| |
Bad Breath (Halitosis)
|
 |
| |
Bad breath can originate from the nasal passages or oral cavities and is in essence a foul smell emanating from the nose or mouth as a result of the presence of sulphur producing bacteria. In most instances a person suffering with bad breath will be completely unaware of this condition as it is often tricky to smell the foul odor on oneself.
Halitosis (bad breath) Symptoms include: |
|
| |
- Bad Odor when mouth is open
- Bad Breath when blowing or talking
- Frequently having a bitter taste in one’s mouth; this taste can often be described as metallic
- A white or yellow coating develops on the tongue (this coating may be visible when sticking out the tongue)
- Frequently being offered gums and mints from individuals
- An excessively dry mouth
- An initial whiff of a foul odor when opening the mouth
- Individuals around you stepping back or increasing their distance during interactions
What Causes Halitosis (Bad Breath) ?
|
|
| |
Almost every person has some degree of bad breath upon waking in the morning (this is called morning breath) and is easily eliminated by brushing the teeth. It is only when bad breath progress after brushing ones teeth that a diagnosis of halitosis can be made.
Halitosis is often caused by a mouth or throat infection or in response to a food item in one’s diet. The main food culprit is garlic which can often be easily counteracted by eating parsley. Oral health conditions can also cause bad breath and are responsible for the development of halitosis in 85-90% of bad breath sufferers.
Researchers have proved that the majority of bad breath conditions, (around 97%) are a result of anaerobic bacteria (bacteria that does not need oxygen) that breed under the surface of the tongue, back of the throat and on the tonsils. It is this bacteria that is responsible for producing foul-smelling sulfur compounds called Hydrogen Sulfide (the same smell released by rotten eggs) and Methyl-Mercaptan (the dirty-socks smell due to a breakdown of bacteria as a result of sweating of the feet and increased warmth and moisture when wearing closed shoes).
Certain lifestyle habits and eating certain foods will also result in short-term halitosis (please refer to the list of foods and lifestyle habits below which can result in halitosis). Severe diets which restrict carbohydrate intake such as ketogenic diets are also responsible for the development of bad breath.
Certain anatomical deviations such as corrugations or striations in the tongue do allow for the accumulation and growth of bacteria in the oral cavity.
Other causes of Halitosis
|
|
| |
- Certain foods
Foods such as garlic, onions and spicy foods etc. cause foul smelling breath after eating them. These foods are absorbed into the bloodstream, transferred into the lungs and become expelled in the air you breathe. Regular eating of such foods is likely to cause halitosis. People who diet are more likely to develop unpleasant breath from infrequent eating. You also get direct expulsion of these gases from your digestive tract.
- Poor oral health care
Without proper and regular brushing, flossing and routine examinations by your dentist, food remains in the mouth causing bacteria to multiply and produce toxic waste which in turn causes breath odor. Food stuck on the teeth, gums, and tongue creates an environment where bacteria can feed and multiply. These bacteria release certain chemicals as a by-product which causes damage and decay of the gums and teeth. The chemicals that are released by the bacteria and the resulting decay in the mouth contribute to the bad breath.
- Improper cleaning of dentures
Dentures that are not cleaned properly may be collecting bacteria and food particles which cause bad breath.
- Periodontal disease
One of the primary symptoms of periodontal gum disease is foul, odorous breath, and an unpleasant taste in the mouth. This condition requires immediate care by an oral health professional.
- Dry mouth (xerostomia)
This condition is often a large contributor to halitosis. It occurs when the flow of saliva decreases. Saliva is required to cleanse the mouth and remove particles that may cause odor. Xerostomia may be caused by certain medications, a salivary gland disorder, or by continuously breathing through the mouth instead of the nose.
- Tobacco products
Not only do tobacco products such as cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco and snuff stain the teeth and put the body at risk for a host of other diseases, they also contribute to bad breath. Tobacco products cause bad breath, stained teeth, reduces one's ability to taste foods and irritates the gum tissue. Tobacco users are more likely to suffer from periodontal disease and are at greater risk for developing oral cancer.
- Medical condition
Bad breath may be an indication or symptom of any of the following conditions. However, each individual may experience different symptoms such as:
- A respiratory infection
- Infection of the nose, windpipe, or lungs
- Chronic bronchitis
- Post nasal drip
- Chronic sinusitis
- Diabetes
- Gastrointestinal disorders
- Liver or kidney disorders
- Severe dieting
Dieters may develop unpleasant "fruity" breath from keto-acidosis which is due to the breakdown of chemicals during fasting. Restriction of caloric intake leads to hunger which can lead to a dry mouth.
Factors that affect the airways and cause bad breath:
- Nasal Polyps
- Foreign bodies
- Sinusitis
- Dryness
- Bronchitis
- Pneumonia
Factors that affect the esophagus and stomach and cause bad breath:
- Gastritis and food reflux (GERD- gastro-esophageal reflux disease)
- Stagnation of food
How to get relief from Halitosis?
|
|
| |
The SinusWars11 is proven to be a highly effective treatment for Bad Breath and combines complex Homeopathic Ingredients to put an end to foul and bad smelling breaths. SinusWars11 is extremely effective in treating foul smelling breath and also many underlying conditions responsible for bad breath. It targets the three main areas responsible for bad breath, the nasal passages, a sluggish and poorly functioning digestive system as well as poor oral hygiene and gum disease, thereby providing a complete halitosis treatment.
Conventional Treatments and tips for Halitosis.
|
|
| |
- Maintain good oral health, this is essential for reducing bad breath.
- Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste to remove food debris and plaque, brush your tongue too.
- Once a day, use floss or an inter-dental cleaner to clean between teeth.
- Use an antiseptic mouthwash at least once a day, especially before bedtime to kill bacteria that may be in your mouth.
- Go for regular chek-ups to your dentist to detect any problems such as periodontal (gum) disease, a dry mouth or other disorders that may cause halitosis.
- Visit an oral hygienist regularly
- Use a tongue cleaner and clean right to the back of the tongue.
- Drink plenty of fluids and avoid too much coffee.
- Clean your mouth after eating dairy products, garlic, onions, spicy foods, fish and meat. Chew on some parsley after eating these foods.
- Chew sugar-free gum, especially if your mouth feels dry to increase the flow of saliva.
- Eat less meat.
- Eat fresh and fibrous vegetables.
- Quit smoking. Smoking predisposes you to gum disease.
- Eat a well-balanced healthy diet and reduce the amount of sugary foods and drinks. Bacteria thrive on sugar in your mouth and turn it into acids which contribute to tooth decay.
- Limit alcohol intake. Alcoholic beverages often cause bad breath.
|
|
