Halitosis

Bad breath, medically termed as Halitosis is a condition that produces unpleasant feeling due to a foul smell coming from the mouth. The most common cause is poor oral hygiene which will lead to tooth decay and/or gum disease. Biologically speaking, the bad odor is a result of Volatile sulfur compounds released, which have a typical rotten-egg smell.

To fight bad breath one should maintain proper oral hygiene - Use fluoride toothpaste, and brush and floss your teeth twice daily. After every meal you have to rinse your mouth thoroughly with water. Teeth should be cleaned professionally - Visit your dentist regularly, at least once every 6 months so that any decay and/or gum disease can be diagnosed and treated in a timely manner. Modify your diet - Sometimes changes in the diet timings and the food you eat, can improve things. Maintain a mixed diet of all foods, including carbohydrates, proteins, fats along with fruits and vegetables. Chewing certain herbs like coriander, spearmint, eucalyptus, and cardamom can also help. Try to quit habits like smoking, chewing tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption. Foods like berries, melons and any citrus fruits are rich in vitamin C, and help in locking the growth of bacteria, thus gum disease and periodontal pocket formation are controlled. Use a tongue cleaner, to always keep the surface of the tongue clean.

Halitosis can sometimes be a sign for a medical condition. Most commonly, respiratory tract infection like infected throat, lung infections, sinus tract infections, and other systemic illnesses like diabetes, chronic bronchitis, liver or kidney disorders. If your dentist indicates your oral hygiene as good and no dental pathologies present, then you should visit a physician to determine the cause.