Bad breath, also called halitosis, is a very common condition affecting both men and women. It can be a bit embarrassing to have bad breaths. Sometimes we don’t even realize that our breath could be smelly and it becomes more embarrassing when someone points it out. 

Any situations like this could lead to a lack of confidence while being in public, self-consciousness and anxiety.  Bad breath affects most of us at some point in our life. It can be a temporary problem or a chronic condition.

The odour can come from the mouth, tongue, teeth or as a result of some underlying health problem but most of the time it isn’t serious can be treated.

Today we have many aisles filled up with oral mouthwashes, gums, mints and other products to effectively work on the bad odor. But these are temporary solutions that give a temporary result. For something like this, a permanent solution is required but the first and foremost thing is to find the cause of your bad breath.

What Are The Reason For Bad Breath?

There could be many reasons which could cause bad breaths. You have to self assess and find out the problem. If you can’t find a possible reason for this problem then you should consider consulting a dentist. 

Some common causes and symptoms of bad breath

1. Poor dental hygiene

The most common cause of bad breath is bad and neglected dental hygiene. When we don’t brush our teeth regularly twice a day, the chances of having bad breaths are high. Sometimes, we have a meal, the food particle could get stuck between the teeth or anywhere else in the mouth. When we brush our teeth, it gets removed but when we don’t it stays there and starts breaking down by the bacteria that grow there. This release a foul smell which is the reason bad breathes occur.

Sometimes this bacteria could cause tooth or gum decay which could also cause a foul smell. That is why regular brushing of teeth and flossing is a very important part in order to maintain good oral hygiene. 

2. Dry mouth

Saliva in our mouth helps in washing our mouth. When our mouth is naturally washed by saliva chances of getting bad breath are reduced. However, in some people, their body isn’t making enough saliva to wash the mouth, leading to bad breaths. Smoking can cause dry mouth and also increase the possibility of gum disease. Certain medications can cause your mouth to be dry.

3. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

GERD is a digestive disorder in which stomach acid or fluids leak back into the oesophagus, the tube that takes food from your mouth to your stomach. When this acid is refluxed, it could cause a very bad-smelling breath.

4. Tonsils

Tonsils are located at the back of your mouth. If you have enlarged tonsils the chances are the food could get stuck on them.  Since it is difficult to wash the food particle off from tonsils, it gets calcified into calcium deposit called tonsil stones or tonsillitis. This could lead to a bad odor.

5. Gum disease

GA disease in the gum is yet another reason. Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums that can cause them to be red, swollen and bleed easily. It is a painful condition caused by plaque, a sticky film found on your teeth. Plague can be removed by brushing and flossing but when it is not, it could lead to gingivitis.  

6. Infections in the nose, throat or lungs

Patients with pneumonia, for example, cough up liquid that smells bad.

7. Tobacco Products

Smoking causes its own unpleasant mouth odor. Smokers and oral tobacco users are also more likely to have gum disease, another source of bad breath.

8. Medications

Certain kind of medications causes a bad smell in the mouth. Some can directly cause drying in the mouth while some on breaking down n the body release chemicals which could lead to foul smell.

9. Liver disease or kidney disease

These can lead to bad breath because of the smell of toxic substances that would be filtered out of your body by properly functioning kidneys or liver.

10. Sjogren’s syndrome

Sjogren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disease that can lead to dry mouth, dry eyes and dry skin, as well as muscle pain.

How to prevent breath odor?

1. Good dental hygiene

 Proper oral hygiene should be maintained.

I) Brush your teeth using good toothpaste. Remember don’t got too hard on your teeth. Gently clean your teeth with a soft-bristled brush.

ii) Floss after brushing. It is an important step to remove food particle that is trapped in between your teeth and wasn’t removed by brushing.

iii) Use an antimicrobial mouthwash and clean your mouth with it.

iv) Repeat at night.

Read: 10 Medicinal Plants That You Can Grow At Home- Peppermint

2. Drink water

 Staying hydrated reduces the chances of dry mouth and washes of your mouth. When your mouth is moist and clean chances of bad breath are reduced.

3. Visit your dentist regularly

 A regular check-up with a dentist is essential so that he could examine and tell if there is anything that needs to be taken care of.

4. Avoid alcohol

 Caffeine and tobacco products because they dry out the mouth.

5. Quit smoking

Smoking is one the reason why bad breath can happen. Hence, considering quitting smoking to avoid the problem.

NATURAL AT-HOME REMEDIES

1. Yoghurt

 Yoghurt contains healthy bacteria called lactobacillus which can be bad bacteria present in the guts. This could prevent the bad odor from your mouth.

2. Homemade mouthwash with vinegar

Add 2 tablespoons of white or apple cider vinegar to 1 cup of water. Gargle for at least 30 seconds before spitting it out.

Prepare a homemade mouthwash with vinegar. Vinegar contains a natural acid called acetic acid and bacteria don’t like to grow in acidic environments. So when you wash your mouth with this mouthwash, the acidic environment will prevent the growth of bacteria preventing the foul smell.

3. Homemade mouthwash with baking soda

To make a baking soda mouthwash, add 2 teaspoons of baking soda to 1 cup of warm water. Swish the mouthwash around in your mouth for at least 30 seconds before spitting it out.

Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is believed to combat the bacteria in the mouth effectively. Even some toothpaste contains high concentrations of baking soda.

CONCLUSION

If you practice good hygiene and don’t see a reason why you are having bad breaths then consider consulting a dentist. He will professionally analyze and conclude the reason behind the smell in your breath.