Halitosis (bad breath)




Halitosis can happen to anyone at some point. It can cause embarrassment, and if not treated can make you a social outcast. The main cause of bad breath is the food you eat and other things. You can consult a dentist if you the foul breath continues.

Here are some the causes of bad breath:

• The food you take can be the major cause of halitosis. If you eat food with a strong smell, you are likely to suffer from halitosis. These foods include garlic and onions and they remain in your mouth for hours after you eat them. They are also digested into your bloodstream which makes the smell stay in your lungs. The smell can be sensed every time you exhale and it is terrible. You should avoid such foods if you do not want a foul breath that can last up to three days.

• A dry mouth is also a cause of bad breath. Saliva keeps your mouth clean by removing dead cells from gums and the tongue. If the dead cells are not removed, they can cause a bad breath as they begin to decompose. Most people wake up with a foul breath because the mouth does not produce much saliva at night. You can also have a dry mouth due to medications and unhealthy salivary glands conditions. Taking more fluids can help rectify the problem. If the problem is too bad, you can use artificial saliva products which can be prescribed by your doctor.

• Smoking can stain teeth and cause halitosis. People who smoke have dry mouths and at times can not tell the taste of foods. Bad breath in smokers can also be a sign of an underlying health problem; and you should see a doctor regularly. Remember that if you are a smoker, you are a great risk of developing oral cancer.

• Poor dental hygiene can cause halitosis. You should brush your teeth at least twice a day. This reduces bad breath and flossing can be of great help to kill any bacteria in your mouth. Failure to clean your teeth causes periodontitis which gives you a bad breath. Teeth dentures also require regular cleaning to prevent halitosis. Proper teeth cleaning help you to stay with a fresh breath everyday.

• Some diseases can give you a bad breath. People with sinus infections are likely to have a bad breath. This can be controlled by seeking proper medication attention. People with kidney and lung problems also experience bad breath. If you suffer from diabetes, you must control it to avoid halitosis.
You can use the available toothpastes that have been recommended by dentists. These keep your teeth and tongue clean and you can do this twice a day. If you have a bad breath and do not know the cause, you should see a dentist. Take good care of your mouth to avoid tooth loss. You can always deal with bad breath and enjoy a fresh breath if you look for the cause of the problem.

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