Fast Cure for Bad Breath
How to Cure Bad Breath in A Few Days Easily
Persistent bad breath is a seriously putting off factor,whether you are a man or a woman.People suffering from halitosis are given derogatory treatment by friends & family.Persons with bad breath suffer humiliation and frustration on account of their condition.Bad breath has become a massive social problem in todays closed door environment of cubicles,small offices and homes,where ventillation is a problem.
The cure for halitosis is not easy as it can be caused by any or combination of a great many factors.Halitosis affects the individual by leading to social isolation,mental depression & suicidal thoughts.
Don’t lose hope.You have to first get to the bottom of what the main cause of your chronic bad breath is?
1.Oral hygiene is often an overlooked factor and is the main cause of bad breath.You have to brush your teeth twice every day.It is preferable however to brush your teeth after every meal.
2.The types of food that one often eats could be the cause of bad breath.Various combinations of foods are fed on by bacteria in turn producing foul smelling gases.Thesr are absorbed into the blood and circulate through the body and are release when we exhale or let out our breath.
What you need to do is to keep track of your food intake. So keep a food journal handy so you can isolate what food it is that gives you the most bad breath that day.
A doctor’s consultation is the best way to go forward if one thinks they have chronic bad breath. Your doctor and you can agree to the course of treatment that has to be followed.
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Bad breath smells bad
Bad breath is a common health problem in the society. Offensive smell from the mouth may be due to various reasons.The main reason is the presence of anaerobic bacteria in the biofilm formed on the tongue .These bacteria degrades the proteins present in the food resulting in the production of some offensive gases like hydrogen sulphide, skatol ect.
Bad odor from the mouth in the early morning is seen in almost all individuals.This can be controlled by maintaining oral hygiene.Even after cleaning the mouth some individuals may suffer from bad breath due to some problem in the mouth or in the nearby areas.Some general disease condition can also produce bad breath.Exact cause has to be identified and should be treated accordingly.Some common measures to cure or reduce bad breath are discussed here.
1) Oral hygiene:
Mouth should be kept clean every time to reduce the bacterial action.After food gargling with lukewarm water is very essential.Even after small food articles like snacks,sweets, biscuits cleaning with water is needed.Brushing should be done twice daily.It is said that early morning brushing is for beauty and bed time brushing is for good health.
2) Brushing techniques:
Normal brushing technique should be followed for better result.Many people brush vigorously causing damage to the gums. Brushing after every food and drink can damage the enamel .Bristles of the tooth brush should be smooth but hard enough to remove the food particles from the gaps.The direction of brushing is the most important thing.The upper teeth should be brushed in a downward direction and the lower in upward direction.This is applicable to both inner and outer surfaces.Next comes the crown of the teeth;here brushing is done in anterior and posterior direction keeping the brush in same direction.This applicable to both upper and lower set of teeth.
3) Tongue cleaning:
White or yellowish coating on the tongue can cause bad breath.This is more well marked in the morning and should be removed twice daily with the healp of a tongue cleaner. Tongue cleaner must be used gently without damaging the taste buds on the tongue.
4) Tooth pick:
Tooth pick is a small strip of wood or plastic with a pointed end.This is used to remove food particles lodged between the gaps.Very useful after eating meat and fish. Should be used gently to avoid damage to gums.
5) Gargling:
After every meal gargling with lukewarm water is useful.For better result little common salt is dissolved in the lukewarm water .Different types of mouth wash is available in the market in different trade names.Gargling with mouth wash can also reduce bad breath.
6) Food habits:
Protein containing food articles are known to produce bad breath. Example; meat, milk, fish, egg etc. If these food articles are taken proper cleaning is essential.Some food articles are known to produce particular smell which may be unpleasent for others. Raw onion is the best example.It is said that an apple a day keeps the doctor away and a raw onion a day keep every body away.Small food articles taken in between can also cause bad smell(nuts,fried items etc).Maintaining regularity in food timing is the most important thing.
7) Water intake:
Dryness in the mouth can make a favorable condition for the bacterial activity resulting in bad odor.saliva is needed to keep the mouth moist and to reduce the bacterial proliferation.Production of saliva is closely related with water balance of the body and hence sufficient quantity of water should be taken to maintain the production of saliva.
