Bad breath is something everyone deals with now and again, but some people battle chronic bad breath daily and it can take a toll on their confidence when dealing with other people.  Chronic bad breath can cause a person to limit their contact with others, avoid intimate settings and appear aloof as they keep themselves at a safe distance from people at work and socially.

The good news is that there are things that can be done about chronic bad breath as the reasons for it have been studied and documented.  The causes of bad breath in adults can be broken down into a few areas and each area will have a different course of action to correct the problem.  Also be aware that a person may indeed have more than one cause for their bad breath so a multi-faceted approach may be needed.

Bacteria

The most common causes of bad breath in adults are bacteria.  The bacteria are anaerobic which means they thrive in an atmosphere without oxygen.  The mouth provides ideal conditions for this type of bacteria as it is warm and wet and generally closed or partially closed which means little oxygen is in there.  Bacteria give off waste products as they grow and multiply and while there are many kinds of bacteria at work in the human mouth – when the ones with the worst smelling waste products win the battle for supremacy, the result is the top cause of bad breath.  These bacteria particularly thrive in a mouth where plaque is prevalent and even a very small film of plaque can provide a perfect location for the bacteria to live and continue producing terrible smelling waste products.

Diet

Some foods lead to bad breath far more than others.  For example, people who eat a high protein diet may be more susceptible to bad breath than those whose protein intake is minimal.  High protein foods can provide the right conditions for certain bacteria to flourish and it is also thought that the digestion of proteins causes odours within the gastrointestinal tract that may be a cause of foul smelling breath.

Diseases

Another common reason for bad breath (and a more difficult one to deal with) is disease.  Diseases in the mouth (gum disease, periodontal disease, and decaying teeth) almost always result in bad breath.  These conditions provide even more “food” for bacteria while also releasing unpleasant smells of decay and infection. Many of these diseases are caused by plaque, which we have already discussed as being a perfect place for bacteria to build up.

Diseases not within the mouth itself are causes of bad breath in adults as well.  Respiratory diseases or illnesses such as sinusitis, bronchitis and acid reflux can cause foul smells to escape through a person’s mouth.  People with diabetes and even kidney problems are often noted as having bad breath as well.

What to Do

While the causes of bad breath in adults are obviously multiple and can be complex, there are some very simple steps that can be taken to start identifying your own root cause and start finding a solution!

The best approach is to start by eliminating the easiest causes first and work your way up to the most difficult ones if the problem still persists.

The easiest and most inexpensive step you can take is to start focusing on your oral hygiene routine.  Brush and floss more!  Go back to the old rule of brushing after every meal and make sure you brush your tongue every time as well.  While this is sometimes inconvenient, it can be very effective.  Chew some sugar free gum in between brushing when you feel you may need a boost to clear away what is building up on your teeth.

Secondly, visit your dentist.  Have them do an examination and determine if you have any plaque that should be cleaned away.  Have them check for any signs of gum diseases or any other problems that are the causes of bad breath in adults

If oral hygiene and dental issues do not solve your problem, your next step is to address your diet.  Are you eating a lot of protein?  Do you snack on sugary foods that cause bad breath?  Compare your diet to that of Canada’s Food Guide or the United States’ Food Pyramid just to be sure your intake is not unbalanced.

Next, if you still have bad breath that you cannot seem to control, is to visit your family doctor.  Be honest about what your problem is and let them know what steps you’ve already taken to try to control it.  Your doctor may want to run some tests to help determine if you are dealing with a physical condition that is commonly one of the causes of bad breath in adults.  They will also be able to decide if you have a serious condition such as diabetes that will need ongoing treatment.

Resolution

Fighting the causes of bad breath in adults can be an ongoing battle throughout the lives of many people.  Don’t let your bad breath keep you from having a fulfilling intimate and social life!  Get started right away and start identifying where your own problem exists and taking the steps needed to conquer it.  Start with the easiest solutions and keep going if needed until you find your own personal cause or causes so that you can do something to eliminate them and get back to a normal life.

Treating Bad Breath

The key to treating halitosis is accurate diagnosis.  Like other medical conditions, bad breath occurs in different degrees of severity which can be scientifically measured with the use of specialized tools.  The Halimeter was introduced in the early 1990s as the first medical instrument designed specifically to assess oral malodor.  The invention reads levels of volatile sulfur compounds, found in past studies to contribute to foul breath.  In recent years, doctors have opted for tests that analyze enzymes in saliva.  These include the BANA exam and the evaluation of Beta-galactosidase levels in the mouth.  While instruments have led to a more quantitative understanding of bad breath, the most common and trusted method of measuring the ailment is by actual smell.  Experts in the field sniff and rank bad breath on a six point intensity scale, categorizing cases by the level and type of odor.

