Bad breath is truly troublesome for the one who is affected by it and for those who are around the affected. It is said that Bad breath affects an estimated 25 percent of people.
People with bad breath often gets affected by low self esteem confidence. However with constant care and hygiene this condition can be fully treated .
Bad breath is also called as halitosis. This condition is known mostly a sign of bad dental hygiene, dry mouth, or other various mouth conditions. Moreover bad breath or halitosis can also be a sign of other conditions, such as diabetes and liver and kidney diseases.
There might be several reasons for bad breath :
- Dry mouth: Dry mouth can be caused by smoking or certain medicines. Saliva helps to keep your mouth hydrated but if the mouth is unable to produce sufficient saliva then it can cause your breath to smell bad.
- Bad oral hygiene: If brushing is not regular then a layer of plaqueis formed which can irritate the gums and cause inflammation between the teeth and gums called periodontitis. Teeth or the tongue if not cleaned properly then it can also harbor bacteria that cause halitosis.
- Food: Bad or poor oral hygiene is known to be the most common cause of bad breath . if particles of food are left stuck in the teeth are broken down by bacteria resulting in a bad smell
- Tobacco: Tobacco products create their own types of mouth odor. It issaid that tobacco products can increase the chances of gum disease which can also cause bad breath.
- Tonsil stones: As per medical experts , Food stuck in tonsil can harden into calcium deposits known as tonsilloliths/tonsil stones.
- Gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD): A digestive disease in which the acid of the stomach returns to the food pipe (oesophagus).
- Gum disease: Gum disease includes gingivitis (gum inflammation), trench mouth (advanced gingivitis), and periodontitis (untreated gingivitis causes periodontitis).
- Cancer: Mouth cancer or cancer between nose and mouth can also cause bad breath.
- Infection in the nose, throat, or lungs: Patients suffering from Pneumonia cough up liquids that may create smell foul.
- Kidney or liver disease
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Diabetes
It is said that Halitosis is the third most common reason when people visits dentists to seek treatment after tooth decay and gum disease .
There are many effective home remedies to remove the bad breath issue . Moreover experts also suggest to quit smoking and improve dental hygiene and also to bring lifestyle changes . However ,if bad breath persists, it is advisable to visit a doctor to check for underlying causes.
Home remedies like Holy Basil ,Yoghurt , Betel Leaves ,Saunf (Fennel), Clove, Cardamom can help you get rid of bad breath .
The most suggested remedy is to maintain a good oral hygiene –
- Brush your teeth twice a day.
- Use Floss daily
- Do not ignore your tongue .Make sure to clean your tongue as well.
- Gargle with an antibacterial mouthwash .
- Avoid products which can trigger dry mouth like caffeine, tobacco, and alcohol.
Drink plenty of water to keep your mouth hydrated .
