What Causes of Bad Breath ?

Halitosis may turn out to be a huge concern for many, as it can be a social concern aside from being a health problem. Your girlfriend or best buddy might turn away from you when you talk and not tell you why – that may be assign of bad breath. For the most part, it’s not that difficult to eliminate halitosis; here’s some information about the condition and the easy steps you can take to prevent it:

What Causes Halitosis?

Some of the bacteria that grow in your mouth causes malodorous breath or halitosis. Bad dental hygiene, such as not flossing or brushing after every meal, leaves behind food particles that then encourage the growth of bad bacteria. The substances released by said bacteria then cause halitosis.

Spicy, pungent, and other strong-smelling and strong-tasting foods can also contribute to halitosis. In some cases, it’s just the remnants of these left behind in the mouth. In other cases, the oils and other components of said foods may remain on the walls of your throat and palate as well.

Halitosis Myths

There are a number of old wives’ tales about malodorous breath. Here are a few ideas about the condition that just aren’t true:

Mouthwash eliminates halitosis. In reality, the minty or fruity smells of some mouthwash products only serve to mask the odour. Antiseptic mouthwashes are what you should look for. These oral hygiene products can kill bacteria – some of which cause halitosis – and reduce plaque. Your dentist can give you viable recommendations on the products you should use. You should also consider products recommended by the American Dental Association.

Tooth-brushing is enough to kick halitosis. Some people don’t brush after every meal, while some brush their teeth too quickly. Doctors say that one should brush a minimum of two times a day for at least two minutes to clean all surfaces. Brush and scrape the tongue, too – there may be a white coating that serves to induce greater bacterial growth. Flossing also helps as it removes particles of food and plaque that remain after brushing.

Breathing into your hand can tell you if you have halitosis. Breathing isn’t the same as talking – talking brings out smells from the back of your mouth and the throat, while normal breathing is a less intense affair. Ask a really close friend or family member to smell your breath when you talk to know if you do have halitosis.

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