Mouth fresheners:
Natural and artificial mouth fresheners can reduce the intensity of bad breath to some extent.Spicy articles are commonly used for this purpose.Chewing spices like clove,cumin seed, cardomom, cinnamon,ginger ect are useful. All citrus fruits can reduce bad odor.Mouth fresheners and chewing gums are available in the market.these products are also helpful ,but some may cause damage hence should be used with caution.
If the above things doesn’t work then what to do ?
Consider the following:-
1) Remove the cause:
Bad breath is common in some general and systemic diseases like diabetes,fevers,gastric disorders,liver diseases and ect.By removing or reducing the primary cause the bad breath will go automatically.
2) Modern medicine:
If bad breath is due to any infection suitable antibiotics,anti fungal or anti viral medicines will help.If it is due to any autoimmune or chronic inflammatory conditions steroids may also be used.Saliva producing tablets can also be used.
3) Dental cleaning:
Dental cleaning done by a dentist can remove the dental plaques and tartar. This can reduce the severity of bad breath.Visit your dentist at least once in a year.
4) Filling of caries:
Since caries are one of the main cause for bad breath it should be filled by a dentist.Earlier silver amalgam was used ,nowadays it is replaced by synthetic materials.If the pulp cavity is affected by the caries root canal treatment can be done.
5) Tooth extraction:
If caries are deep with destruction of teeth with bad smell extraction is the better choice and a dental implant can be kept in the gap.
6) Tonsillectomy:
Patients with recurrent tonsillitis can have bad breath due to offensive discharges and release of pasty materials from the crypts of tonsils.Such patients get great relief after tonsillectomy(removal of tonsils).
7) Psychological counselling:
Those who suffer from bad breath may be very much depressed and they be away from the public .This isolation hampers their day to day activities.Such people should understand the fact that all human beings are having bad breath, but with slight differences in intensities.Mostly all people control it by taking personal care.Every human body has got it’s own smell,that may or may not be tolerable for others.They should be adviced to do all hygienic measures to reduce the intensity of smell.Improving the quality of life by all possible means can also help.Moral support from friends and family members are needed for such people.
Some individuals visit the doctor for bad breath without any real problem.It is included under somatisation disorder.They usually complain about pain, breathlessness,abdominal discomfort,bad smell ect.proper diagnosis is needed to rule out any real causes.These patients should be managed with a psychological approach.
Homoeopathy:
In Homoeopathy medicines are selected on the basis of physical ,mental,emotional,and social aspects of the diseased person.Considering the whole aspects a constitutional homeopathic medicine is selected and given in suitable potency and dose.By this all health related problems including bad breath will be solved.On the basis of coating on the tongue,type of smell,cause for bad breath,and other associated complaints a medicine can be given to get relief from bad breath.In the homeopathic medical repertory by Dr Robin Murphy there are 140 homoeopathic drugs mentioned for bad breath.On the basis of signs and symptoms of the individual a suitable medicine is given.Commonly used drugs are arnica, antim crud, pulsatilla, sulphur, psorinum, nux vomica, ars alb, merc sol, kreosot, hekla lava, silicea, asafoitida, graphites, kali bich, acid nitric etc.
Homoeopathic mother tinctures like cinnamon Q,kreosot Q,zingiber Q,rhus glabra Q,menthol Q and ect can be used for gargling after diluting in water.
[POINTS MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE IS FOR GENERAL AWARENESS. ANY BODY SUFFERING FROM BAD BREATH SHOULD CONSULT A DOCTOR.]
cure for bad breath
When you are looking for a cure for bad breath, you will have to examine the cause of the bad breath in order to treat it effectively. Bad breath is a common condition that affects one in four people and it is good to know that there is a cure and bad breath can be treated effectively.
There are many causes of bad breath including oral bacteria, foods, smoking, dentures, and dry mouth. Each of these different causes of bad breath will be related to either chronic or short-term bad breath. You can find a cure for bad breath for each of these conditions.
Oral Bacteria
Oral bacteria is a number one cause of chronic bad breath and can be eliminated through regular brushing and flossing of your teeth and regular brushing or scraping of your tongue. Oral bacterial lives in your mouth and seems to favour the tongue as one of its favorite hiding spots. You must dislodge food particles and plaque from your mouth so that bacteria cannot thrive in your mouth. When you adopt a regular brushing and flossing routine, you can eliminate oral bacteria and bad breath from your life.
