Bad Breath, oh no!

Is people step back from you when you are talking to them, or they avoid direct contact with you? Is your bad breath is interfering with your social or professional success?  Bad breath is not something that one should be ashamed of, because it can be treated. Bad breath is caused by odor-producing bacteria that grow in the mouth. People with bad breath usually observe a white or yellow film on the tongue. This is caused by the accumulation of bacteria and nasal mucous and tends to be heaviest in the back areas of the tongue.

Causes of Bad Breath:

• When you don't brush and floss regularly, bacteria accumulate on the bits of food left in your mouth and between your teeth.
• Certain foods, especially ones like garlic and onions that contain pungent oils, can be the cause of bad breath.
• Dry mouth
• Poor dental hygiene and periodontal disease can also be a source of bad breath.
• Bad breath is also associated with sinus infections because nasal discharge from your sinuses into the back of your throat can cause mouth odor.
• Smoking dries out your mouth and causes its own unpleasant mouth odor.

Symptoms

• A white or yellow film on the tongue
• Dry mouth is a common symptom with people suffering from halitosis.
• Bad tastes in the mouth
• Dental infections
• Post Nasal Drainage

Simple change in Lifestyle can provide remedy to bad breath.

• Always brush your teeth after you eat.

• Proper flossing removes food particles and plaque from between your teeth.
• Giving your tongue a gentle brushing removes dead cells, bacteria and food debris.
• If you wear a bridge or a partial or complete denture, clean it thoroughly at least once a day
• To keep your mouth moist, be sure to consume plenty of water
• Avoid coffee, alcohol, soft drink.
• Change your toothbrush every three to four months.
• At least twice a year, see your dentist to have your teeth examined.
• Try to breathe through your nose. Breathing through your mouth can lead to having a dry mouth.
• Chew fresh parsley or suck on a sugarless mint.
• Try using a fluoride mouth rinse with antiseptic ingredients and a pleasant mint flavor.

Once your bad breath has been confirmed, try making lifestyle changes and reviewing your oral hygiene habits. If inspite of following these lifestyle your bad breath persists, you must contact dentist for proper treatment.

(Sources: kidshealth.org/teen/your_body/take_care/halitosis.html, ehow.com/how_2133_treat-breath.html, mayoclinic.com/health/bad-breath/DS00025) (Image Sources: media.crest.com/prohealth/images/badBreath.jpg, bestdesi.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/bad-breath.jpg)