Once halitosis has been successfully diagnosed, there are a number of options for treatment.  Regular tongue cleaning at home can help keep your breath fresh by reducing odor-causing bacteria on the surface.  Physicians recommend using a tongue brush to scrape off mucus and other foreign particles, but warn against damaging fragile taste buds at the back of the tongue.  Halitosis sufferers may also use a teaspoon turned upside down to accomplish the same task.  Using a regular toothbrush, however, is counterproductive because it simply spreads microorganisms.

Mouthwash can also be an effective tool in fighting bad breath.  Many brands contain antibacterial compounds that kill germs in the mouth while others employ alcohol as a natural drying agent.  Formulas that include chemical odor eliminators are also widely used in bad breath treatment, but they provide only short-term relief.

A small step that is often overlooked in the prevention of halitosis is regular flossing.  During meals, debris is often deposited in between teeth and along the gumline.  Over time, these particles rot and cause foul odors.  Used correctly, dental floss removes both harmful food debris and bacterial plaque from these sensitive areas.

Certain foods contribute to good oral hygiene by acting as cleaners themselves.  Those with rough textures can cleanse the extreme back of the tongue more safely than some tools.  Chewing sugar-free gum combats mouth dryness, which leads to increased bacteria and consequentially, oral malodor.  The production of saliva aids in rinsing the tongue of contaminants.

Halitosis and its treatment have received less attention than other health issues within the medical community.  The aforementioned remedies apply only when the source is oral, but there have been other documented causes of bad breath.  For example, infections or foreign bodies in the nose can create strong odors in the air expelled through the nostrils.  Tonsil purification has also been shown to contribute to oral malodor in a small number of cases.  In these situations, treating the root conditions may cure the halitosis.

Although bad breath can have detrimental effects on the sufferer’s social interactions and self-perception, it is little more than a nuisance.  A dental health professional will help you to develop a specialized care plan.  The results may be the most permanent, but this option is also the most expensive.  At-home remedies can also be effective, depending on the severity of the case, and they are usually very affordable.  Quick fixes, such as mints and freshening sprays only mask foul breath for a short time, but offer no real solution.  Experts agree that the best way to prevent bad breath is by maintaining good hygiene and dental health.  Brushing, flossing, tongue cleaning, and even drinking several glasses of water each day are actions that go a long way in keeping your whole mouth fresh.

If you are one of the millions of people who suffer chronic bad breath, then you need to find out what causes bad breath and most importantly how to prevent it from ruining your social life. Bad breath is your enemy and in order to fight an enemy, you need to know what it is, what causes it, and how to prevent it from happening. This article will help you understand those aspects of bad breath and will inform you how to get rid of bad breath.

What is Bad Breath?

Bad breath, scientifically known as halitosis, plagues millions of people the world around. It affects young and old, rich and poor, male and female. This common foe doesn’t discriminate when it comes to its sufferers. Halitosis is marked by a foul and unpleasant odor emitting from the mouth area. Some odors may range from mild and stale to strong and pungent. In order to understand what bad breath is, you who are suffering from it must understand its causes, and stop bad breath in its tracks.

Common Causes of Bad Breath

Taking stock of your daily routine will help you get to the bottom of your bad breath problem. Your lifestyle and daily habits may contribute to the problem. How?

Smelly foods— certain smelly foods are notorious for causing bad breath. Among these infamous foods are those that come from tuber vegetables, like onions, garlic, turnips, and beets. If you are a fan of Italian food, your bad breath may stem from the ingredients. Strong cheeses also cause foul smelling breath.

Poor oral hygiene—next to smelly foods, poor oral hygiene is a factor that contributes to bad breath. People who suffer from bad breath that stems from poor oral hygiene have admitted to poor brushing, flossing, and rinsing habits. After eating, food particles build up plaque on your teeth. If your teeth are not properly brushed, flossed, and rinsed, odor causing bacteria will begin to multiply in your mouth and cause foul smelling breath. If you have minor or major dental issues such as unattended cavities or abscessed teeth and gums, bad breath may result from infections in these areas.

Habitual Smoking – it is a known fact. If you smoke, you will have “ashtray breath”. Nicotine and tobacco from cigarettes and cigars stick to and coat your tongue with a thick smelly substance. If you are a habitual smoker, your bad breath may go deeper than just your breath. It may be an internal issue, where the source is from your tar coated lungs.

How to Get Rid of Bad Breath

Bad breath is a nuisance. But this nuisance can be tamed with proper daily habits and food lifestyle changes. If you determine that the origin of your bad breath is the foods you eat, make the necessary changes in order to rid yourself of bad breath due to smelly foods. If you determine that your problem is due to poor dental hygiene, make an appointment with your dentist immediately and get those problems taken care of. If your problem is as simple as extra plaque build up, a good deep cleaning will take care of that problem. Also in accord with your deep cleaning at the dentist office, regular and thorough brushing habits will ensure that your breath stays fresh. Lastly, if you are a smoker and you are having issues with your breath—consider quitting the habit.