Food Caused Bad Breath
Foods such as onions and garlic can cause short-term bad breath and it is recommended that you eat a sprig of parsley, cloves, fennel seeds or peppermint to mask the odour. The odour cannot be eliminated because it originates in your intestinal tract and you must wait a day for the odour to leave your body naturally.
Smoking Caused Bad Breath
Smoking causes chronic bad breath from the smell of the tobacco and because it leaves your gums and teeth prone to gum disease which causes bad breath. In order to prevent the risk of mouth and gum disease and bad breath caused by smoking, it is recommended that you quit smoking.
Dentures And Bad Breath
Dentures can cause chronic bad breath when the dentures are not cleaned regularly. Food particles can be caught in the appliances and unless the dentures are washed regularly, the food particles will help oral bacteria thrive in your mouth.
Dry Mouth Caused Bad Breath
Dry mouth is a condition that can cause short-term or chronic bad breath because moisture helps to clean the tissues of the mouth. If the mouth is too dry, bacteria cannot be moved away from the mouth. You can drink the recommended daily amount of water and juices to replenish the moisture in your mouth tissues and this will help to flush out oral bacteria. Brushing and flossing must be regularly maintained when a dry mouth condition is present to prevent bad breath.
If you want to find a cure for bad breath, you must match the remedy to the cause of the bad breath. When you have found a cure for bad breath that works for you, you will feel like it is a new beginning.
How to cure bad breath
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Presented аt UCLA – Tһе University οf California аt Los Angeles – (аt tһе 4th International Conference οח Oral Malodor)
Hοw tο cure bаԁ breath – Tһе Effects οf Oxygenating TheraBreath Products οח Bаԁ Breath Patients – Testing οf Saliva Production, аחԁ Reduction οf VSC bу Flame Chromatography аחԁ Halimeter Values.b
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Independent study conducted bу tһе following Doctors: G. Acikgoz, I. Devrim, M. Aldikacti, A. Kayipmaz, G. Keles οf tһе Ondokuz Mayis University Dental School, Samsun Turkey
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Revolutionary Treatment Method For Bad Breath
People have been suffering from halitosis or chronic bad breath since time immemorial. In the old days, only a handful of treatments were available for this condition. But today, you can select from dozens of dental products and medications that are all highly effective in eliminating bad breath.
If you are affected with the halitosis condition, your life may have been affected in a variety of ways. Some of those ways include hindrance of your relationships, deterring of your professional success, frequently bad taste in your mouth, people turning away when they are talking to you or a white or yellow film on your tongue. If you are one of these people you may want to explore new alternatives to the condition of halitosis.
Sometimes, getting rid of bad breath simply requires that you brush your teeth more often. People take this basic element of dental hygiene for granted, leading to tooth decay and plaque buildup that will then result in bad breath. Flossing is another activity that most people now neglect to do, perhaps due to their hectic lifestyles.
Generally, brushing and flossing are enough to get rid of bad breath, especially if the source of your halitosis is simply the excessive bacteria in your mouth and nothing else. But if there is a more serious underlying reason for your bad breath that goes beyond the mouth, you might need to undergo more drastic modern treatments in order to get rid of your bad breath.
One such modern remedy to the age-old problem of halitosis is the marvelous new product called the breath strip. This product has actually been sold in pharmacies for a few years now, but it hasn’t caught on as a real cure to bad breath until the last year or two. The breath strip is essentially a tiny piece of paper-thin substance that melts when you put it in your mouth. It works in a similar way to most mints and breath freshener gums, in the sense that these products conceal the smell of your bad breath with a strong menthol or mint flavor.
Essentially, the breath strip is a stronger version of the traditional breath mints that we’re all familiar with. The effect lasts longer, the flavor is stronger, and the freshness spreads not only in your mouth but all the way up to your nasal cavity and down to your esophagus. In addition, some breath strips even have antibacterial properties that can also help reduce the amount of bacteria in the mouth.
Other revolutionary products for the treatment of halitosis can be found on the internet. With a simple search on Google, you will be able to find everything from traditional breath fresheners to the most advanced oral medications that can eliminate bacteria in the mouth. One excellent website to go to for your dental needs is the Center for Breath Treatment. The products advertised here are very effective and sold by reliable vendors who can easily be contacted through email or telephone.
