Halitosis or bad breath is an oral health condition which is characterized by unpleasant odorous breath. It is a sign of ill health as well as it is a social stigma. All people have experienced bad breath at one time and in many people it is common at all times. This condition produces a wide array of smells related with bad breath. The word halitosis is derived from the Latin word “halitus,” which means breath, and the Greek suffix “osis,” which means condition. All bad breath odors are mainly originated from the mouth itself, although non-oral parts for example the upper and lower respiratory tracts, the gastrointestinal tract, and some diseases involving the kidneys or the liver may also be the reason for halitosis.
Halitosis has a considerable brunt personally and socially on those sufferring from it or believes they do (halitophobia), and is expected to be the third-most-frequent cause for seeking dental help following tooth decay and periodontal disease. Most people who upset in this respect are unluckily completely ignorant of their problem and the discomfort they cause to others. Depending on the causes, halitosis can be acute or chronic.
Causes of Halitosis:
Sulphur-producing bacteria that normally live within the surface of the tongue and in the throat are the main cause of halitosis. These bacteria begin to break down proteins at a very high rate and thereby they release odorous volatile sulphur compounds (VSC) from the back of the tongue and throat. From all breath problems, 90% of breath problems are caused from a proliferation of specific types of gram negative anaerobic bacteria in the mouth. Bad teeth and gum conditions is other most common cause of halitosis. Abscesses in the gums may be resulted due to dental decay at the roots of the teeth with foul smelling pus giving an unpleasant odour to the breath. Even small holes in the teeth may give a place where germs can multiply and release foul odours.
Some common causes of halitosis include:
Poor oral health care:
Food remains in the mouth without proper and consistent brushing and flossing and acts as a breeding ground for bacteria, resulting in odorous breath. Food that is allowed to gather on the teeth, gums, and tongue may cause the gums to decompose, which causes an unpleasant odor and taste in the mouth.
Certain foods:
The foods that you consume contribute largely to your oral health care, including your breath. Items for example garlic and onions, or any food, are absorbed into the bloodstream, become transferred into the lungs, and become excluded in the air you exhale. The potential for it affecting a person’s breath is present until that food becomes removed by the body.
Improper cleaning of dentures:
Unclean dentures or improperly cleaned dentures may be collecting bacteria and remaining food particles which cause bad breath.
Periodontal disease:
Foul, odorous breath and an unpleasant taste in the mouth is one of the primary symptoms of this gum disease. Immediate care by an oral health professional is necessary for this condition.
Xerostomia (dry mouth):
Halitosis may be caused largely by this condition. It is characterized by a significant reduction in saliva production, the mouth is incapable to cleanse itself and eliminate debris and particles left behind by food. Xerostomia may be caused by a salivary gland disorder, certain medications, or by constantly breathing through the mouth, in place of the nose.
Tobacco products:
Tobacco products such as cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco, and snuff stain the teeth and place the body at risk for a host of diseases. Also, they contribute to bad breath. Users of tobacco products are also at an increased risk for the following:
- A loss of taste abilities
- Irritated gums
- Periodontal disease
A medical condition:
Bad breath may be a marker or symptom of any of the following conditions but each individual may experience symptoms differently. For a diagnosis, consult your physician.
- Diabetes
- A gastrointestinal disorder
- A liver or kidney disorder
- A respiratory infection
- Infection of the nose, windpipe, or lungs
- Chronic bronchitis
- Postnasal drip
- Chronic sinusitis
Severe dieting:
During fasting, individuals may develop unpleasant “fruity” breath from keto-acidosis which is because of the breakdown of chemicals. Restriction of caloric intake leads to starvation which can cause a dry mouth.
Factors that affect the airways and cause bad breath:
- Dryness
- Bronchitis
- Nasal Polyps
- Foreign bodies
- Sinusitis
- Pneumonia
Symptoms of Halitosis (Bad Breath):
The common symptoms of halitosis can include:
- Dryness in mouth
- A white or yellow coating on the Tongue
- Post Nasal Drainage
- Thick saliva and a constant need to clear your throat
- Smelling bad breath on breathing through the nose
- Morning bad breath and a burning tongue
- Bad taste in the mouth: Whatever you will eat, you will find yourself in awkward condition. This is one of the main symptoms that usually occur in halitosis suffering patients.
- Constant sour, bitter metallic taste
- Thick saliva and a constant need to clear your throat
- A Coated Tongue Surface: A coating may develop on the tongue surface. The coating is called a bio film, and consists of a collection of mucous, saliva, mouth bacteria and their by-products such as sulphur compounds. Tongue bio film is the largest source of bacteria and sulphur that cause halitosis.
- Tonsil stones: These are small white or discolored lumps of bacteria, when compressed together, are called small tonsil stones. They smell very bad.
Treatment for halitosis:
- Eat less meat.
- Eat fresh and fibrous vegetables.
- Maintain good oral health, this is essential for reducing bad breath.
- Drink plenty of fluids and avoid too much coffee.
- Visit an oral hygienist regularly
- Once a day, use floss or an inter-dental cleaner to clean between teeth.
- Brush you teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste to remove food debris and plaque, brush your tongue too.
- Use an antiseptic mouthwash at least once a day, especially before bedtime to kill bacteria that may be in your mouth.
- Go for regular checkups to your dentist to detect any problems such as periodontal (gum) disease, a dry mouth or other disorders that may cause halitosis.
- Use a tongue cleaner and clean right to the back of the tongue.
- Clean your mouth after eating dairy products, garlic, onions, spicy foods, fish and meat. Chew on some parsley after eating these foods.
- Chew sugar-free gum, especially if your mouth feels dry to increase the flow of saliva.
Home Remedies for Halitosis:
- Avocado: Avocado is effective remedy for the treatment of bad breath condition, which is far superior than any mouth lotion or remedies for this condition.
- Avoid frequent spicy foods and excessive alcohol or coffee. Also stop smoking.
- Skip breath fouler’s such as onions, garlic, ice- cream, and coffee.
- Fenugreek: The use of fenugreek has been proved to be very effective among the several home remedies for halitosis. A tea made from the seeds of this vegetable should be taken regularly for curing halitosis condition fast.
- Raw Juices: All fruit and vegetable juices are advantageous in the treatment of halitosis. Juices from green vegetables are especially valuable.
- Cardamom: Chewing a Green cardamom after meals and during long intervals.
- Guava: Chewing a very green Guava which is almost raw, helps in curing halitosis fast.
- Halitosis diet: Patients suffering from halitosis should take a well-balanced diet consisting of seeds, nuts, grains, vegetables, and fruits, with emphasis on raw and cooked vegetables, and fruits.
Other general tips:
- Limit alcohol intake. Alcoholic beverages often cause bad breath.
- Quit smoking. Smoking predisposes you to gum disease.
- Eat a well balanced healthy diet and reduce the amount of sugary foods and drinks. Bacteria thrive on sugar in your mouth and turn it into acids which contribute to tooth decay.
Treating Bad Breath And Chronic Halitosis Symptoms video from Youtube:
How To Cure Bad Breath? Chronic Halitosis Cure Remedy & Treatment (Video from Youtube):
My Mom has bad breath almost every time…all round t day…She asked doctor also and follow all instructions. But I think this Home Remedies for Halitosis is more effective for her!