Bad Breath (Halitosis) Causes and Treatments
Halitosis or bad breath is a common condition that affects up to 25% of the population in varying degrees. Halitosis is usually caused by poor mouth hygiene, mouth infection, oral disorder, food and drinks, constipation and medication. It can be cured through right diagnosis and treatments.
Halitosis is usually caused by oral bacteria and as a result, release unpleasant smell. Poor mouth hygiene, such as infrequent brushing or flossing of teeth, allows the flourish of these oral bacteria. The decayed food leftovers in the mouth and in between the teeth can cause bad odor too. Brushing at least twice a day and flossing can take away food leftovers in the mouth and in between teeth.
Oral disorder like gum problem and tooth decay can also cause halitosis. To fight bad breath caused by gums and tooth problems, consult your dentist and have the problem sorted out. Halitosis caused by mouth infection (sore mouth) and throat infections (tonsillitis and sore throat) will disappear when the infections are cured
Some experts explained that some people tend to have more bacteria concentrations in their tongue than normal which then causes bad breath. No matter how careful they are, they would still have bad breath. A regular scrapping of tongue with some special scrapper will help. Seeking a doctor’s advice can be a big help in eliminating the disorder.
In addition, foods and drinks that we take through the mouth can cause bad breath. Raw garlic can leave pungent odor and may blend with breath. The same is true for alcoholic drinks and cigars. Chewing menthol-flavored gums and mints can help to sweeten breath and mask the odor.
Food allergy or intolerance can cause bad breath. Feeling bloated and full all the time as your stomach creates gas, which, withdraws in your mouth, causes the smell. The best solution is to avoid the foods that cause the allergy symptoms.
Constipation sufferers may have bad breath. Waste on bowels build up in the body can cause back production of gases which are being eliminated via breath. Bad breath caused by constipation should disappear when passing of stools becomes normal. High-fibre diet helps bowel to function regularly. Sufferers should exercise regularly and drink plenty of water.
Medication can also induce bad breath due to the presence of chemical substances in some drugs. Patients on long term medication may seek doctor’s advice on whether it would possible to get a replacement drug. For patients on short term medication, chew parsley or mint to sweeten the breath seems to be a better solution.
Sleeping with open mouth also leads to bad breath. This can be observed if your breath is worst in the morning after waking up. Open mouth reduces saliva which freshens our mouth and therefore encourages bad breath to develop. If your nasal problems that cause you to breath through mouth, you need to see your physician for some sound advice.
Commercial breath-freshening products provide temporary relief since these products only mask mouth odors for a short period of time. These products do not solve the problem of bad breath. To solve the problem permanently, you need to find the cause of the halitosis and take the right treatment. Good mouth hygiene is important to keep your mouth fresh. Drink plenty of water to keep your mouth moist. This prevents bacterial from building up in your mouth and thereby helps to reduce bad breath.
January 27th, 2009 at 8:18 am
What is the cause of severe and persistent halitosis (bad breath)?
My brother has breath that will stop you in your tracks.
Can anyone suggest a treatment (other than covering it up with breath freshener) that will help this?
Thanks for any insight.
My brother is a Diabetic - could that have something to do with it?
January 27th, 2009 at 1:20 pm
A very persistent bad breath is a sign of several severe problems. Get yourself to a doctor PRONTO!
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January 27th, 2009 at 1:22 pm
bad breath bacteria build up in the mouth more than usual when you keep your mouth shut. If you breathe through your mouth it should help a bit.
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January 27th, 2009 at 1:24 pm
It can be from too much bacteria in your mouth or from lots of other conditions.
I think diabetes can cause it, too. Ask a doctor.
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January 27th, 2009 at 1:26 pm
Most likely is gum/tooth disease. Smoking is next. Could also be foods eaten, stomach problems, metabolic problems
He should see a dentist first then his doctor.
