Halitosis Causes and Treatment
Halitosis, commonly known as bad breath, is a condition characterized by foul smell in the mouth. The bad breath is caused by the action of microorganisms on the residual food particles that are left in the mouth. Although not a very serious disease halitosis can cause immense social problems to a person. It can affect a person psychologically and make him/her lose confidence as well. Bad breath can also indicate an underlying disease of the mouth.
The most common cause of halitosis is poor oral hygiene. Improper or irregular brushing habits may lead to decay and cavities, which then act as sources of bad breath. Bacteria thrive on the decomposed food particles that are collected there causing further damage. Halitosis is also related to dry mouth - when the mouth does not produce enough saliva to wash it clean. There may be several reasons for dry mouth – dehydration, problem of salivary glands, and also the habit of keeping the mouth open while sleeping. Use of tobacco and alcohol are also known to cause halitosis. Foods also play a part in producing foul odor in the mouth. Besides onion and garlic, the two items most notorious for producing bad breath, there are some other foods that can also cause foul smell in the mouth – cheese, caffeinated or alcoholic drinks, dairy products, and certain sea foods. Generally, most foods rich in protein, sugar, or volatile oils are known to cause bad breath.
Proper oral hygiene is the first step towards halitosis treatment. Ensure that you brush and floss your teeth regularly. You should also make a practice of scrapping your tongue with a tongue cleaner so that no residual food particles remain on your tongue. You can also use your brush bristles to scrap the tongue clean in case a tongue cleaner is not available. A regular visit to the dentist is another important step towards maintaining your oral health and avoiding halitosis.
Another good home remedy for halitosis is gargling your mouth with warm saline water. You can also add a dash of apple cider vinegar to the gargling water. Chewing on parsley or mint leaves is beneficial too. Drinking tea made of fennel seeds and other herbs like basil and mint is also beneficial for fighting halitosis.
For a proper treatment of halitosis, you should also make some dietary changes. Eat plenty fresh vegetables and fruits, drink appropriate amount of water in a day, and avoid foods that can cause bad odor in the mouth.