In the long run being conscience of the foods you intake into your body and of your dental habits will help you to maintain good dental hygiene, and ward off bad breath. Bad breath doesn’t have to ruin your social life. Remember to take stock of what you eat and your lifestyle and devise a plan of action to battle the problem of bad breath. You will benefit greatly with not only fresher breath, but a higher self-esteem. By paying attention to your dental health, your persistent problem with bad breath will not be as persistent anymore.

Everyone is used to a little morning breath, but this can be solved with just rinsing the mouth with some fresh water or brushing. However, there are some people who have a real problem that is different from morning breath. Also known as halitosis, this condition can sometimes call for a visit to the dentist or even a doctor. This embarrassing problem not only erodes self confidence but can destroy relationships and impede building friendships.

Causes of Bad Breath

Bad breath can result from a number of things. Some of the factors leading to this problem are:

• tooth decay
• plaque
• poor dental hygiene
• gum disease
• throat infections
• drinking alcohol in excess
• improperly cleaned dentures

How to Cure Bad Breath Naturally

There are many tried and proven natural treatments for bad breath that really work and do not cost an arm and a leg. In fact, many of the cures can be found in your kitchen or medicine cabinet. Some of the most popular remedies for bad breath are:

• Baking soda: This is one of the best known remedies for bad breath, no wonder it is used in so many toothpaste brands. There are a number of ways to use baking soda to combat the condition. One way is to brush with baking soda on a regular basis. The other is to dissolve some baking soda into some warm water and gargle with it. This can be used a few times per week to ensure that your breath remains fresh.

• Chewing a piece of mint or parsley also does the trick of keeping breath fresh and banishing bad breath. Other food sources that can help with halitosis are sunflower seeds and water.

• Hydrogen peroxide is a great way to combat bad breath. Gargling with a small amount is known to help kill the bacteria that causes odor in the mouth.

• Another popular natural method for dealing with bad breath is drinking tea made from Fenugreek seeds. Fenugreek is a multipurpose plant. The leaves are used as an herb, while the seeds are used for making tea or as a spice.

• An apple a day does more than keep the doctor away, it also helps keep the dentist and bad breath away as well.

• Eating a well balanced diet consisting of healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables, while avoiding sugary foods will help to maintain good dental health and keep bad breath at bay.

Medical Intervention & Bad Breath

For extreme cases of bad breath, especially those caused by tooth decay, gum disease and illness, medical intervention may be needed. Commercial mouth rinses and antiseptic mouth washes are normally recommended for treatment of halitosis. Mouthwashes used for treating the condition normally contain chlorine dioxide or sodium chlorite.

Dental Hygiene

Practicing good dental hygiene in the first place could prevent this condition in many cases. Brushing or at least rinsing between meals will help limit the formation of bacteria that can lead to bad breath. Developing the habit of flossing so as to remove food particles from between teeth is also important. Also, many persons neglect to brush their tongues when brushing their teeth. Bacteria also exist on tongues and are trapped there and will cause odor if not removed.

Conclusion

There is no need to let bad breath cramp your style or your physical and mental health. If you think or know you have a problem get help to solve it. While bad breath is embarrassing you can and should do something about it as soon as you become aware that a problem exists.

Halitosis is a condition that has plagued humanity since the beginning of time and yet somehow most individuals living within the modern society of the 21^st century have yet to rid themselves of this inexhaustible ailment! How can this be? What preventative measures must be taken to safeguard one’s oral health? And most importantly if one suffers from Halitosis how does one cure himself of it?

Ha-li-to-sis…what exactly is Halitosis? Well believe it or not it is the medical term for what the average person calls “bad breath”! Yes, you heard right bad breath is a recognized medical condition which under certain circumstances can develop into a serious condition if it is the direct cause of an oral infection or some sort of kidney illness.

Aside from the extreme cases, bad breath is the direct result of the formation of live bacteria in both the tongue and throat area. Now, don’t be fooled into thinking that this can be avoided or led to believe the myth that some people just don’t have bad breath! This is simply not the case, for the plain reason that the live bacteria (referred to by scientists as Anaerobic Sulfur Producing Bacteria) that causes bad breath is naturally produced by all humans. This particular bacterium is an essential component in the human digestion process. Thus, it is necessary for an individual to produce such bacteria in order to properly digest the food they eat. As a consequence, when the food comes into contact with the bacteria it in turn releases what we all experience as an odorous and awful taste in our mouths. So basically, there is no getting around it because the bacteria are beneficial to our health as they aid the digestive system to breakdown our daily food intake. Unfortunately, its side effects are less than desirable so how do we overcome this unavoidable dilemma?

