What is bad breath? Also called halitosis, bad breath is an unpleasant smell emanating from someone’s mouth. Everyone will suffer from it at some time in their life.
While it can be very unpleasant for anyone standing next to a person with halitosis, it is caused by bacteria that attacks any food still lodged in the gums and teeth of the individual. The odour itself results from the release of sulphur compounds.
Bad breath can also be emphasised when individuals eat foods which themselves produce powerful odours such as garlic and oils.
Incidentally, smoking is also a cause of bad breath. It may also indicate a serious medical problem, particularly if it persists; for instance sinusitis and gum disease.
How can bad breath be treated?
Before answering this question, perhaps it is important to dispel a couple of myths. For example, some people say they can detect bad breath when they breathe into their hand. This isn’t true. You breathe differently when doing this than when you talk.
Similarly, using mouthwash or simply brushing doesn’t totally get rid of bad breath. The former simply masks it or removes it temporarily, while you need to brush far more than most people do to eradicate it completely.
However what will cure bad breath is making sure that you use a proper regime when cleaning your teeth. Simply brushing won’t cut it. You need to floss as well. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking on a sprig of parsley can also help as the release of saliva helps to clean teeth and remove food debris.
If bad breath is persistent it may also be the result of not eating a suitable diet. Low carbohydrate diets can cause what is called ketone breath which is particularly pungent smell.
In short, a proper balanced diet along with a good oral hygiene helps reduce the risks of halitosis.
Prevention is better than cure.
Tags: bad breath, bad breath Liverpool, halitosis, liverpool