However, as for purchasing any product, the products out there for the treatment of halitosis are no exception. You should make sure that the product you by has good reviews and that you will be satisfied with the product at hand. Furthermore, in order to make sure that you choose the right treatments for you, you should consult a professional that you trust to help you make that decision.
For the past several years, many of us have been using mouthwashes with some alcohol content in them. However, it has been recently discovered that these mouthwashes actually do more harm than good in terms of bad breath, because the alcohol dries up the mouth, encouraging the growth of bacteria. Instead, dental experts recommend that you choose mouthwashes that have chlorhexidine, chlorine dioxide and zinc gluconate. These chemicals are very effective in killing oral bacteria without actually drying out the inside of the mouth. It is important though that you use these oral rinses in moderation.
If you are looking for a more herbal remedy, you can search sites that link to natural remedies, which are fairly new. However, the use of these sites, as well as the sites linking to other methods of treatment for halitosis does not take the place of receiving a dental prognosis and treatment. For best results, always make sure that you consult a dentist (or doctor) that you trust before purchasing any treatment for halitosis.
Tobacco and Alcohol: Bad for the Body and Bad for Breath
There are two really unhealthy vices, tobacco and alcohol which cause numerous health problems, not the least of which is bad breath. Smoking or over-consumption of alcohol can cause lung cancer, liver diseases, diabetes, gum disease or oral cancer. Both also lead to bad breath. If you smoke or drink or do both you should ideally stop as soon as you can.
If you want to take care of yourself and have better smelling breath, you should stop smoking and/or stop over-consuming alcoholic beverages. This should be done immediately. If you are unable to stop smoking or if you cannot stop from drinking too much alcohol you should get some help as soon as possible.
People have been trying to quit smoking for years. Studies have been conducted to facilitate this process and to help people stay away from the habit after quitting. Among the most successful ways to quit is by using a nicotine patch or chewing gum. Millions of people have stopped smoking using these methods. But before you attempt self-medication, it’s a good idea to consult with your doctor first.
You can see advertisements for gradual quit smoking programs and you can join one of those. Or there are many support groups and counselors who help people who genuinely want to quit smoking.
There is a great deal of free motivational material that is available via the Internet and that will bolster your will power to quit smoking. You can also find out what are the personal triggers you have which make you smoke and once you have identified them, it will make quitting easier.
If you want to quit drinking you can join alcohol treatment support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), as well as attend other group therapy sessions. These will help you have a time to talk about all the stresses in your life and will help you find more positive outlets besides drinking to excess. The group and individual therapy and support sessions that you join will also provide a plan for you in your process of become free of alcohol dependency.
One main issue that these group counseling sessions focus on is that excessive alcohol consumption poses a threat not only to your social life but to your own health as well.
Besides these group sessions, you can also quit drinking by going online and searching for reading materials on this topic. Hundreds of articles are posted on the Internet with the aim of enlightening people like yourself and motivating you towards having a better and healthier life. A good thing about these articles and websites is that they are absolutely free. In addition, many of them have links to sites that can help you further by offering either products or programs you can sign up for as part of your quitting process.
Do not give up even if you find it troublesome to quit smoking or drinking. These are not just ordinary habits but can be as bad as addictions. You need help of people around you to do so, so don’t feel shy to ask for help and support. You must have the right motivation and really want to rid yourself of these bad habits. You will find that everybody will support you in your endeavors. Don’t forget you will also be giving bad breath the go by with your decision.
By chance, if you don’t know where to seek treatment for smoking and drinking, check on the net. You will probably be able to find some good center near where you live. If you care enough about yourself, you should give up these bad habits. You will also find help and support on the Internet itself through support groups, chat forums, discussion, blogs and more. Remember this is not about bad breath alone.
You may also want to find new activities to involve yourself in that are healthy as well. For instance, you could join a recreational sports team, or you can learn a musical instrument, or you can make homemade cards. There is no end to things you can do besides be around the places that cause you to fall into your old habits. Likewise, the friends that you make in your support groups for recovery will most likely become your friends for life.
Useful Tips For Getting Rid of Bad Breath
Have you ever wondered about the odor escaping from your mouth? Everyone from time to time has experienced halitosis (bad breath) and the embarrassment that accompanies it. There are many different causes for bad breath such as poor oral hygiene, smoking, tooth decay and gum problems.