I am sure that you are all well aware that the path to a sweeter and more pleasant breath is to brush your teeth on a regular basis. This of course is manageable but at times not realistic for most individuals who spend their day away from the comfort and privacy of their bathroom. Brushing one’s teeth as a bad breath remedy is only really effective if one brushes immediately after one has finished his meal. The reason being that the residue left behind by the bacteria, a soft sticky film generally referred to as plaque, will cling to your teeth and gums long after you have finished eating, thus it is imperative that the plaque be removed as soon as possible in order to eliminate the odour producing bacteria.

If you cannot brush it is highly recommended that you rinse, which should be quite easy to do as access to water is normally always available. When you use rinsing as a bad breath remedy, you are eliminating some of the residues left behind by the food you have just eaten thus reducing the intensity of the odorous bacteria.

This brings us to the minty fresh mouthwash, a product commonly misunderstood. Many have been led to believe that the mouthwash is a top bad breath remedy; this unfortunately is not the case. The mouthwash, along with gum and the mint are mere cover-ups. It is true that they do mask the effects of bad breath but these products only offer a temporary solution as they normally last for no more than twenty minutes.

The most effective proven bad breath remedy is to remove the bacteria found on the surface of one’s tongue. This can generally be accomplished by brushing the tongue surface with a toothbrush; some have even suggested that if a toothbrush is not within reach then to simply invert a spoon and to scrape off as much of the bacteria as possible using the utensil.

Despite all these possibilities there are some odours that cannot be eliminated no matter how often or how long you brush; these odours will linger well into the rest of your day or evening. These lingering odours are caused by either garlicky or spicy foods and are to be avoided unless you don’t mind keeping your hand in front of your mouth for the next twenty four hours…that’s right it lasts that long!

Apart from the wide range of oral health products which can easily be found in any pharmacy or supermarket there are also some more “natural” means of eliminating bad breath. Parsley, for instance, has been proven to be quite effective against bad breath as it contains chlorophyll, which has been recognized as a sort of breath “deodorizer”. So the next time you’re thinking of picking up some Mexican food grab a few sprigs of parsley and chew, chew, chew!! And remember you are what you eat!

the sharp exhale followed by the quick sniff, before that important job interview or that big date you finally worked up the nerve to ask for. Well, if you’ve ever wished your dog could do that check before licking your face, then read on. A number of factors can cause bad breath in dogs, and thankfully there are ways to deal with the problem that don’t involve getting a cat instead.

Causes of Dogs Bad Breath

The first thing to do if you realize that your dog has bad breath is to identify the cause. Sometimes a quick check of your dog’s teeth may reveal the problem.

Dogs may fall victim to the same dental problems that plague humans. Gingivitis and periodontitis are two dental problems that can affect canines and lead to bad breath. Gingivitis is caused by bacterial plaque which builds up in the small spaces between the teeth and the gums, and by tartar which accumulates on the teeth. The gums become inflamed and the spaces between the gums and the teeth become enlarged, leading to periodontitis. The resulting infection from these conditions can cause dogs to have bad breath.

Like humans, dogs can also get tooth abscesses. This occurs when bacteria builds up in the soft pulp of the tooth, enclosing pus in the tissue. This condition can result from damaged teeth, tooth decay or advanced periodontal disease. If you are concerned about your dog’s bad breath, chances are the problem is caused by an abscess.

If you feed bones to your dog, be aware that bone fragments can get stuck in your pet’s throat and sometimes in the gums. This can lead to infection which in turn causes bad breath. There are other things that can get stuck in a dog’s mouth, causing a foul odor to develop. These include hair or any other foreign particles from something the animal has chewed on.

A dog’s bad breath could also be due to oral ulcers. These are open sores in the mouth resulting from damage caused by chewing bones or some hard substance, or some chemical which finds its way into the dog’s mouth. Luckily, these ulcers are not usually difficult to spot.  Keep in mind that oral ulcers could also be a sign of cancer, so if these are observed, the dog should be taken to a vet as quickly as possible.

Poor digestion can affect your dog’s breath. Often, a dog may have stomach problems that the owner is unaware of, or may not respond well to certain types of dog food. What you may think is coming from the dog’s mouth, could be poorly digested food. A vet can determine whether your pet’s problem is oral or related to digestive issues.

Treating Your Dog’s Bad Breath

There are a number of options for preventing bad breath in dogs. Visit your pet store for a toothbrush and toothpaste and begin a regular brushing regimen. It’s not necessary to brush more than once per day. This combined with regular visits to the vet should help to prevent any oral problems which can lead to bad breath, plus any visible problems will be detected early on. Try to start this routine early so your dog gets used to it. Otherwise be prepared for a bit of a struggle.

