Bad Breath or Halitosis is one of the most frequent reasons that people go to the dentist. In the vast majority of cases, bad breath originates in the mouth and intensifies after the consumption of things like coffee, onions, garlic, cheese, meat, and fish (among other things). Bad breath also occurs after smoking or after the consumption of alcohol. In some cases, halitosis may be psychosomatic (all in your head), causing people to frequently gargle or brush their teeth.
In most cases, bad breath can be eliminated by brushing, gargling with mouthwash, and scraping the tongue. However, a large percentage of people have what is known as chronic halitosis, a more serious condition that can affect a person's relationships and self-esteem, which could lead to depression or stress.
Some of the sources of bad breath can include:
The Tongue - This is the most common area of naturally occurring bacteria. These bacteria can thrive in food deposits and post nasal drip. This is why it is important to also brush your tongue as a part of your oral hygiene routine. Or better yet, use a tongue scraper.
The Nose - This is another major source of bad breath. In this case, it is the air that exits the nostrils that tends to have a foul odor. This may be due to a sinus infection or other objects in the nasal cavity. People with this type of bad breath could benefit from the use of a neti pot.
The Stomach - This is a less common cause of halitosis, except as it relates to belching or acid reflux.
The Tonsils - A very small percentage of people have small pieces of calcified matter in the tonsil area that can cause bad breath.
The Esophagus - When the valve between the esophagus and stomach does not close properly (as in the instance of GERD or hiatal hernia), acid may enter the esophagus leading to gas escaping through the mouth, leading to foul breath. This is a more serious problem which should be treated separately.
While there is no single method for eliminating chronic halitosis, there are steps you can take to naturally reduce it including: As stated above, use a tongue scraper to clean the tongue. Chew gum to help increase the production of saliva. Gargle with an effective mouthwash. Get rid of food deposits between the teeth by flossing regularly. Drink several glasses of water during the day to help flush away toxins. And, of course, brush your teeth several times a day. Taking chlorophyll supplements may also be beneficial in reducing bad breath.
Bad Breath CausesTag :