How Does Bad Breath Occur And How To Prevent It

In medical terms bad breath is also known as halitosis. Bad breath can impact a very bad impression on people and therefore must be remedied.

What Causes Bad Breath

The main cause of bad breath is because of plaque building inside the mouth. Plaque is a thin film that is composed of bacteria, mucus and food particles that is formed on the surface of the teeth. The plaque can cause tooth decay as well as bad odor in the mouth.

There are foods that cause strong odor such as garlic, onions and spices that are absorbed and cause bad breath. On the other hand acidic foods and beverages promote sour breath. Tobacco, excessive alcohol, and fruit juice can also cause an undesirable smell and leaves a bad taste in mouth.

There are medical problems that can also cause bad breath, which include stomach, intestinal or bowel infections, as well as sinus and throat infections that are common and cause bad odor. Treating these conditions result in cure of bad breath.

Remedies Of Bad Breath

The first and the foremost thing in ensuring good breath is to take care of good oral hygiene. You must brush and floss your teeth twice a day to clean the plaque and food material that gets lodged in between the teeth. You can use baking soda toothpaste or can also use household baking soda to freshen up the breath, as well as whiten the teeth. You can also use a tongue scraper following an antiseptic mouthwash to kill the germs and freshen up your breath.

The major function of saliva is to cleanse the mouth and prevents dryness. If the saliva dries up, which can occur because of breathing through mouth, it can cause the growth of bacteria and this can lead to the development of bad breath in the mouth. You can drink plenty of water after having food and can also chew up on the gum so as to keep the saliva flowing, which will enhance the breath and gives you a good feeling on the inside.

You must also eliminate acidic foods, as well as spicy foods. If you are having symptoms of stomach cramping, bloating or gas or diarrhea, you can reduce or cut down your dairy products, and if this improves, then you must know that you have lactose intolerance. There are over the counter medications that can help you aid the digestion. Calcium supplements are strongly recommended to make up for the calcium requirements.

You can also use over the counter gums, sprays, mints, sprays and mint strips. These can mask the bad breath temporarily. If you are not finding any solution to your problem, then you must refer to your primary care physician to sort out the solution for your problem.