Causes Of HalitosisHave you experienced talking to somebody who often crinkles his nose or turns away or, worse, covers his nose as you talk? That is really the most embarrassing way to discover that you have halitosis. Let us explore what causes this embarrassing condition so that we can find a way to try to treat, if possible, these factors. What, therefore, are the causes of halitosis? Natural Factors As food passes through the mouth, naturally, bits and pieces are left in between the gums, teeth, and the tongue, most especially the back part. These food particles are broken down into their basic components. In this process, several kinds of gases are produced, which are foul smelling. These gases are emitted as you speak. Also, you may have post-nasal drip; this is when mucus from the nose drips down to your throat. This is a favorite hang-out for the bacteria that live in your mouth. That is why the area at the back of the tongue becomes the main source of foul smell as post-nasal drip accumulates along with the dead cells and broken-down food particles. Did you know that the stomach can also contribute to this smelly affair? Processes in the stomach are sometimes affected by different factors that bring some of the contents up to the esophagus in a disorder called gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD. However, this disorder will not only manifest foul odor but other more serious symptoms as well. This is quite a difficult case when it comes to children who can be severely affected by this reflux but could not be treated because of misdiagnosis. This is quite common because GERD is difficult to detect for them. Medical Factors Some causes of halitosis have medical origin. It is quite possible that a respiratory infection will allow the accumulation of odor-causing bacteria along the respiratory tract. Also, some diseases such as diabetes, kidney, or liver disorders can cause halitosis. However, this does not mean, of course, that if you have halitosis, then you have these medical conditions. The Cure There is no cure-it-all medication for halitosis. However, a cure may be possible if you know the causes of halitosis in you. If your halitosis is caused by poor oral hygiene, then your dentist can help you cure that problem. The dentist will clean your mouth of the plaque that has been accumulating on your gum line. He can then teach you ways to possibly avoid halitosis: perhaps by flossing, chewing sugar-free gum, or using alcohol-free mouthwash. Chewing a sugar-free gum will help in the production of saliva, which helps in the reduction of bacterial build-up in your mouth. Brushing your tongue, along with brushing your teeth, regularly will help prevent bad breath. Did you also know that eating a well-balanced breakfast meal with rough food will help clean up the bacteria at the back of your tongue? Also, drinking plenty of water will help maintain the water levels in your body, which, in turn, assists in minimizing bacterial growth. More serious medical conditions, of course, need to be treated by medical professionals. |