BAD BREATH?

 



Doctors call it with different names, Bad breath, halitosis or oral malodor....whatever be it, it is one major cause of worry. 


There can be a number of possible causes for bad breath, ranging from harmless to serious. the most obvious offenders are the foods we eat.Garlic, onion, cigarette smoke and alcohol can be smelly, but if one doesn't brush teeth twice a day and floss daily, any food can cause bad breath. that is because of the bacteria left in ones mouth. 

Most of the bacteria hide out on the back of the tongue. Brushing twice a day anyways involves cleaning the tongue too. So that solves the problem partially. 

Another culprit is dry mouth. If one hasn't been drinking enough water, this can cause a temporary problem. When saliva in mouth in decreased, this problem arises leading to bad breath. It can occur due to few medications, salivary gland problems or simply by breathing through the mouth if one has cold. Doctors are the right people to suggest the right kind of source to increase saliva production in the mouth. Some suggest chewing sugar-free gums but they usually contain xylitol which is not a healthy item again. 

Persistent bad breath indicates gum disease. Consulting a dentist is the best means to find a solution. But bad breath that doesnot subside to any treatments may be signalling one to serious health problems like diabetes, liver and kidney disease. Tonsil stones, sinus or lung infections may also play a role in causing bad breath.