Bad breath
Introduction / Overview
Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is a condition where the inside of your mouth gives off a foul smell. It is not a serious condition but one which can cause embarrassment and lower self-confidence.
Symptoms & Diagnosis
Odor is the major symptom of bad breath. Often, learning how to cure bad breath can correct the situation, such as brushing and flossing your teeth every day. All of the mouth rinses and other solutions advertised usually only try to mask bad breath for a short period of time. If you have a persistent problem and cannot figure out how to get rid of bad breath, it might be time to see a doctor or dentist.
Known Causes
One of the most common causes of bad breath is eating certain foods, such as garlic or onions. It can take up to three days for this type of mouth odor to dissipate. A build-up of food particles around your teeth can also be one of the causes of bad breath. If you don’t brush, the food particles can attract bacteria which can give off odors. Other bad breath causes include dry mouth, infections of the mouth or lungs, cancers, kidney problems, smoking and upper respiratory infections.
Treatments / Procedures
If your halitosis is caused by gum disease, you will need to see your dentist or a periodontist to get treatment. Removing the bacteria and plaque should be successful. Some antiseptic products, especially certain mouthwashes, can help stop plaque and bacteria buildup. Check to see which ones are approved by the ADA (American Dental Association) for this use.
Prevention / Vaccination
The best way to cure bad breath is to brush your teeth after every meal and make sure to floss your teeth every day. If you have dentures, you need to clean them once a day as well. Drink plenty of water as it washes particles out of the mouth and keeps the mouth moist. Chew sugarless gum. Get a new toothbrush often and visit the dentist regularly. If you are diagnosed with a disease which might be causing your bad breath, it is very important to wear a medic alert bracelet or carry a medical ID card identifying your disease, meds, and who to call in case of emergency.
Alternative Treatments & Products
There are many home remedies for bad breath. Some work and some do not so some experimentation will be in order. Here are several choices: drink green or black tea, use a tongue scraper, eat crunchy vegetables to clean teeth, drink lots of water, and reduce stress.