Halitosis or bad breath is an unpleasant odour of the mouth which can occur due to poor oral hygiene, food, medical conditions or other factors.

Symptoms of bad breath: -

The first sign of bad breath and the most obvious one is that you notice the unpleasant odour coming from your mouth.

Other symptoms are

1. Change in taste or unpleasant taste.
2. Dry mouth
3. Coating on the tongue

Causes of bad breath:-

Food particles that get stuck in the teeth promote the growth of bacteria which causes bad breathe. Foods like cheese, fish, garlic, onion, coffee and alcohol can also leave a temporary bad smell.

Health problems such as pneumonia, sore throat, sinus infections, thrush, bronchitis, post nasal drip, diabetes, lactose intolerance and liver or kidney diseases may be associated with bad breath.

Mouth infections such as cavities, impacted teeth or gum disease.

Smoking or chewing tobacco related products.

Some medications including antihistamines and diuretics cause dry mouth which in-turn causes bad breath.

Treatment for bad breath: -

Brushing and flossing:

Brush your teeth twice everyday with good toothpaste and a brush with soft bristles. It is vital to brush your tongue as well. Floss regularly as this will help remove the food particles stuck between your teeth.

Quit smoking:

Smoking and chewing tobacco should be avoided at all costs. Not only it’s a nasty habit but it is also very nasty for the teeth.

Visit your dentist:

It is recommended that you visit your dentist once every six months.

General tips:

• Drink water regularly to avoid dry mouth.
• You can also chew on sugar free chewing gums to stimulate the production of saliva.
• Get treatment for underlying health problems like diabetics, sinus infections, etc.
• Some medicinal side effects also include bad breathe. If that is the case, consult your doctor immediately.
• Clean your dentures or braces regularly. If not properly cleaned, food particles left behind in your dentures can rot and create bad odour. Similarly, braces that are loosely fitted can cause sores or infections in the mouth leading to bad breath.
• There are also natural remedies to prevent bad breathe. You can try chewing on mint leaves.

One can cure bad breath with proper oral hygiene but if the problem persists it could be a symptom of medical disorder. If bad breath is accompanied by these following symptoms: -

• Sores
• Fever
• Pain or difficulty in chewing an swallowing
• Persistent dry mouth
• White spots on the tonsils

You should visit your dentist immediately.

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