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January 27th, 2009 at 1:28 pm
brushing+
flossing+
tongue cleaning+
antiseptic mouthwash
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January 27th, 2009 at 1:30 pm
eat green mint
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January 27th, 2009 at 1:32 pm
Sinus problems also contribute to bad breath. If you breathe through your mouth, it causes bad breath because the saliva dries up. That is a major cause of morning breath. I rinse with saline nasal spray every morning and at night. Gargle with equal parts warm water and peroxide. That will get the bacteria out of his throat. Use a tongue scraper and get as far back on the tongue as possible. Chewing gum helps because it makes you produce more saliva. If none of these things help, it may be a health issue and he should see a doctor.
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experience
January 27th, 2009 at 1:34 pm
eliminate bad breath by controlling bad bacteria in the mouth is important as well as to regain self-confidence and never to become embarrassed about your breath again.
bad breath is caused by dirty mouth. that is why it always vital to keep breath as fresh as always using all natural oral care product that have no alcohol content. use all natural oral care that contains only essential oils that can help fight the cause of bad breath. since bad breath may also be triggered by the foods you eat; simply cut down the foods that can make bad breath problems like garlicky meals.
proper brushing and flossing is a good way to keep breath smell fresh. visit http://www.oramd.com for more bad breath care tips
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January 27th, 2009 at 1:36 pm
People have different genetic disposition for the overgrowth of anerobic bacteria in their mouths. This is a condition that most often causes chronically malodorous breath or halitosis. Since individual's bacterial imbalance is unique, successful treatment requires detailed microbiological assessment and a personalized solution based on the precise nature of the imbalance. Medical clinics should as much as possible provide an extremely high success rate treating even with very serious bad breath problems using this procedure.
Treatments neutralize the offending bacteria but must be applied regularly to be continually effective. The patient's systemic health is a significant factor in assessment and will make a difference in the long term effectiveness of treatment. As treatment for halitosis or bad breath, a natural dental product that does not contain sugar, alcohol, or protein substances would be a good choice. One that contains the essential oils of peppermint, spearmint and almond can reduce the levels and the effects of halitosis on your breath. Studies that have been conducted around the world have shown that these three oils, when they are formulated just right, inhibit the odor-producing effects of the bacteria that live within our mouths. This reduces bacterial halitosis. As a treatment for halitosis bad breath, these natural essential oils are a good choice.
Source: http://www.themouthdoctor.com/halitosis/halitosis.htm
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January 27th, 2009 at 1:38 pm
Gargle a cup of lukewarm water mixed with salt or half a lemon juice.This is best done before going to bed. Chew parsley leaves,which are sure to keep your breath fresh. More useful remedies at http://useinfo5.blogspot.com/
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January 27th, 2009 at 1:40 pm
Several factors may affects bad breath. But the major culprit is the bacteria that resides in the mouth, food particles left in the mouth is the most common factor that causes bad breath. There is no cure for bad breath unless the underlying cause is identified and infection is treated. Low level of saliva production causes bad breath too for saliva helps in preventing and removing bacteria in the mouth.
To prevent bad breath from occurring, you need to pay close attention to your oral health hygiene. Brushing and flossing is the best way to prevent bacteria build up in the mouth. Your lifestyle may also cause bad breath especially when you are smoking or if you are fond of eating onions and garlic and drinking coffee. Using oral health care products can also aid in preventing and having a healthy oral health. Choose the ones that are safe and effective. Go natural use products that contains only natural ingredients for they do not have harsh ingredients that may irritate your gums and even the tooth.
Anyone at any age may experience tooth and gum problems. But there are certain situations like people with diabetes has a higher risk of having a gum and tooth disease. Bad breath and diabetes are associated with each other, poor blood sugar control increases the risk of bad breath and diabetes sufferers best fit the description.
High level of blood sugar make gum disease even worse and because of it common cause of bad breath and diabetes are difficult to control. Bas breath and diabetes each in turn causes each condition difficult to control and deal with.
If blood glucose of diabetic patients increases it also increases the risk of gum and tooth disease which is also a cause of and breath, diabetes will be difficult to control due to gum disease.
Diabetic must give extra attention with their oral health hygiene to prevent gum diseases that may lead to Periodontitis.
for more information on bad breath and how to fight it just visit http://www.themouthdoctor.ca
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January 27th, 2009 at 1:42 pm
There are some reviews of products that say they eliminate bad breath here:
http://badbreathreviews.com
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