Medically, Bad breath is called halitosis, and it can result from poor dental health habits and may be a sign of other health problems. Bad breath can also be as a result of the types of foods you eat and other unhealthy lifestyle habits.
Bad breath, most often starts in the mouth due to poor oral hygiene which allows food particles to collect on the surface of the tongue, and also between the teeth or along with the gum tissue that surrounds the teeth. Naturally occurring bacteria in your mouth then break down those food particles, releasing chemicals that have a strong odor.
In this article, I will be talking about the causes of bad breath, how you can prevent it, and also how to treat it.
CAUSES OF BAD BREATH
1. Smoking
2. Post nasal drip
3. A diet high in proteins (dairy foods, red meats)
4. A dry mouth
5. Alcohol (in adult beverages)
6. Hormonal changes
7. Medications which have dry mouth side effects
8. History of diabetes Special food diets (Diet or other high protein diets).
Other disease and illness that can cause bad breath include;
1. Diabetes
2. Chronic acid reflux
3. Gastrointestinal problems
4. Chronic lung infection
5. Liver or kidney problems
6. Respiratory tract infections such as pneumonia or bronchitis.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF BAD BREATH
The most obvious sign or symptom of bad breath are;
1. Unpleasant smell coming from the mouth.
2. Unpleasant or sour taste or changes in taste
3. Dry mouth
4. A coating on the tongue.
HOW TO TREAT BAD BREATH
Good oral hygiene practice is the best way to treat bad Breath. Practicing good oral hygiene will reduce the intraoral bacterial count in the mouth by disrupting the tongue biofilm.
Among the method use in oral hygiene include;
1. Tongue brushing
2. Tongue scraping
3. Chewing gum
4. Good toothpaste or Mouthwash
PREVENTION OF BAD BREATH
Preventing bad breath is easier than treating it. You can prevent bad breath using the following tips.
1. Eat food that is rich in fiber, avoids food that contains refined carbohydrates.
2. Use good toothpaste or Mouthwash
3. Drink green and black teas often, they contain chemicals that can reduce oral bacteria.
4. Clean your mouth after eating fish, meat or dairy products.
5. Avoid drying medication.
6. Avoid products that contains sodium lauryl sulfate.
7. Quit Smoking
8. Keep your mouth moist by drinking water
9. Consult a dentist regularly.
Source: WebMD
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