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Halitosis is another word for bad breath. Al-though it’s not a life-threatening condition, it does put a damper on people’s social life. Believe it nor not, there are people who seriously consider committing suicide because their smelly breath is isolating them from the world
80-90 percent of halitosis is caused by problems in the mouth. There are bacteria in the mouth, and it’s normal, they keep harmful fungi (that can cause scurvy), from growing. The bacteria live off the food bits that are left between teeth or between teeth and gum. As a by-product of their activity, these bacteria release chemical compounds with sulfur in it, and this is the main culprit of halitosis.
- Mouth Dryness
Breathing through your mouth ( for example when your nose is blocked) and taking certain medications (like some anti-hypertensive and anti-depressant drugs) can cut the production of saliva. The saliva actually acts as a potent germ killer. If there isn’t enough saliva in the mouth to wash away the bacteria , it will make the breath smell worse. Mouth fresheners that contain alcohol can also make the mouth drier and instead of “freshening” the breath, make it stink.
- Lack of mouth and teeth care
Normally you have to brush your teeth and tongue carefully at least twice a day after meals. When people don’t brush , the bacteria will have plenty of time to work on the food bits in your mouth and create serious problems. The problem is worse at the back of the tongue, where there is a layer of mucus where food can be deposited and decay, causing an awful smell. When there are caries (holes in the teeth) , the problem can get even worse. Sometimes food get lodged in the holes and this in turn becomes a fertile feeding ground for the bacteria. Bacteria can also work on the food stuck on the space between teeth or between teeth and gum.
- Post-nasal drip
This is the accumulation of the mucus that drips from the back of the nose. This can happen in people who often experience runny nore, either from a cold or an allergic reaction.
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Prevention and Cure
There are ways you can make sure that your breath won’t be categorized as a lethal weapon.
- Brush your teeth for at least three minutes each meals and before you sleep. Don’t forget to brush the roof of your mouth and your tongue as far back as you can get without triggering the gagging reflex. If you can’t brush immediately after meals, gargle several times.
- Use a breath-freshener that has a little or no alcohol.
- Floss regularly with unscented floss. Flossing rids the teeth of decaying material in the tiny spaces between the teeth that toothbrushes can’t reach.
- Have a thorough dental check-up at least every six months.
- Eat plenty of vegetable and fruit. The fibers in these kinds of food not only help to eliminate the layer of mucus at the back of the month, they also prevent constipation.
- Avoid garlic and onions, or at least don’t consume too much of those. Chew on clove parsley afterward, they can freshen up the breath.
- Don’t smoke.
Source : Fit n Fine Column
