Bad breath (also called as Halitosis) is a condition in which there is an unpleasant smell in the mouth due to different underlying health problems. The primary reason for a bad breath is the colonization of bacteria in between the teeth and around the tongue. Bad breath can be rare or chronic both and may often leave you socially embarrassed.
- Inadequate oral hygiene
- Cavities
- Underlying health problem such as cancer, metabolic disorders and gastrointestinal problems
- Intake of certain foods such as onion, garlic and spices
- Smoking or chewing of tobacco
- The most common symptom is a foul smell in the mouth. It may also be accompanied with bad taste in the mouth, sour taste or taste changes.
- You may also experience dryness and a coating in the mouth
- In case the symptoms of bad breath persist for longer than two weeks, you must see a dental expert at the earliest.
- Symptoms that may accompany and should not be ignored are, a) Sores in the mouth b) Pain in chewing or swallowing c) Fever
- Your doctor may ask you for your complete medical and dental history.
- The doctor may ask you to get an x-ray and dental charting done which shall help him determine if the odor is due to a gum disease.
- Practice good oral hygiene which involves a) Brushing twice a day b) Brushing or atleast rinsing your mouth after meals
- Use dental floss regularly
- Keep your mouth moist by drinking plenty of water at regular intervals
- Avoid excessive intake of tobacco based products
- Avoid foods that have a stench such as onions and garlic
Chew a tablespoon of fennel after meals. Also, you can steep one or two teaspoons of fennel seeds in a cup of water. Have it after meals to keep your mouth fresh.
To a cup of water, add one teaspoon of cinnamon powder or less than half the cinnamon stick. Boil the water for 5-10 minutes and drink that water after meals. You can also add honey to make it palatable
You can enjoy the taste of clove tea by boiling a cup of water with ground cloves. You may also use the drink to rinse your mouth and keep away the bad breath.
You can prepare a juice of parsley leaves with a dash of lemon and enjoy the healthy drink. Also, you may choose to simply chew the fresh leaves to keep your mouth fresh.
So, go ahead and practice better oral hygiene and try these natural remedies to fight bad breath the easy way. In case your symptoms worsen or do not improve in a couple of weeks, consult a doctor at the earliest.
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