Some dog food brands are specially designed to help prevent oral problems in dogs, including bad breath. You can also purchase doggie breath drops, some of which prevent indigestion and come in refreshing flavors like peppermint.

Just like you need to make regular visits to the dentist to keep your teeth looking their best, a dog’s teeth also need to be checked. While some cases of bad breath can be remedied with a change of dog food, ultimately most problems will require medical attention.

So now that you know what can cause your dog’s bad breath and how to deal with it, go ahead and let him lick your face. Just make sure he wasn’t just drinking from the toilet.

Many people assume bad breath is caused by poor oral hygiene or eating certain foods.  While these are common reasons some people have foul-smelling breath, there are other health-related causes of bad breath.  Let’s consider some of the reasons why people have bad breath, medically referred to as halitosis.

Diet

Diet is one of the most common causes of bad breath.  Certain foods are well-known for causing foul breath, such as onions and garlic.  As our digestive system breaks down these food, odors are released as the molecules are absorbed into the circulatory system and distributed through the body.  Blood travels through our lungs as as we exhale, the fumes from these molecules are released in our breath.  While mouth wash or gum temporarily masks the odors from foods, they will still be noticed.  The best way to get rid of this type of bad breath is to simply avoid the foods that cause it.

Smoking

Smoking causes bad breath.  As smoke is inhaled, it also builds up on a person’s teeth, cheeks, tongue and gums.  Smoking dries oral tissues and increases the risk of periodontal disease.  The result is the unpleasant breath frequently called “smoker’s breath”.  Steer clear of smoking for fresh breath.

Dental Hygiene

Dental hygiene plays a big part in having clean breath.  When you have cavities, a dental abscess or periodontal (gum) disease, your breath will have a sick smell.  Bacteria builds in your mouth from decaying food particles.  Brushing and flossing regularly prevents cavities, dental abscesses, gum disease and bad breath.  Scraping your tongue gets rid of bacteria that builds up causing bad breath.  People with dentures should make sure to properly clean them to avoid foul-smelling breath.

Bacteria

Bacteria is one of the leading causes of bad breath and creates that “rotten egg” smell.  Having good oral hygiene gets rid of the bacteria that naturally builds up in your mouth.  According to Joseph J. Zambon, D.D.S., Ph.D., professor of oral biology and periodontology in the UB School of Dental Medicine it is important to identify the bacteria to get rid of bad breath.  Zambon states, “Current therapy is aimed at reducing the number of bacteria in the mouth by procedures such as tongue scraping. But all the bacteria that can cause the disease are not known. What is known is that some of the bacteria that cause bad breath produce volatile sulfur compounds, so current therapy is directed against these bacteria. But there are other bacteria in the mouth that can cause bad breath that we are trying to identify. Once the bacteria are identified, we can develop better treatments.”  Flossing, brushing and scheduling regular dental checkups are still the best ways to get rid of common types of bad breath.

Beverages

Certain beverages are one of many causes of bad breath.  If you are lactose intolerant, you may have foul breath after dairy products such as milk.  Coffee and tea give your breath a distinctive smell.  Alcohol lingers on your breath and makes your mouth dry causing an odor.  Laura Brinker, spokesperson for Procter & Gamble, says, “It is true that alcohol, at high concentrations, contributes to dry mouth, which exacerbates bad breath and the growth of germs.  Alcohol draws moisture out of the tissues in your mouth, and also slows salivary flow … Since saliva is limited, the bacteria is not being diluted or washed out. This means bad-breath germs and other germs become concentrated in the mouth.”  When you avoid offending beverages, you get rid of bad breath.

Dry Mouth

Most people have dry mouth when they wake up, commonly referred to as “morning breath”.  Public speakers such as teachers and attorneys may suffer from dry mouth after talking for a long period of time.  Chronically dry mouth is also known as xerostomia, which may be the result of taking certain medications or may come with age.  Those with dry mouth can ask a dentist for a saliva substitute.  Dr. Harold Katz states, “”If you dry out the tissues, the smelly compounds that the bacteria produce are no longer naturally washed away, and you get a pungent experience.  The drier your mouth, the less saliva you have, which is nature’s way of keeping your breath fresh.”  Water and alcohol-free mouth washes help to keep the tissues moist to get rid of bad breath caused by dry mouth.

Stress

Stress may also cause bad breath.  Because of the link between periodontal disease and stress, bad breath may be an unwanted side effect. Stressing out over bad breath will certainly not make it better.

