0 Halitosis Causes

Halitosis is often known by its more common name, "bad breath", and is something you've likely experienced up close and personally during your lifetime. Sometimes, halitosis can come from someone who is standing just too close, and doesn't realize how bad their breath smells. In other instances, you may be the one with the nasty breath, and may have no idea you're the reason people are moving away. But what causes awful breath?

The most common halitosis causes lie with what you eat. Pungent-smelling foods such as garlic, fish, onions, strong cheeses or diets that are rich in fat can all cause bad breath, thanks to the digestion of their volatile substances into your bloodstream. Bad breath can also be caused by not eating, as the breakdown of the proteins necessary for energy to be produced leads to a distinct odor. Other common halitosis causes include not brushing or flossing your teeth properly, which allows food bacteria to group and a lack of movement of the saliva in your mouth, something that happens each night when you sleep and can result in "morning breath". Medical causes for halitosis include gum infections, chronic sinusitis, diabetes, and Sjorgren's syndrome. In very young children, bad breath with no discernible cause can be an indication of a more serious problem.

Treating halitosis is not as simple as popping a mint or chewing a piece of gum. Because the compounds which cause bad breath come from your stomach and lungs, it is impossible for even a powerful mint to remove all of your bad breath. Mints and gums may provide temporary relief from halitosis, but they can often contain large amounts of sugar, which may affect your teeth and gums. At home, you can help limit the amount of bad breath you have by brushing your teeth at least three times a day and flossing regularly, in addition to using mouthwash or a tongue scraper. Avoiding things like caffeine and alcohol, as well as drinking water, can help to increase the amount of saliva in your mouth and ensure that it is continually being exchanged. If these remedies do not work, it is possible to have your doctor or dentist prescribe an artificial saliva product or suggest a specific toothpaste and mouthwash that is aimed at combating the underlying causes of bad breath.

Halitosis or "bad breath" can be caused by a number of factors including diet and personal hygiene rituals, and can often be addressed in a few simple steps at:

www.therabreath.com/halitosis.html