Causes of bad breath

Bacteria on the back of the tongue

Bacteria found in the mouth accumulate mostly on the tongue, towards the back, and is one causes of bad breath. The bacteria in the mouth feed on food debris and produce Volatile Sulphur Compounds [VSC]. These compounds have the smell of hydrogen sulphide [think rotten eggs]. Bad breath odour can also come from certain foods after they are digested and this odour can emanate from the lungs.

What you eat also affects the air you exhale

• Certain foods, such as garlic and onion, contribute to bad breath. Once the food is absorbed in the bloodstream, it is transferred to the lungs, where it is expelled in the form of the air you exhale
• Brushing, flossing and mouthwash will only mask the odour temporarily. Odours continue until the body eliminates the food
• If you are on a diet or you are fasting, you may develop unpleasant breath due to infrequent eating
• If you don’t brush and floss daily, tiny 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 odour.

Dry mouth

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 odour. Dry mouth may also be caused by various medications, salivary gland problems or continuously breathing through the mouth. If you suffer from dry mouth, your dentist may prescribe artificial saliva, or suggest using sugarless candy and increasing your fluid intake.

Underlying health conditions

There are several health conditions of the body which are not directly connected to the mouth but can still cause bad breath. High sugars in a diabetic, for instance, can produce a strong fruit odour. Infection of the sinus or polyps in the nose can also be a source of bad breath. Sometimes indigestion that causes reflux of food can lead to foul odour from in the mouth. Other culprits could be HIV, liver disease and lung infections. If you suspect that your bad breath is due to an underlying condition, consult your doctor immediately.

Tips to prevent bad breath

• Maintain a high level of oral and dental hygiene. In addition to brushing, it is important to clean between the teeth using dental floss, wood sticks or an inter-dental brush
• Use a tongue cleaner and clean right to the back of the tongue
• Use a mouthwash recommended by your dentist. The best time to use it is just before sleeping
• Drink plenty of fluids; avoid too much coffee, cola and sugar
• Rinse your mouth after eating milk products, fish and meat
• Chew sugar-free gum, especially if your mouth feels dry or better still, have an apple
• Eat fresh, fibrous vegetables; fruits like apples and pears help cleanse your teeth and gums
• Visit your dentist regularly to diagnose any oral health condition in time.

Home remedies for bad breath

Avocado

Avocado is far superior to any mouth lotion or remedies for this condition. Just eat a small piece of raw avocado if you suffer from bad breath.

Fenugreek

A tea made with fenugreek seeds helps in neutralising bad breath. The tea is prepared by adding one teaspoon of seeds in half-litre of water and allowing it to simmer for 15 minutes over a low flame. Then just strain and drink up.

Parsley

Two cups of water should be boiled and several sprigs of parsley, coarsely chopped, should be steeped in this water along with two or three whole cloves or a quarter teaspoon of ground cloves. This mixture should be stirred occasionally while cooling. Then strain and gargle with this liquid several times a day.

Raw juice

All fruit and vegetable juices are beneficial in the treatment of bad breath. Juices from green vegetables are especially useful. Make sure you don’t add any sweetener to your juices.

A well-balanced diet

People suffering from bad breath should take a well-balanced diet consisting of seeds, nuts, grains, vegetables, and fruits, with emphasis on raw vegetables, and fruits. Avoid refined carbohydrate foods, such as white sugar; white bread and products made from refined flour. Go easy on meat and eggs as well.

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Tooth decay

Tooth decay occurs when the usually hard tissues [enamel] covering our teeth breakdown and form a hole or cavity. A cavity forms when the decayed tooth breaks through the surface of the enamel to the underlying layers of the tooth. In severe cases, this cavity can get so deep, it actually affects the blood vessels and nerves located nearby.

When this happens, you experience unbearable pain and swelling in the jaw area. Any cavity formed must be treated by a trained dentist at the earliest, lest it destroys the entire tooth.

Gum disease

This occurs when the tissues surrounding the teeth get inflamed resulting in very weak teeth or even tooth loss. This condition is caused by a bacterial infection and if left untreated, adversely damages the connective tissues and bone in your teeth.

Gingivitis

In gingivitis, the gum tissue [gingiva] of your mouth becomes severely inflamed. If gingivitis remains untreated, it can often lead to periodontal disease, and several other problems. The main symptoms include bleeding—either spontaneously or on provocation [like in brushing]—itchy gums, bad breath [halitosis], sores in the mouth and gum recession.

Plaque

Plaque is the sticky thin film composed of bacteria that collects on the surface of your teeth. And no matter how good your diet and lifestyle, it accumulates on the teeth.

Plaque forms as a result of regular intake of starchy and sugary foods.In fact, the amount of plaque formed is directly proportional to the amount of such foods eaten. Removing plaque is important as it leads to several dental problems including tooth decay, gum disease [gingivitis] and periodontitis [a severe form of gum disease] and eventual loss of teeth.

If plaque is not removed, it hardens to become tartar. Even if we get it removed, it forms again in no time. The only solution is to take proper care.

Tartar

Sometimes called calculus, tartar is plaque hardened into a yellow or brown deposit of minerals. The existing plaque further absorbs the calcium, phosphorus and other minerals from saliva forming tartar.

Due to its rough surface and crusty edge, teeth affected by tartar become ideal breeding ground for further plaque.

Now that you know how critical it is to take proper care of your precious pearls, make the most of it so that you can keep them healthy and real for as long as you live.

This was first published in the June 2010 issue of Complete Wellbeing.

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