Got Bad Breath?

Bad breath may not be a serious health problem, but it definitely is a very embarrassing one! To bid good riddance to it, however, it is important to understand its causes. The following are some of the most common causes.

• Food particles remaining stuck in or around your teeth often cause bad breath. While it may not be possible for you to brush your teeth after lunch and breakfast, rinsing your mouth with water after every meal is a good alternative, as is chewing sugar-free gum for five minutes. Needless, to say you must brush your teeth at least twice in a day.
• Certain foods like raw onions and garlic also cause bad breath. Since these foods have excellent nutritive value, avoiding them completely is not advisable. You can, however, chew one or two pieces of clove or some fennel seeds after your meal to mask the smell of these foods.
• Periodontal diseases (which are the result of neglecting one’s oral hygiene) also cause bad breath. If you are suffering from one, then you need to schedule an appointment with your dentist. Prevention, however, is better than cure; therefore, try to follow good dental care habits like brushing and flossing your teeth twice daily to maintain good dental health and seeing your dentist at least once a year.
• Accumulation of plaque on the teeth can also lead to bad breath, and the only way to get rid of it is to brush your teeth thoroughly. If the condition goes untreated it can lead to gingivitis and/or tooth decay.
• Dry mouth can also cause bad breath. Dry mouth is a condition in which there is not enough saliva circulating inside the mouth. This condition usually occurs in people who sleep with their mouths open. Dehydration can also make your mouth to dry. Drinking plenty of fluids every day can help combat dehydration, as can watching your sodium intake.
• Chronic diseases like diabetes, kidney disorders, digestion problems and sinus can also lead to bad breath.
• Smoking is a well-known cause of bad breath, and the only way to get rid of it is by stubbing the butt for good. If you need additional motive for quitting smoking, you may want to read our blog titled Diseases and Smoking.
• Fasting and extreme dieting can also cause bad breath.
• Excessive alcohol consumption can make your mouth dry. Dry mouth, as mentioned earlier, is one of the causes of bad breath.

Bad breath can make a huge dent in your confidence levels; what’s more, it can also be an indication of a more serious problem. So remember not to ignore the problem but instead to start seeking a cure for it at the earliest sign or symptom.

Until next time, embrace your inner wisdom.

Namaste,
Karen