subject: Bad Breath or Halitosis Symptoms and Ways to Fight against Bad Breath [print this page] Bad Breath or Halitosis Symptoms and Ways to Fight against Bad Breath
Bad breath, or halitosis, can be a major problem, especially when you're about to snuggle with your sweetie or whisper a joke to your friend. The good news is that bad breath can often be prevented with some simple steps.
Bad breath is caused by odor-producing bacteria that grow in the mouth. When you don't brush and floss regularly, bacteria accumulate on the bits of food left in your mouth and between your teeth. The sulfur compounds released by these bacteria make your breath smell.
Read more on Home Remedies for Bad Breath and Home Remedies for Allergy and Natural Home Remedies
Certain foods, especially ones like garlic and onions that contain pungent oils, can contribute to bad breath because the oils are carried to your lungs and out through your mouth. Smoking is also a major cause of bad breath.
Symptoms for Bad Breath
The only symptom for this most uncomfortable disease is bad odorous smell coming from the mouth. We can also find one more symptom like bad taste in mouth.
How to Overcome Bad Breath?
Bad breath is often the result of both- external and internal body factors. When you are careless about your mouth care, bacteria develops in the mouth and you can suffer from bad breath. Indigestion and stomach & intestinal disturbances also lead to foul smell in breath. Sinus or throat infections, tobacco and alcohol use are other causes of bad breath. Therefore, avoiding these factors will automatically prevent bad breath. Proper mouth care and keeping the bowel functions smooth by taking proper Ayurvedic diets can keep this problem at bay. Additionally, quit smoking and alcohol to take care of the external factors.
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. In case of constipation, all measures should be adopted for its eradication. The patient should avoid refined carbohydrate foods, such as white sugar; white bread and products made from them, as well as meat find eggs.
Ways to Fight Against Bad Breath
1. Brush your teeth and rinse your mouth thoroughly after every meal to remove food particle from the mouth.
2. When you are brushing your teeth, also brush your tongue. The tongue is covered with thousands of tiny hairs that can trap bacteria.
3. Have regular check-ups with your dentist to rule out gum disease and to correct any faulty restorations, overhanging fillings or leaking crowns, all of which can trap food in the mouth.
4. Chew sugarless gum or suck on sugarless lozenges to increase the flow of saliva.
5. If your mouth is dry, drink plenty of water. Try swooshing it around in your mouth for at least twenty seconds to loosen any food particles the bacteria can feed upon.
6. Avoid breath mints and mouthwashes that contain alcohol. Instead of helping, they can make things worse. They only temporarily cover the smell and tend to dry the mouth, creating a more favorable environment for bacteria.
7. Snacking on vegetables such as raw celery or carrots can keep plaque from forming.
8. If you are going to an important meeting or on a big date, avoid foods that can cause bad breath, such as onions and garlic.
9. Avoid alcohol and caffeine consumption, which can dry the mouth.
