Bad Breath - Home Remedies For Bad Breath

Most adults suffer from bad breath occasionally, although it may affect up to a quarter of adults on a regular basis Bad breath is a problem that is shared by millions of people across the country. Until recently, there really has not been an effective scientific approach to diagnosing and treating bad breath or chronic halitosis conditions.

Bad breath is usually brought on by the breakdown of proteins by bacteria somewhere in the mouth. However, there are several other possible causes that affect the airways, oesphagus and stomach that can also lead to bad breath.

Bad breath, medically called halitosis, can result from poor oral hygiene habits and may be a sign of other health problems. Bad breath can also be made worse by the types of foods you eat and other unhealthy lifestyle habits.

Causes

Tobacco products. Smoking dries out your mouth and causes its own unpleasant mouth odor. Tobacco users are also more likely to have periodontal disease, an additional source of bad breath.

Food. The breakdown of food particles in and around your teeth can cause a foul odor. Eating foods containing volatile oils is another source of bad breath. Onions and garlic are the best known examples, but other vegetables and spices also can cause bad breath. After these foods are digested and the pungent oils are absorbed into your bloodstream, they're carried to your lungs and are given off in your breath until the food is eliminated from your body.

Dry mouth. Saliva helps cleanse and moisten your mouth. A dry mouth enables dead cells to accumulate on your tongue, gums and cheeks. These cells then decompose and cause odor. Dry mouth naturally occurs during sleep. It's what causes "morning breath." Dry mouth is even more of a problem if you sleep with your mouth open. Some medications as well as smoking can lead to a chronic dry mouth, as can a problem with your salivary glands.

Dental problems. Poor dental hygiene and periodontal disease can be a source of bad breath. If you don't brush and floss daily, food particles remain in your mouth, collecting bacteria and emitting hydrogen sulfur vapors. A colorless, sticky film of bacteria (plaque) forms on your teeth.

Home Remedies for Bad Breath

Eat three meals a day Bad breath can be caused by not eating, too. One of the side effects of fasting or a poor diet is bad breath.

Drinking a hot cup of unsweetened tea will help curing bad breath.

Chew a mint or some gum. Like mouthwash, a breath mint or minty gum is just a coverup, good for a short interview, a short ride in a compact car, or a very short date.

Brush your tongue. "Most people overlook their tongues," says Dr. Shapira. "Your tongue is covered with little hairlike projections, which under a microscope look like a forest of mushrooms. Under the caps of the mushrooms there's room to harbor plaque and some of the things we eat. That causes bad breath."
Ditch your dentures. If you wear dentures, never wear them to sleep. Give them a thorough cleaning and leave them out until morning.

Tongue piercing. Anything that allows you to harbor more bacteria on your tongue, like tongue jewelry, increases your chance of bad breath.