Bad breath is a problem that is shared by millions of people across the country. Most of us suffer silently trying to cover it up with chewing gums and mouthwashes. These are however, temporary solutions that only mask the underlying issue. The only effective cure is a scientific approach to diagnosing and treating bad breath conditions. The first step would be to diagnose the root cause with - Halimeter(a breath analyzer) readings to know the severity of the problem followed by a thorough medical history, oral check up and biochemical tests of saliva and blood if necessary. Once the underlying cause is identified treatment is executed with a holistic approach to good oral and general health.

Common Cause of Bad Breath

For most people the cause of their bad breath will come from their teeth, gums, and tongue.  The bad odor will come from bacteria in the mouth that is the result of food particles left in the mouth after eating.  Poor dental habits can also be a major contributing cause of bad breath.  Decay in the mouth will produce a sulphur compound which leaves behind a bad smell.  make an accurate diagnosis and treat your bad breath condition here. This is the recommended way to effectively treat a bad breath condition.

If you have bad breath you’ll want to take a look at your oral hygiene habits. When you brush your teeth make sure that you also brush your tongue, the inside of your cheeks, and the roof of your mouth. You want to be sure to remove all the food particles and bacteria from your mouth. You’ll also want to make sure that you floss your teeth to remove any food particles that are trapped between your teeth. Use a mouthwash as a temporary solution to your bad breath, however if the problem is still there make sure that you talk to your dentist to see if you have gum disease or tooth decay.

Other Causes of Bad Breath

Bad breath can also occur for other reasons that include a dry mouth, diabetes, infection, liver problems, or kidney failure.  Smoking is another contributing factor.  Many cancer patients will find that they have a dry mouth after they have undergone radiation therapy.  Lack of saliva in the mouth can lead to bad breath since food particles won’t be washed away.  Other reasons why you may experience bad breath include stress, dieting, your age, hormonal problems, and snoring. 

If you have an odor that from the back of the mouth you may have post-nasal drip.  Post-nasal drip occurs when the mucus that is secreted from your nose moves into your throat.  The mucus then gets stuck on your tongue and this can produce a foul smell. 

The number one thing that you need to keep mouth odors under control is an ample amount of saliva.  Saliva is needed to wash away the bacteria and food particles that become stuck in your mouth.  As you sleep the amount of saliva that is produced will lessen.  This is why most people wake up with some level of morning breath.  To get rid of morning breath you simply need to brush and floss your teeth so that the odor is washed away.  Eating a morning meal is another way to get rid of morning breath since this will get the saliva flowing once again.

Bad breath can be reduced or prevented if you:

1.      Practice good oral hygiene. Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste to remove food debris and plaque. Brush your teeth after you eat (keep a toothbrush at work or school to brush after lunch). Don't forget to brush your tongue, too. Replace your toothbrush every 2 to 3 months. Use floss or an interdental cleaner to remove food particles and plaque between your teeth once a day. Dentures should be removed at night and cleaned thoroughly before being placed in your mouth the next morning.

2.      See your dentist regularly – at least twice a year. He or she will conduct an oral examination and professional teeth cleaning and will be able detect and treat periodontal disease, dry mouth, or other problems that may be the cause of bad mouth odor.

3.      Stop smoking/chewing tobacco-based products. Ask your dentist for tips on kicking the habit.

4.     Drink lots of water. This will keep your mouth moist. Chewing gum (preferably sugarless) or sucking on candy (preferably sugarless) also stimulates the production of saliva, which helps wash away food particles and bacteria.

5.       Keep a log of the foods you eat. If you think the foods that you eat may be causing your bad breath, record what you eat so that you can determine which foods may be contributing to the problem. Bring the log to your dentist to review. Similarly, make a list of the medications you take. Some medications may play a role in creating mouth odors.

Bad breath need not be something you have suffer fromfor life. With the right habits and treatment, anyone can get rid of their bad breath forever.

Bad breath is a problem that is shared by millions of people across the country. Most of us suffer silently trying to cover it up with chewing gums and mouthwashes. These are however, temporary solutions that only mask the underlying issue. The only effective cure is a scientific approach to diagnosing and treating bad breath conditions. The first step would be to diagnose the root cause with - Halimeter(a breath analyzer) readings to know the severity of the problem followed by a thorough medical history, oral check up and biochemical tests of saliva and blood if necessary. Once the underlying cause is identified treatment is executed with a holistic approach to good oral and general health.