Causes & Cures Bad Breath
Bad breath can be a very embarrassing problem, but the real danger is often not the social consequences, but what is happening to your health. Most people don’t realize that bad breath can be a sign of disease, and if not addressed, the underlying problem will get worse and worse, till it eventually causes other, more serious symptoms.
What Cause Bad Breath And How To Cure It
Sometimes, bad breath may simply be the result of poor oral hygiene. Food particles that remain in the mouth are slowly broken down by bacteria, and this is what usually gives out a foul odor. The breakdown of protein particles in particular results in a foul smell. In addition, bacterial breakdown of dead epithelial cells as well as postnasal drip adds to the foul odor. There is an obvious and simple solution to this problem – regular cleaning of the mouth. It is important to brush your teeth twice a day, and thoroughly rinse your mouth after every meal. If this does not seem to be enough, you can even brush after every meal. However, you should note that a major source of bad breath is not the teeth but the back of the tongue. The surface of the tongue is naturally very uneven, allowing tiny particles of food and other substances to accumulate. The back of the tongue also tends to be dryer than the rest of the mouth, and undisturbed by chewing and other activities. It is therefore important to clean your tongue each time you brush your teeth, using either a special tongue cleaner or your toothbrush.
Sometimes bad breath can be caused by “tonsil stones”, also known as tonsilloliths. These stones are basically calcified matter that gets lodged in the tonsillar crypts behind the wisdom teeth, and they are usually visible to the naked eye. Tonsilloliths usually get dislodged on their own after a while, but if they are a frequent occurrence, you should start regularly gargling with salt water. A solution of apple cider vinegar also works; make sure that you swish the liquid around the back of your mouth and throat forcefully in order to dislodge the stones.
In a few cases, bad breath does not come from the mouth itself, but from infected sinuses. If you have a sinus problem, then this may be the reason, and you should get your sinus problem treated. If you continue to have bad breath despite all these measures, you should consult your dentist. You may be suffering from gum disease or tooth decay, and the sooner this is treated, the better.
