The symptoms of halitosis can come about due to a lot of factors related to one’s habits, health, and hygiene. Learn more about what causes this and how to take care of it.
Halitosis is the medical term for bad breath. It isn’t mild or tolerable, but the kind that can certainly be unpleasant, given its prolonged presence. If you or others suffer from this, there are a varied number of reasons why you suffer from it. The symptoms of halitosis aren’t difficult to spot, and in most cases can be treated effectively if taken care of sooner.
Causes
Bad breath that has crossed over from mild to putrid, can mean that it has advanced to something more serious. The number one cause for halitosis is poor hygiene. Bacteria in the mouth, it is said, produce sulfur gases in the oral cavity. Even the build up of food between one’s teeth or behind one’s grinders is another major cause.
- A thin coating on the tongue which is a mixture of mucous, sulfur compounds, and food particles, is produced if the oral cavity isn’t kept clean. Common offenders include onions, garlic, caffeine, and sugary foods.
- Tonsil stones can be a major factor; it has been said to smell terrible when expelled from the mouth.
- Sinusitis; caused by an infection of the sinuses.
- Decrease in saliva flow.
- Not brushing teeth twice a day.
- Periodontal disease
- Diabetes mellitus
- Liver/kidney disease
- Not flossing every day.
- Anemia
- Consuming alcohol.
- Not drinking enough water.
- Smoking
Symptoms
- A white/yellow film appears on the tongue, allowing bacteria and mucous to build up and multiply. If left unattended, it can worsen.
- One’s taste turns metallic and bitter. This can be due to anything from dental work to sinus problems.
- A dry mouth invites more trouble, by allowing bacteria to thrive.
Treatment
- Brush regularly twice a day; once in the morning when you awake and once in the night before going to bed.
- Form a habit of using mouthwash and flossing right after. Mouthwash is a reliable solution that eliminates the presence of bacteria in the mouth, and floss helps remove bits of food between the teeth.
- Gargle your mouth with salt water every day to stunt bacterial growth. Do not substitute mouthwash for this.
- Avoid drinking aerated drinks, coffee, tea, and other caffeinated beverages.
- Chew on parsley, mint, or cloves, for instant freshness.
- Eat a lot of fiber-enriched foods.
- Chew on sugar-free gum to promote the flow of saliva.
- Avoid excessively sugared treats.
- Cut down on consuming acidic foods like lemons, oranges, vinegar, Tabasco sauce, etc.
If the problem persists in spite of following the aforementioned preventive methods, consult a doctor.