Before we discuss the techniques that you can use to keep your breath fresh, let’s first look into the reasons why people sometimes get bad breath. You might actually be surprised at the number of possible reasons for this condition. Bad breath, also known in medical terms as halitosis, is a condition that usually begins from the accumulation of bacteria in the mouth. These bacteria are useful in breaking down microscopic food particles in the mouth. But in the process, they also produce a nasty-smelling sulfur compound which smells very similar to rotten eggs. This is what we generally know as bad breath.
Whenever we eat, food particles will naturally be left in the mouth. We’re not talking about the unsightly food bits stuck between your two front teeth. Instead, we are referring to minute food particles that are almost invisible to the naked eye. This is what attracts the oral bacteria and triggers the onset of bad breath. Furthermore, even if these particles do not actually attract bacteria, they will eventually rot and produce a stench that is just as bad, or even worse than the sulfur compounds produced by oral bacteria.
The most effective and obvious way of preventing bad breath is through daily brushing of the teeth and gums, which includes the tongue, flossing, and rinsing. This should be done after every meal and preferably after each time you eat something. Proper cleaning of the mouth is important, particularly after eating foods that are high in protein content. This is because even after you finish a meal, microscopic particles of food still remain in the mouth. Much of this food debris ends up trapped between the teeth and also in the coating found on the posterior aspect of the tongue. Since these are exactly the same locations in which the anaerobic bacteria that cause bad breath live, by not cleaning thoroughly a prolonged food supply is provided for these bacteria.
In addition to brushing, you should also clean your tongue. The tongue, especially the part towards the back, is a very attractive breeding ground for oral bacteria because of the excessive food bits that have accumulated on the surface. If cleaned regularly, your tongue should be pink in color. If you see a white layer towards the back, that’s the foodstuff and bacteria that you need to get rid off.
If you mouth becomes dry, it transforms into a breeding ground for volatile sulfur compounds. Our saliva has natural antibiotic elements that reduce the number of bacteria in the mouth. When your mouth dries out, saliva production diminishes and the chances of bad breath increases. Therefore, if you were to chew gum to stimulate saliva production this would aid in decreasing the foul odor escaping your oral cavity. Another way to stimulate saliva production is to drink the recommended eight fluid ounces of water daily. Besides helping cut down on bad breath, it is also good for your health.
Baking soda is a great aid in the fight against halitosis. Although beneficial, some may feel the taste leaves something to be desired. However, the end result is worth the effort. If you do not prefer to dip your toothbrush in the baking soda box, there are several brands of toothpaste on the market now that contain baking soda.
Still another technique that some people use is to regularly gargle with a hydrogen peroxide solution. The oxygen in these improvised mouthwashes is very effective in eradicating the oral bacteria in the mouth and even in the throat. When the amount of bacteria is reduced, the chance of acquiring bad breath is decreased as well.
Finally, if you have the extra cash to spend, you can invest in a Waterpik product. These are revolutionary dental products that are excellent in removing excess foods from the mouth and keeping the entire interior of your mouth squeaky clean. The Waterpik Personal Water Jet also comes with its own tongue cleaner that is very effective in keeping your tongue clean, pink, and free of nasty-smelling bacteria.
Bad Breath
Causes of bad breath ?
Bad breath is a common health problem which greatly affects the day to day activities of so many people. The offensive odor from the mouth is unpleasant to those who come in close contact with bad breathers. The problem will be doubled by psychological trauma leading to depression. The sufferers from this problem wil be isolated from the society. This can even lead to marital disharmony.
Literally speaking all human beings are bad breathers. Oral cavity contains millions of anaerobic bacteria like fusobacterium and actinomyces which acts on the protein of food materials and putrifies them. This process results in the formation of offenssive gases like hydrogen sulphide,methyl mescaptan,cadaverin,skatol,putrescine ect causing bad odor. If oral hygiene is not maintained properly all will suffer from bad breath. Most of us control this by regular brushing,tongue cleaning and gargling. Even after maintaining cleanliness in the mouth some individuals suffer from offenssive smell due to various causes which has to be diagnosed and treated properly.
Some common causes of bad breath.
1) Poor oral hygiene:
If oral hygiene is not maintained properly the mouth becomes the seat for millions of bacteria which produce offensive gases by degrading the food debris. Bad breath is severe in those who do not brush their teeth regularly and clean their mouth after every food. Snacks taken in between meals can also produce bad breath because of improper cleaning.
