Bad Breath? How to Treat Five Common Causes of Halitosis

While most people suffer from halitosis on occasion, there are a variety of conditions that can cause an individual to experience bad breath on a regular basis. Fortunately for those suffering from chronic bad breath, there are a number of treatments that treat the common causes of halitosis and prevent its occurrence.

Image Credit: health.india.com

Imbalance in the Environment in the Mouth

Bacteria and yeast both occur naturally within the human mouth. Too much or too little of one or the other upsets your mouth's environment, which can lead to a number of problems, halitosis included. When yeast levels in the mouth increase, bacteria levels decrease, which can cause bad breath as the bacteria cannot work as well to break down food and dead skin remaining in the mouth. Frequent dry mouth can increase yeast in the mouth, as can an excess of dairy (yogurt and cheese especially) in your diet. Brush and floss daily, drink plenty of fluids, and use sugar free gum or mints, when needed, to clean away bacteria and keep saliva flowing.

SEE ALSO: Shut Your Mouth! How To Maintain Good Breath All Day Long

Diseases of the Teeth and Gums

Prolonged exposure to harmful bacteria—which can come from many sources—leads to tooth decay and gum disease and persistent bad breath that cannot be alleviated at home. It is important to visit the dentist to treat the underlying oral health problems. An antibacterial mouthwash may also be recommended to kill offensive odor-inducing germs.

Smelly Foods and Stinky Habits

Certain foods, such as garlic, onions, fish, and coffee, will cause bad breath that persists beyond a meal. The odor-inducing components reach the blood stream and are expelled through the lungs, resulting in bad breath hours later. Alcohol and tobacco can have the same effect. A Windsor dentist recommends consuming tea, parsley, celery, and cranberries, as these foods fight the odor-causing bacteria which contribute to halitosis.

Stomach or Throat Problems

Those who suffer from excess stomach acid or conditions such as GERD may have an increased risk of persistent halitosis. Stomach acid has a foul odor when it backs up into the throat or through burping. Controlling the disorder and reducing stomach acid may help. Tonsilitis may also be to blame for chronic halitosis—check for swelling of or discomfort in the tonsil area, as this may be a symptom of infected tonsils.

Medical Conditions

Certain medical conditions, both avoidable and unavoidable, may increase odor coming from the lungs to result in frequent bad breath. Eating a low-carb diet encourages the body to break down sugars more effectively, resulting in halitosis. Diseases such as diabetes may have the same effect. Eat healthy carbohydrates by way of vegetables or fruits and see your family doctor to keep medical conditions under control to reduce the risk of bad breath.

Conclusion

Those with persistent halitosis should see a dentist or a family physician to determine the cause of bad breath and participate in appropriate treatments for the underlying cause to help eliminate mouth odors.

Informational Credit to Midtown Dental Centre.

Rizwan Ahmad

About the Author:
This article is contributed by Emma Sturgis and posted by Rizwan Ahmad Author and founder of myfoodforu blog He is a blogger from India and he loves to share his thoughts by writing articles on  the different topics related to humanity,