Bad breath also called halitosis or fetor oris is an unpleasant and embarrassing condition. Odour can come from the mouth, teeth, or as a result of an underlying health problem. Bad breath can be a temporary problem or a chronic condition. In addition to the bad smell in your mouth, you may also notice a bad taste too. If the taste is due to an underlying condition and isn’t because of trapped food particles, it may not disappear even if you brush your teeth and use mouthwash.
The most common cause of bad breath is poor dental hygiene. As the bacteria break down food particles in our mouth, sulfur compounds are produced as a by-product, this is what causes odour.
Other triggers may include
Smoking leaves a nasty smell and even dries out your mouth which can make your bad breath worse
- Eating food with strong odours like onion, ginger etc. After you digest these foods, they enter your bloodstream, are carried to your lungs and affect your breath.
- Dry mouth.
Saliva helps cleanse your mouth, removing particles that cause bad breath. A condition called dry mouth or xerostomia can contribute to bad breath when the production of saliva is decreased. Dry mouth naturally occurs during sleep, leading to “morning breath,” and it worsens if you sleep with your mouth open.
Halitosis is however not without remedy, the most effective approach against bad breath is
- Maintaining a healthy oral regimen.
Brushing and flossing regularly. Plaque; the whitish build up on your teeth, collects bacteria that cause bad breath. Trapped food also add to the problem. Brush your teeth at least two times each day, and floss at least once. If you’re concerned about your breath, do both a little more often. Also, rinse out your mouth with mouthwash, which adds extra protection by getting rid of bacteria. A fresh minty taste can make you feel good. But be sure the mouthwash you choose kills the germs that cause bad breath. You can also help your breath if you swish your mouth with plain water after you eat. It can get rid of food particles that get stuck in your teeth.
- Stimulate your salivary flow.
Prevent dry mouth by chewing gum, lozenges, or mints that are sugar-free.
- Stop smoking
- Eat fibrous fruits and vegetables
One of the best ways to remove bacteria in the mouth is to eat an apple a day. It helps moisten the mouth
Keep your mouth moist by drinking lots of water.