Stomach Acid

Acidic food and beverages can cause acid to build in your stomach causing bad breath.  Those with acid reflux may also suffer because of regurgitated food and acid that comes up from the stomach.  Avoid acidic foods and consult with a physician if you think you may have acid reflux.

Serious Health Problems

Bad breath can also be caused by serious underlying health problems.  For example, if your breath has a fishy odor is could be a sign of chronic kidney failure.  Breath with a feces scent may occur with a bowel obstruction or if there is prolonged vomiting.  A fruit odor can mean excess acetone, a sign of ketoacidosis which occurs in diabetes.  Sinus conditions with postnasal drip can cause smelly breath.  Other problems that may cause bad breath include respiratory, gastrointestinal and liver.  A physician can tell you if bad breath is a sign of other health problems.

Consequences of Bad Breath

Bad breath make us feel self-conscious and can be offensive to others.  Dating, kissing, talking and meeting with clients can become difficult when you are worried about bad breath.  While bad breath is not life threatening, it can be a sign of a life-threatening health condition.

Dealing With Bad Breath

Good oral hygiene and a diet without smelly foods or beverages usually improves most cases of bad breath.  Otherwise, visit a dentist to see if there are other reasons for the problem.  If a dentist cannot determine the cause of bad breath, check with a doctor to see if there is a health issue involved.  Newsweek reported 25 percent of Americans suffer with bad breath, so you are not facing this problem alone.

Bad breath doesn’t specifically strike people who have just crawled out of bed in the morning, or those of us over the age of sixty.  Halitosis, the medical term for the condition, afflicts almost anyone if the circumstances facilitate its occurrence.  Bad breath can be caused by any number of factors, some of which include temporary influences such as smoking cigarettes or consuming alcohol, in addition to more serious quandaries such as health matters and gum diseases like gingivitis or periodontitis.  Proper dental hygiene should be your first step to fresh breath, but in this article, you will find other various situations that might foster halitosis, along with suggestions on how to rid yourself of its presence.  However, rather than use the information to diagnose and treat yourself, you should see a dentist who can analyze and identify the problem for you.  You may not have a serious condition, but let a professional decide whether you do or not.  By following the guidelines below, and adhering to a physician’s orders, you might be able to rid yourself of persistent foul breath.

One of the most frequent causes of halitosis is only temporary, and it is instigated by substances that you place into your mouth.  Onions and garlic are known to cause mouth odors, and twenty sticks of gum or several hundred squirts of perfume or cologne won’t entirely mask the smell.  The oils in some of these foods gets transferred into the lungs, so every time you breathe out, you release the odor into your surroundings.  If you want to rid yourself of this form of halitosis, you will simply need to avoid eating the foods that cause it, and stick to fruits and vegetables instead.  You might be someone who likes onions too much to renounce them; if that’s the case, the good news to remember is that it’s only temporary, but also don’t forget that you cannot completely mask the odor with mints or gum.  Other factors that cause bad breath are smoking and drinking alcohol.  Like certain foods, elements in alcohol get into your lungs, and each time you breathe, you exhale an unpleasant smell that is not easily veiled.  And if you use mouthwash to rinse away foul breath, think again.  Mouthwash contains rather elevated amounts of alcohol, which can decrease your saliva output, another cause in itself for bad breath.

A rather common origin of halitosis is decreased saliva output, which is the reason that most people awaken with “morning breath.”  When we sleep, our bodies slow down the production of saliva, and we lose some of its advantages.  Normally, saliva reduces the acidic properties of what we eat or drink, and it helps break down the food in our mouths before we even swallow it.  The enzymes in saliva also carry away bacteria that would otherwise cause leftover food to decay in our mouths, causing an unpleasant scent.  When our saliva decreases, we lose those benefits and allow small food particles to hide between our teeth and release malodorous gases caused by decay.  Many factors initiate the decrease of saliva   For one, countless people are very content mouth-breathers, but when those people constantly breathe in and out of their mouths all day, their mouths become sticky and dry.  Although the saliva output doesn’t seem to decrease, the production doesn’t have enough time to catch up with the rapid drying activity caused by breathing through the mouth.  If you only breathe through your mouth, there’s a good chance that you have foul breath.  Learn to breathe through your nose so that your oral cavity can remain moist.  Also, older people don’t produce very high levels of saliva, so age is a common factor.  In addition, certain medical conditions like high blood pressure can cause reduced salivation, and unfortunately, so do blood pressure medications given to control the condition.  If you notice that you often have a dry mouth, try chewing on gum or sucking on candy throughout the day.  Those actions tend to facilitate the production of saliva, but even so, you should check with your dentist or doctor for help in diagnosing the real cause of your dry mouth.

