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Bad Breath - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

By: Juliet Cohen

Bad Breath is an embarrassing problem. Bad Breath is usually caused by the breakdown of proteins by bacteria somewhere in the mouth. Bad breath is not contagious. Bad breath is a problem that is shared by millions of people across the country. Chronic bad breath, known as Halitosis, does not come from the stomach. Although there is no way of knowing for sure, most adults probably suffer from bad breath occasionally, with perhaps a quarter suffering on a regular basis. The only odor that comes from the stomach is when you burp. Food odors are transitory and should not be confused with bad breath. Human's sense of smell has the ability to adjust to odor. Health conditions and habits are among the causes of bad breath. In many cases, you can improve bad breath with proper dental hygiene.

Food eaten such as garlic and spicy foods once absorbed into the body can release odor through the lungs when you breathe.Therefore, most people with halitosis are not aware of their bad breath.Certain foods, such as garlic and onions, contribute to objectionable breath odor. Once the food is absorbed into the bloodstream, it is transferred to the lungs, where it is expelled. Brushing, flossing and mouthwash will only mask the odor temporarily. If you don't brush and floss daily, particles of food remain in the mouth, collecting bacteria, which can cause bad breath. Food that collects between the teeth, on the tongue and around the gums can rot, leaving an unpleasant odor.

Causes of Bad Breath

Bad Breath is usually caused by the breakdown of proteins by bacteria somewhere in the mouth. If you don't brush and floss daily, particles of food remain in the mouth, collecting bacteria, which can cause bad breath. Bad breath can also be caused by dry mouth (xerostomia), which occurs when the flow of saliva decreases. Saliva is necessary to cleanse the mouth and remove particles that may cause odor. Tobacco products also cause bad breath.

Symptoms of Bad Breath

1.Poor dental hygiene.

2.Infections in the mouth.

3.Respiratory tract infections — Sore throat, swollen lymph nodes ("swollen glands").

4.External agents Cigarette stains on fingers and teeth.

5.Dry mouth.

6.Systemic (bodywide) illnesses-diabetes, lung disease, kidney failure or liver disease.

Treatment of Bad Breath

1.Use a tongue cleaner and clean right to the back of the tongue.

2.Use a mouthwash is recommended. The best time to use it is just before sleeping.

3.Drink plenty of fluids, avoiding too much coffee and alcohol.

4.Clean your mouth after eating dairy products, fish and meat.

5.Chew sugar-free gum, especially if your mouth feels dry.

5.Eat fresh food and fibrous vegetables.

6.Mouthwashes are generally cosmetic

Bad Breath is an embarrassing problem. Bad Breath is usually caused by the breakdown of proteins by bacteria somewhere in the mouth. Bad breath is not contagious. Bad breath is a problem that is shared by millions of people across the country.

Juliet Cohen writes for health disorders. She also writes articles for curing bad breath.

Article Source: http://www.positivearticles.com. PositiveArticles.Com does not vouch for or necessarily endorse the contents of this article.


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