Bad breath or Halitosis is an unpleasant condition that often causes embarrassment to someone that is been infected with it. Although it might be right under their noses, some people are not aware that they have offensive bad breath. There are many things that can cause bad breath (halitosis). Some come from poor oral hygiene habits and others might be a sign of more serious health problems.

Some chemical compounds that causes bad breath in humans are as follows:
• Methanethiol: which smells like garlic and sulphur
• Hydrogen sulphide: which smells like sulphur and rotten eggs
• Dimethyl sulphide: which smells like sulphur, cabbage and sweets

SOME CAUSES OF BAD BREATH
Certain foods, tobacco, alcohol and some prescription or over-the-counter drugs may cause bad breath. In a small percentage of cases, bad breath may have a systemic origin (something that affects the body generally) such as respiratory tract condition or other ailments.
However, a major source of bad breath in healthy people is microbial deposits on the tongue, especially the back of the tongue, where a bacterial coating harbours organisms and debris that contributes to bad breath. Some studies have shown that simply brushing the tongue reduced bad breath measurement by 70 percent.
Food stuck between the teeth, around the gums and on the tongue may leave an unpleasant odour as it decays. Dentures that are cleaned properly can also harbour odour-causing food and bacteria.
Certain foods such as garlic and onions, contribute to objectionable breath because they contain odour-causing compounds as listed above. When these compounds enter the blood stream, they are transferred to the lungs, where they are exhaled. Using mouthwash temporarily masks mouth odour. Few studies have examined the long-term effectiveness of a particular mouthwash on reducing bad breath.
Periodontal disease, a condition in which bacteria attack the tissues that surrounds and support the teeth, may play a role in creating bad breath.
Dry mouth, or Xerostomia is another condition that can cause bad breath. Under normal conditions, saliva removes many particles that causes odour. Dry mouth occurs when the flow of saliva decreases (the is seen in "common morning breath". Some medications, salivary gland problems or continuous mouth breathing also may contribute to bad breath. If you have dry mouth, your dentist may prescribe artificial saliva or suggest using sugarless candy and increasing your fluid intake.
Tobacco products causes bad breath, stain teeth and irritate tissues.
If your dentist rules out the above causes and you practice good oral hygiene, including thorough tongue-brushing, bad breath may be the result of a local infection in the respiratory tract (nose, throat, windpipe, lungs), chronic sinusits, postnasal drip, chronic bronchitis, diabetes, gastrointestinal disturbance, or a liver or kidney ailment. If your mouth is healthy, you may be referred to your family doctor or a specialist to determine the cause of your bad breath.

WAYS OF CONTROLLING BAD BREATH
Maintain a healthy teeth, schedule regular dental visits. If you are concerned that you have constant bad breath, keep a log of what you eat.
Avoid constant use of breath mints and other hard candies containing sugar, which may cause tooth decay.
Look for oral hygiene products that display the Dental Association seal of acceptance. Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and take time to brush your tongue.
Once a day, use floss or another inter-dental cleaner to clean between teeth. If you wear removable dentures, take them out at night, clean thoroughly before replacing them the next morning.
If you need extra help in controlling plaque, your dentist may recommend using a special antimicrobial mouth-rinse. A fluoride mouth-rinse, used along with brushing and flossing, can help prevent tooth decay.
If you are concerned about bad breath, talk to your dentist. He or she can help identify the cause and, if it s due to an oral condition, develop a treatment plan to help eliminate it.

Summary.
Although the cure depends on the cause, most bad breath due to bacteria in the mouth can be eliminated by practicing good oral hygiene. This includes brushing and flossing after each meal to remove food particles and plaque, and also brushing your tongue. It also helps to drink lots of water to rinse the mouth and encourage the production of saliva.

Source: http://enhancedfact..com.ng/2015/10/bad-breath-halitosis-and-how-they-can.html

nice one









#CHEECKAR#