Certain periodontal diseases, such as gingivitis or periodontitis can contribute to halitosis.  Don’t assume that these ailments are always caused by poor dental hygiene.  Viral infections, reactions to certain medications, hormonal changes in pregnancy, and a number of other factors all supplement the inception of periodontal diseases.  Bacteria can also play a large part in causing gum diseases, so again, make sure you practice proper dental hygiene, and visit a dentist twice a year.  The symptoms of most gum diseases include red and swollen gums, bleeding while brushing, and gum discomfort in some, but not all.  Usually in its early stages, gingivitis is only noticeable due to bleeding gums; there’s rarely discomfort, but foul breath does exist at a fairly early onset.  Be sure that you see a dentist if you experience any of the above symptoms.  Periodontal diseases can be treated rather successfully, but if you ignore them, a regrettable consequence could be loss of your teeth.

Certain types of intestinal maladies or head colds can foster bad breath because they create a shelter for bacteria.  Many medical conditions, such as post-nasal drip from the common cold, promote the secretion of thick mucus, which can become a safe haven for odor-causing bacteria.  Disorders of the intestinal tract will promote bad breath because of delayed food digestion.  In addition, diverticula, a diagnosis of the esophagus consists of small pockets that accommodate trapped food, which stays for an extended period of time and eventually decays¹.  Again, you should see a doctor who can diagnose any medical condition that might lead to the remedy of your halitosis.

Halitosis can be caused by any number of problems, some of which include less serious conditions such as food intake or cigarettes, including more serious problems like decreased salivation and periodontal diseases.  You can alleviate some of the calamities yourself by avoiding cigarettes and alcohol, adhering to proper dental hygiene, following a suitable diet, and making regular trips to the dentist.  However, if foul breath persists, make sure you see a physician for any other possible medical problems, and don’t attempt to identify the malady yourself.

Every day we all wake up and brush our teeth and tongue to make sure we do not have the bad breath syndrome.  However, of course, there are some of us who either do not brush or it just does not help to.  Sometimes it may be your co-worker, a close friend or relative, or even a complete stranger.  The truth of the matter is, it’s not only embarrassing for that person to keep going around with bad breath, it’s unprofessional, so in this article you learn of 4 simple ways to let that person know they have bad breath in a polite and respectful way, 3 reasons why people have bad breath, as well as 3 possible ways to solve the bad breath problem!

One way to let a person know that they have bad breath is by telling one of their close friends or relatives.  Most of the time people are not as offended when someone close tells them about their bad breath.  If you feel as though you are close enough to that person, then you could possibly be the one to break the bad breath news.  Obviously, anytime someone is told that they have bad breath, it is not always a pleasant time nor will that person always respond positively, but at least they know it and they can find ways to solve the problem.

A second way to let a person know that they have bad breath, just go up to them or near them and say “wow, something smells like garlic, is it you?” Moreover, hopefully they will get the hint that their breath is not the best.  By saying that, you are not directly saying your breath is horrible, but at the same time, you are sending a message.

A third way to let a person know that they have bad breath is through email.  It is a lot easier to get a message across that is unflattering without having face-to-face contact.  Just make sure not to try to be funny, but more serious and respectful in the e-mail.

Lastly, there are some online services out there such as http://www.badbreathogram.com/ that allows you to pay a small fee to send an anonymous message to someone letting them know that they have bad breath.  Whichever way you choose to tell that person, just ensure you are being respectful and understanding at the same.  Try to picture someone telling you that you have bad breath and how you would react.

The best way to sympathize with a person who has bad breath is to understand the possible reasons why.  One of the main reasons is poor hygiene, such as not brushing and flossing enough or correctly, which leaves food to decay in that person’s teeth.

Smoking also causes short-term bad breath problems.  Another reason is possible infections in the mouth, such as gum disease.  That is why it is important to understand why, because they may brush more than anyone else may in the world, but if they have some sort of mouth disease than their bad breath problem may be out of their control.

Lastly, bad breath can be caused by respiratory tract infections, such as throat, lung, and sinus infections.  Once again, these are possible causes that cannot always be prevented, so it is important to be respectful and understanding of the situation at hand.

Now that you know how to tell someone, they have bad breath and the reasons why, you must now know how to solve bad breath.  Some quick and easy steps are to go to dentist check-ups regularly to ensure your gum and teeth are of proper condition.  Also, do not forget to brush and floss daily, as well as using anti-septic mouthwash to kill germs and bacteria to hide within your mouth.  In addition, do not forget to brush and scrape your tongue.  I am sure you could easily find these necessary tools at your local grocery store.

Chances are we all know or have known someone with bad breath.  Just remember that one day you may be in their shoes for whatever reason, so be respectful, understanding, and caring when discussing this fragile situation with that individual and that person is sure to be as understanding as you are, and hopefully their bad breath problem will be solved!

