Halitosis - Causes, Symptoms and Cures!
Bad Breath CausesHalitosis is for many people known simply as the "bad breath". Although a relatively minor health problem, halitosis can be a source of distress and social handicap. We spend millions each year trying to freshen our breath with various gums, sprays and mouthwashes.
What Causes halitosis?
Ingested foods are the most common cause of bad breath. Garlic, onion, fish, and diets high in fat and meat lead to halitosis. When these foods are digested, chemicals or volatile substances are absorbed into the bloodstream and carried to your lungs where they are exhaled in your breath. One study showed that rubbing garlic on the feet caused bad breath! Degradation products of proteins in the body used for energy are exhaled through the lungs. Therefore, skipping meals, hunger, fasting and low calorie diets can also cause "hunger breath". As there is no flow of saliva during sleep, putrefaction (decomposition or decay) of saliva and debris in the mouth can lead to bad breath in the morning.
Halitosis can also be caused by the following:
• tobacco;
• alcohol;
• dentures;
• gum disease or periodontal disease that shoeless teeth and create pockets in the gums, the pockets harbor bacteria and leads to bad breath;
• chronic lung or sinus infections;
• breathing through the mouth due to swollen adenoids or tonsils;
• oral infections, such as thrush (candidiasis);
• systemic diseases such as diabetes, liver disease or kidney disease;
• pregnancy;
• brushing teeth deficient or irregular use of dental floss.
Taking certain medications can also lead to bad breath, especially those that cause a reduction in the flow of saliva and dry mouth: antidepressants, antipsychotics, antihistamines, decongestants and drugs against hypertension.
What are the Symptoms and Complications of halitosis?
The strange irony of halitosis is the fact that many people do not know they are infected. The explanation is as follows: the cells in the nose, responsible for smell, become insensitive to the continuous flow of bad odor. If you have bad breath, you may need to hear or watch while the negative reaction of people if you are too close!
How can we Diagnose Halitosis?
It is easy to self-diagnose bad breath. You can lick your wrist, let it dry for a few seconds and smell the region. You can also put your hands around your mouth and feel your own breath. If you need a second opinion, ask a friend, a family member, your doctor or dentist.
Cure and Prevention of halitosis
Manufacturers of mints and mouthwashes have made an industry based on the desire to have a fresh breath. These products guarantee the freshness and "minty smell" of your breath. However, they will help you in the best case, only temporarily control your breath. In fact, many products contain sugar and alcohol. These ingredients lead to tooth decay and oral disease may aggravate certain. Good oral hygiene and regular visits to the dentist are important and are the most effective methods to fight against bad breath. To prevent these problems, one solution: regular brushing, the passage of the flossing, rinsing and tongue scraping. When halitosis is caused by lung disease, impaired emptying of the stomach, liver or kidney failure, it should treat the underlying condition.
Here are some tips for getting rid of bad breath:
• Brush your teeth three times a day and floss once a day;
• Clean your tongue before bedtime by scraping with a plastic tongue or rubbing it gently;
• Avoid the hungry breath taking meals at regular times. Take time to eat and avoid skipping meals;
• conduct a more thorough cleaning than a regular brushing. Ask your dentist to recommend you a specific cleaning system;
• clear your nose and sinuses;
• stimulate saliva flow with citrus (oranges and lemons) or with candy or chewing sugarless gum containing citric acid;
• Eat more foods rich in fiber. Chew fibrous vegetables like parsley and wintergreen to stimulate the flow of your saliva;
• Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day to keep your mouth moist and help eliminate bacteria responsible for bad odors;
• consume less alcohol and coffee;
• Ask your doctor or pharmacist to see if your medications are causing problems of dry mouth that can cause bad breath.
If you want to learn more about Halitosis and bad breath, check out my 10 tips to get rid of bad breath and you can figure out what causes bad breath with more details in my website.