7 Natural Remedies for Embarrassing Halitosis

Halitosis or commonly known as bad breath is an oral health condition cause by the presence of bacteria inside the mouth.  These bacteria can create gaseous compound emits by one’s mouth leading to a bad breath.  Dental research revealed that about 85% of people with halitosis have a dental problem.  These include the poor oral hygiene, gum disease, presence of cavities and oral cancer.  Halitosis can be awkward that may cause apprehension.  This is the reason why there are so many available toothpastes, mouthwashes, breath fresheners, and gum and mints products promoting that can give a freshest breath.  However, several of these products may simply just offer a temporary action.  There are certain foods, health conditions and habits that can lead to halitosis.  A proper dental hygiene will surely progress halitosis in most cases.  However, if this will not going to take effect, do not be hesitant to consult a dentist or physician for more proper evaluation.

What are the causes of halitosis?

There are several factors causing halitosis and some of them are the following.

  • The first one that causes halitosis is food.  The disintegration of food particles around the teeth can lead to unpleasant odor.  There are certain foods containing oils that can really cause bad breath or halitosis.  The greatest examples of these foods are garlic and onions but there are still other spices and vegetables that can be a source of bad breath.  Once the foods causing bad breath are being digested and being absorbed into the bloodstream, the food are being passed on to the lungs and emitted through the breath till the foods are being remove inside the body system.
  • The second reason of having halitosis is periodontal disease and a poor dental hygiene practice.  Brushing the teeth and having it floss everyday can prevent the food particles from staying inside the mouth that can gather bacteria and give off chemicals like hydrogen sulfide, the similar compound that provides the rotten eggs foul smell.  The plaque, a pale color and sticky film of bacteria can be form in the teeth if not being remove.  This plaque can cause irritation of the gums leading to gingivitis and can also be the reason of tooth decay.  In the long run, it will lead to periodontitis, a formation of plaque-filled pocket amid the teeth and the gums that will surely affects the breath.  A tongue can also catch bacteria that can create unpleasant odors.  Dentures should also clean frequently for it can also produce odor-causing bacteria.
  • The third reason is having a dry mouth.  Saliva plays an important role inside the mouth by eliminating particles that will result to a bad breath.  Dry mouth or xerostomia meaning the production of saliva is being reduced can also aggravate the condition of halitosis.  Dry mouth happens throughout the sleep especially sleeping with mouth open.
  • The fourth reason is illness.  Some of the diseases can cause about 10 percent of people with halitosis.  Some cancers and metabolic illnesses can be a reason of characteristic breath odor as an effect of chemicals they generated.  A gastroesophageal reflux disease can also lead to bad breath.  Kidney or liver failure and diabetes also been associated with bad breath.  Some of the medicines that used to cure psychiatric conditions, high blood pressure and urinary problems can cause dry mouth which can lead to halitosis.
  • The fifth reason is the condition of mouth, nose and throat.  These nasal passages can be the reason of halitosis if affected with some infections like sinusitis.  Because of the postnasal drip that can cause bad odor.  Upper and lower respiratory infections can sometimes be the cause of having bad breath.
  • The sixth reason is smoking of tobacco.  Smoking can cause dry mouth producing a horrible mouth odor.  Using of tobacco can cause periodontal disease that will lead to halitosis.

 

What are the natural remedies for halitosis?

There are simple ways to develop or avoid bad breath or halitosis and here are the following.

1.     Brushing the teeth.

Don’t forget to brush the teeth every after meals.  Brushing the teeth at least twice in a day using toothpaste with antibacterial qualities proved to lessen unpleasant odors that will last up to 12 hours.

 

 

 

2.     Flossing teeth.

Flossing the teeth at least once a day helps to eliminate the food particles and plaque between the teeth.

 

 

 

 

3.     Brushing the tongue.

Use of the tongue scraper or toothbrush with a built-in tongue cleaner on the back will do a great help in eliminating bad odors that begin from the tongue.

 

 

 

 

4.     Drinking a lot of water.

Drinking a lot of water will help to prevent from having dry mouth that can cause bad breath.  Chewing gum or candy with no sugar added can also help to stimulate saliva to moisten the mouth.

 

 

 

 

5.     Regulate diet.

Lessen the intake of alcohol and coffee and also other food and drinks that can only aggravate bad breath.  Eating foods rich in fibers will do a big help.

 

 

 

 

6.     Use of toothbrush.

Use toothbrush with a soft bristle and change it every three to four months.

 

 

 

 

7.     Regular dental visit.

Visit a dentist to clean and examined the teeth and gums for at least twice in a year to have a healthy oral condition.

 

 

 

 

 

These are the simple ways that can really help to improve halitosis but if there are still no changes after doing all these things tell your dentist for further proper evaluation.

 

 

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