Bad Breath - What is it?

Bad breath is one of those things that can make you immediately self-conscious, like that overwhelming sense that you may have spinach between your teeth or that pimple that, from your vantage point, has elected to take over the domain that once was your face.

Bad breath, or halitosis is simply an unpleasant odor exhaled when breathing typically originating from the mouth itself. Most often, bacteria are to blame and maybe a result of eating typical food culprits including garlic, onions, cheese and other similar guilty pleasures. And then there is, of course, morning breath most often caused because the mouth is exposed to less oxygen (and more inactive) during the night.

Lifestyle may also be a contributor to bad breath, particularly related to obesity, smoking and alcohol consumption.

What are the symptoms of Bad Breath?

Bad Breath symptoms vary however the most obvious symptom is smell itself. Other indicators exist such as taste changes within the mouth or a coating on your tongue. These are most often bacteria related; the result of sulphur compounds mixed with mucus or saliva and food particles. As opposed to "bad breath" the reult here could be "sour breath".

Social barometers of bad breath exist as well, however, people are more often than not too polite. If a stick of gum is proffered, accept it. Even if you don't have bad breath, it's acknowledgement of a kind gesture.

Bad breath is a relatively common and typically easily remedied, however, for up to 25% of the population chronic bad breath is an issue.

What are treatments for Bad Breath?

Common bad breath treatments focus on masking the odor as a first line of defense with the requisite mints, drops, sprays, mouthwash or gums. Often enough the simple solution may be the best, in addition to perhaps brushing the tongue and proper oral care and hygiene.

The second primary cause of bad breath is not the mouth, but the nose, more often than note directly attributed to sinus infections or foreign bodies.

While gum infections, gingivitis, tonsillitis, abcesses or faulty dental work may be at issue for chronic bad breath more often than not bad breath can be easily remedied.

Bad Breath Smell Test

Bad breath is third most frequent cause of dental office visits, next to dental decay or gum disease.

Perhaps the simplest way to test your own breath is the lick test. Lick your wrist (ensuring you're not wearing perfume or cologne) and wait about five to ten seconds, allowing the saliva to dry. What you smell provides an indication of what your breath smells like.


Bad Breath Home Remedies

Bad breath remedies are relatively simple. Start by brushing with baking soda to reduce acidity in your mouth.

Other options include avoiding sugars in drinks; drinking water; and gargling with salt water.

And your mom was right, brush your teeth at least twice a day if not three times, particularly before going to bed.

When it comes to diet and nutrition, the tried, true and fresh remedy of parsley can help mask food odors so it's more than okay to grab the sprig off the plate at lunch. And avocado can help with help chronic bad breath as it helps the intestines remove bad things.

Cut down and smoking and drinking to not only help with bad breath but with a healthier lifestyle; a win/win.

And while the gums, the wafers, the rinses and the mints can't completely remove the source of your bad breath, they can help mask it and that may be all that's required until you next brush your teeth. And your tongue.



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