Bad breath is common in almost all people in the morning on waking. During sleep there is less production of saliva .Saliva has got some antibacterial properties which help to keep the mouth clean. Saliva conains oxygen molecules which is needed to make oral cavity aerobic. So the reduction in it’s quantity during sleep makes a favourable condition for anaerobic bacteria.
2) Food habits:
The main cause of bad smell is due to degradation of protein by the bacteria and hence all food products rich in protein favours bad breath. Meat,fish,milk products, eggs,cakes,nuts,pear and ect can cause bad breath. Some food articles can produce particular type of smell which may be unpleasant. Raw onion can produce typical bad smell. It is said that an apple a day keeps the doctor away,a raw onion a day keeps everybody away. Eating groundnuts can also produce bad smell. However if proper cleaning is done smell can be reduced irrespective of the nature of food. Irregularity in timing of food can also produce bad breath. Small food articles taken in between the meals can also produce bad smell.
3) Biofilm:
There is formation of a thin sticky coating called biofilm on the tongue and oral mucosa. This coating is thick on the posterior aspect of the tongue where millions of gram negative bacteriae are seen .The thick coating on the tongue is always associated with bad breath. Even a thin biofilm can make anaerobic condition favorable for bacterial proliferation.
4) Dental caries:
This is a destructive process causing decalcification with destruction of enamel and dentine resulting in cavitisation of the tooth. These are produced mainly by the lactobacilli . Food particles are deposited inside these cavities and are putrified by the anaerobic bacteria producing bad smell. Normal brushing will not remove the food debris easily and hence they are putrefied completely. Caries are common in school going children and in those who do not maintain proper oral hygiene .Calcium and vitamin deficiency can also predispose caries.
5) Gingivitis:
Gum is a mucus membrane with supporting connective tissue covering the tooth bearing borders of the jaw .The main function of gum is protection .Gingivitis is the inflammation of the gum .Due to various causes gum tissue get infected resulting in swelling,pain and discharge. If the condition become worse the infection spread towards periodontal area leading to continuous discharge called pyorrhoea. Some times the infection goes deep producing alveolar abscess with discharge of pus. Infection can even reach the bone causing osteomyelitis.All these conditions can produce offensive smell.
6) Gum retraction:
When the gums retract from the teeth a gap is developed which will lodge food particles and cause bad breath.
7) Dental plaques and tartar deposits; Plaques and tartar is deposited mainly in the gaps between the teeth and gum. This will provide shelter for the food debris and bacteria causing bad breath.
Ulcerative lesions& coatings:
Almost all ulcerative lesions of the mouth are associated with bad breath. These lesions may be caused by bacteria,viruses,food allergies or due to autoimmune disorders. Apthous ulcer is the commonest amoung ulcerative lesions. Others are herpes,fungal infections,vincents angina,infectious mononucleosis,scarlet fever,diphtheria,drug reactions and ect. Cancerous ulcers produce severe bad breath. All fungal infections produce white coating(candidiasis). Leucoplakia is a white thick patch on the mucus membrane of the mouth & tongue. It is considered as a precancerous condition. Offensive breath is associated with these conditions.
9) Diseases of the salivary glands:
Saliva is very useful to supply oxygen to all parts of the oral cavity. Even a thin film of coating called biofilm can provide an anaerobic condition in the mouth. Saliva can wet these layers and make an aerobic condition which is unfavorable for the bacteria .Any condition which reduces the production of saliva can increase bacterial activity. Some times the salivary duct is obstructed by stones or tumors.Cancer of the salivary gland is associated with offensive odor. In supportive parotitis purulent discharge in to the mouth causes bad breath.
10) Tonsillitis:
Tonsils are a pair of lymphoid tissue situated in the lateral wall of oropharynx. Inflammation of the tonsil is called tonsillitis. Bad breath is seen in both acute and chronic tonsillitis. Quinsy or peritonsillar abscess can also produce bad breath.
11) Tonsillar plaques & tonsillar fluid:
If bad breath persists even after maintaining proper oral hygiene there is possibility of this condition. Serous fluid secreated from the folds of tonsil is very offensive. Some patients complain that they hawk some cheesy materials from the throat;which are very offensive in nature. These are formed inside the tonsillar crypts which contain thousands of bacteriae. In such conditions tonsillectomy gives noticeable relief from bad breath.
