 15 strokes.
• Do not smoke or use other tobacco products, such as snuff or chewing (spit) tobacco.