It has been said that you can not smell your own bad breath. No matter how talented you are, this is a physiological impossibility. We have all been accosted by halitosis whether it is of a self inflicted nature or generously shared by someone close.

Physical and emotional health are dependent on each other. We must have both to maintain our health and vitality. It is my belief that many intimate relationships are aesthetically driven. Without frequent intimacy of some degree, our physical condition wanes.

How close do we get to someone else with bad breath? Will you tell your buddy that they have halitosis or will you bare with them and turn away only slightly? My contentions are that having a close friend who will tell you when you have bad breath and the practice of performing daily oral care are intimately entangled and are both requisite to optimal health.

The main problem is knowing whether we have it or not. We are poor judges of our own breath odor.  Some people suffer from bad breath without knowing it. Others build up exaggerated fears about breath odor even though they do not have it.  The best way to find out whether we have bad breath is to ask for someone else’s opinion.  If we don’t ask, other people are unlikely to tell us. Since bad breath can sometimes-fortunately rarely- be a sign of a significant general health problem, we should not be reluctant to tell people dear to us that they have a bad breath problem.

If you have reason to believe that there is a problem, see your dentist. Do not run to a specialist like an Ear Nose and Throat doctor, since bad breath usually comes from the mouth itself. Visit your dentist instead.

When you see the dentist, it is a good idea to explain in advance that you will be asking for advice about bad breath.  Also, try to go with someone who is familiar with the problem, to help give the dentist an objective picture of how bad the odor really is, how long you have had it, and whether it improves or gets worse. Bad breath often varies over a period of days or weeks.  A family member or friend can also help determine whether the odor at the time of the appointment resembles, both in character, and intensity, the odor that is generally troublesome.

If the dentist knows that the consultation is about bad breath, you may be asked not to eat, drink, smoke, chew gum, suck confectionery, use mouthwashes, breath fresheners etc., so that the odor will be more typical.  You should also avoid using perfumed cosmetic products, such as perfumes, aftershave and scented lipstick prior to the appointment, it can interfere with the odor assessment.  If the dentist is not told about the reason for the consultation beforehand, do these things anyway and tell the dentist you have prepared for the appointment in this way.

Your dentist will ask questions to help determine the possible causes of the odor, and then compare the odor coming from your nose and mouth. In most cases (85 to 95%), the odor comes from the mouth rather than the nose.  This is an indication that bacterial activity somewhere in the mouth is responsible.  If the odor comes from the nose, then the nasal passages may be involved.

Your dentist may also make measurements using a sulphide monitor to help in diagnosis and treatment, since volatile sulphur compounds are often associated with bad breath.

In people with healthy teeth and gums, the odor usually comes from the far back region of the tongue, and it grows stronger when the patient starts talking.  The dentist can sample this area using a plastic spoon.  The odor coming from the spoon sample may then be compared to the overall odor.  Although we do not know why, the very back of the tongue is an important source of bad breath, possibly as a result of postnasal drip, which can get stuck on the tongue and is then broken down by bacteria on the tongue surface.

If the back of the tongue is the problem, then the dentist can recommend a method of cleaning the area, either with a toothbrush, or a specially designed tongue scraper.  In some countries, tongue cleaning is a common and ancient practice.  It takes time and patience to overcome the gag reflex.  Eventually, tongue cleaning becomes easy.  Care should be taken to clean the back of the tongue thoroughly yet gently, without inflicting pain or sores.

In some people, bad breath is associated with gum disease, especially if rubbing the areas between the teeth and gums yields a foul odor.  Your dentist can help prevent and treat gum diseases in various ways, depending on the type and the extent of the problem.  Your own daily home care makes all the difference in the world in maintaining gum health between appointments.  Cleaning of the spaces between the teeth is of great importance.  One home tip to healthy gums (and less bad breath) is to smell the odor coming from the dental floss, and to work to clean those areas more carefully.

Your dentist may recommend other dental treatments if there are areas in which bacteria and food can become trapped and cause odor.  The dentist may also suggest daily rinsing with one of several available mouthwashes which have been scientifically shown to reduce bad breath over time.

Historically, man has made great strides in the art of making and keeping friendships and in the practice of good oral care. Relationships of early man were not driven by aesthetics but rather by survival.

Eurg, an early man, could be found clamoring about grunting demands to his fellow clansmen. His toxic breath and his three remaining brown teeth were not of concern to the others. Eurg probably did not have the luxury of a buddy telling him to go brush his teeth.

Today, Travis, would not make it to the water cooler in such condition with out a contingency of co-workers signaling squeamishly to one another albeit behind his back.  If you have a friend who will walk right up to you and ask, “Josh, have you seen that new movie, “Your breath vs. Godzilla?”  Then you just might have a buddy worth keeping.