Halitosis or bad breath is a common problem of people around the globe. For most people, a simple ace like brushing their teeth would be sufficient to keep halitosis at bay. But for some, having a severe case of a bad smelling breath can alienate them socially and even sometime cause problems in their employment. This would seriously affect a person’s overall confidence and well being.

In order to find out how to get rid of this problem, one must first understand its different causes.

The most common cause of halitosis is bacteria. Inside the mouth, there are hundreds of different bacteria that reside there normally. Several of these cause bad smelling breath when their numbers are allowed to increase. These bacteria are anaerobic bacteria, meaning they grow in an environment that has no oxygen. Their byproducts are sulfur compounds which are the ones that really cause the bad smell in people’s breath.

The term for foul smells originating only from the structures in the mouth is called “fetor oris”. Fetor oris can come from one or more areas of the mouth where bacteria are able to grow. These structures of the mouth where bacteria are likely to grow are the teeth, the tongue and the gums.

– For fetor oris, maintaining a good oral hygiene (proper brushing and flossing) is probably the best way to prevent it. Of course, dental problems such as tooth decay or gum disease needs to be treated by a dentist. Also a regular cleaning by your dentist can help remove bacteria from those areas that are hard to reach. Mouthwashes, especially those with alcohol can change the balance of the normal flora in your mouth and it may end up causing more harm than good. If you’re planning on using a mouthwash ask your dentist which ones are the best for you to use.

Bad breath can also be caused by different structures in the upper respiratory tract. Conditions such as sinusitis or even a common cold can cause post nasal drips. Post nasal drip is when mucus drips down form your nasal cavity and coats your throat and the back of your tongue with mucus. These “coated” sites become a new breeding ground for bacteria.

– In order to prevent post nasal drip, you must stop the cause. You can treat sinusitis with a good nasal decongestant. There are some that you can buy over the counter. If you’re not sure which ones are good for you, it’s best to consult with your physician.

Bad smelling breath can also be a result of consuming certain foods with strong odors. Foods such as garlic, curries and onions, or drinks such as beer, brandy and coffee are common causes of temporary bad smelling breath.

– You can avoid this by simply staying away from foods with strong odors. But remember it is temporary so another way of resolving this is to simply wait until the effect goes away. Be mindful of these foods though especially if you are on a date or in a party and trying to impress someone.

By keeping your oral cavity clean, you can help fight off bad smelling breath. But you have to understand that sometimes you need the help of professionals such as dentists and doctors in order to truly get rid of it. You are not alone in your fight against bad breath so don’t be embarrassed to go and consult a health care giver about it.

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Category: Wellness, Fitness and Diet
Keywords: smelling breath,bad smelling breath