BAD BREATH

This bothersome complaint affects literally million of people and has fuelled a huge industry. Strict oral hygiene and natural remedies can provide relief. And if bad breath persists, careful dental or medical detective work often uncovers a correctable underlying cause.

What is bad breath?

Whether it is called bad breath or halitosis, nobody wants unpleasant odour emanating from his or her mouth. In the simplest cases, this problem can be traced back to smoking, drinking alcohol or eating foods notorious to their lingering odours, including garlic, onions and anchovies. But sometimes, the condition can become chronic, caused by an underlying medical condition.

What causes bad breath

Bad breath usually results from the multiplication of odour-causing bacteria in the mouth. The drier your mouth, the more bacteria thrive. Any condition which reduces the saliva production can contribute to bad breath including advancing age , breathing through the mouth, crash diets (the less food you chew , the less salivary flow), certain medications, even the time of the day (morning breath occurs because salivation is considerably reduced during sleep), Bacteria may also collect on the tongue. In food debris which accumulates on dentures and on the teeth – especially when plague or cavities are present. If bad breath persists, underlying gum disease or a chronic sinus infection is often the cause.

What else can you do for bad breath

• Brush your teeth after each meal and floss at least one a day. When you can't brush, rinse your mouth out with some water.
  
• Use a moist toothbrush, a tongue scraper (available at some pharmacies and health food shops), or a metal spoon held upside down to scrape off any coating on the back of the tongue and cleanse that area.
  
• Avoid strong –smelling foods and alcohol and don't smoke.
  
• If a chronic sinus infection or postnasal drip is contributing to bad breath, consider using a sinus irrigator-device found in most health-food shops which delivers a saltwater solution into the nostrils-to clean sinuses regularly