DR. PARUL KUMAR
Do you suffer from bad breath? Is it something that bothers you? In this article, we will discuss what causes bad breath and some easy remedies to get rid of it.
What causes bad breath?
Bad breath is also known as halitosis. It is caused by bacteria that breaks down food debris which create byproducts like volatile sulfur compounds which smell similar to rotten eggs. This bacteria just like humans consumes food and produces this smell causing waste. These waste sulfur compounds are the root cause of a person’s bad breath.
Bad breath can also be caused by these following reasons as well:
Poor oral hygiene- infrequent and improper brushing and flossing can leave food particles to decay.
Infections in the mouth like gum disease. Infections of the pharynx, lungs or stomach canoriginate from the stomach, Actually it’s the bacteria in the mouth that produce smelly Sulfur compounds causing bad breath also result in bad breath.
Dry mouth caused by salivary gland problems, medications or mouth breathing
Psychiatric illness- people may perceive they have bad breath, but it is not noticed by oral health care professionals, this is referred as “pseudohalitosis”.
Other factors that can cause bad breath are: Alcohol, foods like garlic,onions and spicy foods, hunger, tobacco, braces and dentures.
Effective remedies for bad breath:
Brush and floss your teeth at least twice daily. Once when you wake up and once before going to bed.
Use a mouthwash or dental rinse: this can help reduce bacteria in the mouth. Adding a fluoride rinse to your daily routine can help prevent tooth decay.
Tongue cleaner: this reduces the oral bacteria that causes bad breath.
Drinking water: this helps wash away food particles and bacteria, which is the primary cause of bad breath.
Mints and gums- chewing mints and gums produces more saliva, which washes away the food in the mouth, hence preventing bad breath. Also these mints mask the odor in the short term while saliva is produced. This is only a temporary remedy.
Food five groups- this includes carrots, celery which can keep your mouth smelling
Clean dentures or dental appliances: if you wear a bridge or a denture, clean it thoroughly at least once a day. If you have a dental retainer, mouth guard or invisalign trays, clean it each time before you put it in your mouth.
Worst Home Remedies for Bad Breath are:
Excessive use of mouthwash – it produces sloughy, stinky tissue that is worse than what your breath is already like.
Breath Mints – A sweet smelling mouth doesn’t mean a healthy mouth. Long lasting sugar candies subject teeth to longer acid attacks, increasing the risk of more cavities formation.
Chewing Gums – These no doubt increase salivary flow, but only masks bad breath. Excess of this is not good.
Try Drinking water throughout the day instead.
Intestinal cleansing methods – bad breath does not originate from the stomach, Actually it’s the bacteria in the mouth that produce smelly Sulfur compounds causing bad breath.
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