Bad Breath
Advice on how to cure bad breath
Bad breath, or halitosis, is an embarrassing condition in which your exhaled breath has an unpleasant odor and may be noticeable to others. It has a variety of causes and significantly impacts the personal and social lives of affected people, as the unpleasant odor makes it hard for others to be around the halitosis sufferer.
Luckily, you can stop bad breath by using herbal remedies or medicinal products to eliminate the source of the odor. Since bad breath is sometimes caused by bacteria in other parts of the body, lifestyle and dietary changes may also be needed.
Causes of Bad Breath
Bad breath originates primarily in the mouth and is often worse in the morning, because the mouth becomes dry at night. Bacteria growing on the teeth and gums may give off a putrid odor that then is exhaled through the mouth. Rarely, bad breath is caused by the nose or tonsils; putrefaction of the tonsils accounts for approximately 3 to 5 percent of cases. There is some speculation as to whether bad breath originates in the stomach, but most researchers find that suggestion extremely unlikely, except in the case of specific gastrointestinal health problems, such as acid reflux.
Finding a Bad Breath Remedy
Luckily, in most cases, there is a cure for bad breath. Often, bad breath is caused by the food you eat. If you cut out strong-smelling foods like garlic, onions and fish, you may see a marked improvement in your breath. If you don't wish to change your diet, brushing your teeth directly after eating or using one of the many bad breath products available, such as gum, mouthwash or breath spray, will eliminate the odor.
Some mouthwashes are formulated to kill the bacteria lurking between the teeth and below the gum line, offering a bad breath cure by attacking the problem at its source. Brushing and flossing your teeth daily and using mouthwash will also eliminate the odor caused by bacteria in your mouth. Make sure you also brush your tongue, as the bacteria located there may be one of the primary causes of your bad breath.
If your bad breath is due to a throat infection or tonsillitis, it will probably go away after you start to feel better. If it doesn't, see a doctor about examining your nose for any problems that may cause halitosis, or to have your tonsils removed.
Some alternative remedies for bad breath include chewing betel leaves and areca nuts. Also, ensuring that you drink enough water throughout will keep your mouth moist and hydrated and prevent your "morning breath" from making an afternoon appearance. Bad breath can be embarrassing, but you don't have to live with it. When you implement this advice, you'll feel better knowing that your breath isn't repelling people.
