A fress look at bad breath

ONE of the most difficult and embarrassing topics to discuss among friends, family members and co-workers, is bad breath( technically known as Halitosis).What are the causes of bad breath? Nearly half of the population admits to occassional halitosis and ninety percent of cases of foul breath begins in the mouth. Poor brushing and flossing habits leads to the presence of oral cavities, dental plaque, and periodontal (gum) disease which are the basic causes of foul breath.
The main source of bad breath has been identified as Volatile Sulfuric Compounds (VSC). When you eat, the bacteria and enzymes in your mouth start breaking down the food particles that create by-products that include volatile sulfuric compounds that smell like rotten egg. VSCs grow mainly in the very back portion of the tongue, where the surface is the roughest.
Persons with very poor oral hygiene pratices are candidates for halitosis. Habits like smoking and mouth breathing can cause halitosis too. Bad breath caused by tobacco stays even when you are not smoking. Tobacco use can stain the teeth, irritate the gums and increase the likelihood of gum diseases and oral cancers. Individuals that continually breathe through their mouth may have a dry mouth that can result in bad breath. Certain foods and diets are contributory to halitosis. These include garlic, onions, coffee, curry and alcohol. The foul breath will last until the body has eliminated the food or drink.
Keep in mind that bad breath can also signal medical disorders like diabetes, gastrointestinal problems (reflux, indigestion, hiatal hernia), sinus and respiratory infections (sinusitis, bronchitis, pneumonia), leukemia, gall bladder dysfunctions, among others. If your breath does not improved with dental treatment, or if you have other symptoms, it is important that you consult a qualified medical doctor without delay.
So,  how can halitosis be treated? Fresh breath is a result of a healthy mind and body. Treating halitosis means treating the underlying cause.A professional dental practitioner can help identify the cause of bad breath. If it is due to an oral disease, the dentist can establish a treatment plan to eliminate the cause or may refer you to a professional who specializes in breath analysis.The dentist may also suggest a complete physical examination to rule out any medical condition that may contribute to halitosis.
How does one prevent bad breath? Basically, maintaining good physical and oral hygiene habits are necessary to achieve fresh breath. Brushing your teeth and tongue at least twice a day plus regular flossing will remove food debris and prevent dental plaque formation. If one is wearing an orthodontic appliance or denture, clean them regularly. Regular dental visits (ideally every 6 months) for professional cleaning and oral examination is a must to guarantee  fresher breath.
“Bad breath is better than no breath at all”.