12) Pharyngitis& pharyngial abscess:
Pharynx is a fibromuscular tube which forms the upper part of the digestive & respiratory tract. Inflammation of the pharynx is called pharyngitis, caused mainly by bacteria and viruses. Bad breath is present in pharyngitis along with other signs like cough and throat irritation. Abscesses in the wall of pharynx can also produce offensive discharge of pus in to the throat.
13) Dentures:
Denture users may complain about bad smell due to lodgement of small food debris in between. Proper brushing may not be possible in denture users especially fixed dentures.
14) Tobacco:
Tobacco chewing is associated with bad breath. The smell of tobacco itself is unpleasant for others. Tobacco can irritate the mucus membrane and cause ulcers and coatings. Gingivitis and pyorrhoea are common in tobacco chewers. Tartar is deposited on the teeth mainly near the gums. Tobacco chewers get gastric acidity with eructations. All these causes offensive smell.
15) Smoking:
Smokers always have bad smell. It can also produce lesions in the mouth & lungs causing bad breath.Smoking increases carbon dioxide in the oral cavity & reduces oxygen level,causing a favourable condition for bacteria. Smoking reduses appetite & thirst hence acid peptic disease is common in chain smokers.
16) Lesions in the nose & ear:
Bad breath is occasionally seen in sinusitis(infection of para nasal sinuses). In case of post nasal dripping bad breath is common due to the presence of protein in the discharges. These proteins are degraded by the bacteria. Infection in the middle ear with discharge of pus in to the throat through the eustachian tube(passage from middle ear to the throat)can also cause offensive odor. Chronic rhinitis(infection of mucus membrane of nose) and forign bodies in the nose can also produce bad smell in the expired air.
17) Diabetes mellitus:
Mostly all diabetic patients suffer from bad breath. Coated tongue,ulcers &coatings in the mouth ,increased sugar level in tissues ect are responsible for bad breath.Bacterial growth in diabetic patient is very faster than non diabetic individuals.
18) Fevers:
Bad breath is common in almost all fevers. Even an acute fever can produce bad breath. Severe bad breath is seen in typhoid .Other infectious diseases like Tuberculosis , AIDS ect produce bad smell.
19) Fasting & dehydration:
Dry mouth favours bacterial activity. So any condition which produce dryness in the mouth makes the breath offenssive. Eventhough the food particles are known to produce bad breath, fasting can also produce the same. Production of saliva is also reduced during fasting. Chewing and swallowing also helps to keep the mouth clean.
20) Bedridden patients:
Bedridden patients suffer from disgusting breath due to thick coating on the tongue, water intake is also limited in these patients. Regurgitation of food aggravates the condition. Since they talk less aeration in the oral cavity is reduced which favors anaerobic bacteria to become active.
21) Diseases of stomach & esophagus:
Eructation of gas and food produce unpleasant smell. Abnormality in the function of lower sphincter can allow the food to regurgitate upwards causing bad breath. Bad breath is also common in gastritis,gastric ulcer and cancer of stomach.
22) Intestinal diseases:
Bad breath is common in patients suffering from ulcerative lesions of intestine like ulcerative collitis..Other diseases are malabsorption syndrome intestinal tuberculosis, peritonitis ect.
23) Diseases of lungs:
Lung diseases like pneumonia, lung abscess,chronic bronchitis,bronchiectasis,tuberculosis, lung cancer ect can produce bad odor during expiration.
24) Liver disorders:
Liver diseases like hepatitis, cirrhosis,can cause bad breath.Gall bladder diseases with vomiting also causes unpleasent odor.
25) Psychiatric patients:
Bad breath is common in psychotic patients due to poor hygiene,irregular food habits,less water intake and ect.
26) Somatisation disorder:
This is a psychiatric disorder charecterised by the presence of a physical symptom that suggest a medical illness .These patients come with physical complaints like pain,nausea difficult respiration, bad smell ect. This condition is diagnosed after detailed examination of the patient with all investigations.Since this is a psychiatric disorder it has to be managed with a psychological approach.
[ THE POINTS MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE IS FOR GENERAL INFORMATION. ANY PERSON HAVING BAD BREATH SHOULD CONSULT A QUALIFIED DOCTOR ]
