Bad breath

Bad breath can be embarrassing and medically termed as halitosis. Most humans suffer from unpleasant odor of the breath. That is common among adults around the world and is normally due to accumulation of bacteria in the mouth by gum disease, food or plaque. Bad breath can be prevented. Nonetheless, some diseases may be due to other problems. Therefore, if the problem persists for long, then the patient needs to consult the physician or dentist immediately.

The causes of the bad breath can be numerous. However, foods containing garlic, onions, cabbage and certain spices, constipation and disorders of the bowel, gasses produced during digestion process, brushing and flossing habits, cigarette smoking and consuming liquors may cause bad breath.

Symptoms and causes

• Polyps in the mouth
• Dryness of the mouth
• Foreign bodies in the mouth
• Hindered air or mucus flow
• Throat infections like Tonsillitis
• Diabetes
• Bronchitis and chronic lung infections
• Sinusitis
• Gastritis
• Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
• Very low carbohydrate diets
• Liver problems
• Kidney problems

Natural treatments and recommendations

• Chew mint leaves frequently.
• Make a mixture of baking soda in warm water, then gargle twice a day.
• Take a hot cup of unsweetened tea frequently.
• After meals, chew some sunflower seeds and drink a glass of water.
• Make an infusion of fenugreek (methi) seeds and drink it.
• Chew at least one clove following each meal.
• Take pineapple juice to cure the bad breath immediately.
• Take one apple each day for mouth purification.
• Intake food products rich in zinc.
• Use a tongue cleaner and clean right to the back of the tongue.
• Use a mouthwash recommended by your dentist or pharmacist. The best time to use that is just before sleeping.
• Drink plenty of fluids, avoid too much coffee.
• Avoid eating animal products at all, as those are more likely to cause halitosis than vegetable foods.
• Chew sugar-free gum, especially if your mouth gets dry.
• Eat fresh, fibrous vegetables.
• Gargle with a camphor oil solution

Prevention

• Eat lots of vegetables and prefer vegan meals.
• Use a tongue scraper
• Chew sugarless gum
• Drink water as much as you can
• Use a mouthwash at least once a day

References

• http://www.whiterthanwhite.com/badbreath
• http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/bad-breath
• http://www.natural-homeremedies.com/homeremedies_bad_breath.htm
• http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/diseases/facts/badbreath.htm
• http://www.medicinenet.com/bad_breath/page2.htm
• http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/bad-breath/DS00025/DSECTION=causes

Insert date: 2011.12.20 Last update: 2011.12.21

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Body parts > Digestive system