Have you ever found yourself in a dumbfounding or an embarrassing situation because of your own breath or someone else’s? Or have you ever been afraid to speak at a public gathering even when you have an important contribution, all because of your own breath? Quite uncomfortable, right? The fact is, nearly everyone suffers from bad breath occasionally but for some persons, it’s a regular occurrence and a source of embarrassment and anxiety. It’s even worse when you ain’t aware of your bad breath and you have to learn about it from someone else. This condition, known as HALITOSIS, has hampered a lot of relationships and the quality of people’s lives. In the course of time, some discovers theirs and sort for solutions immediately while others are not even directional on what to do and they end up living a large percentage of their lives with bad breath.

What Causes Bad Breath?

So, one question running through your mind might be… “what causes bad breath”? A lot of reasons and situations are accountable for bad breath and the most common of them will be listed below.

Particles of food can give room for bacteria to breed in the mouth and they can cause bad breath. Smoking is another reason. According to mayoclinic.org, “smokers and oral tobacco users are also more likely to have gum disease, another source of bad breath.” Not brushing your teeth and flossing (the act of removing food and plaque from one’s teeth using dental floss) everyday gives room for bacteria and makes the mouth smell. A dirty tongue can also take in bacteria and result in bad breath.

According to research, most people living with HALITOSIS have a very poor hygiene while for others it might just be the outcome of situation (s) which could also be put under control.

Also, Did you know that a dry mouth can also cause halitosis? Naturally, the saliva cleanses the mouth by removing things that can cause unpleasant odour. So, if for any reason the mouth lacks saliva, it might cause halitosis.

Certain medications, including the use of spices like garlic, onion, and others can cause bad breath too and many people seem to be ignorant of this fact. They insist on taking a large portion of these spices because of its medicinal benefits not minding it’s detrimental effect which could be a Long-term effect(HALITOSIS).

Other causes of halitosis includes mouth infections (which result from tooth decay, sores and gun disease), serious inflammation in the throat, nose and sinuses, and diseases such as cancer or metabolic disorders.

How Do You Deal With Halitosis?

Now, having realised how embarrassing and detrimental it is, how do you deal with halitosis? The first and most important step is to make a lifestyle change: brush your teeth with a fluoridated toothpaste after every meal (breakfast, lunch and dinner). In addition, Floss daily; drink plenty of water, or take other fluids to take care of dry mouth.

Quit smoking, and stop using tobacco products because they do more harm than good to your body system. Wash and gaggle your mouth with an alcohol-free mouthwash before bed. Always brush your tongue with your toothbrush, rinse your mouth daily with a good mouthwash. Notwithstanding, if after making all these efforts consistently and there are no changes, please see a dentist.

Writer: Anyanwu Elijah
A student of medicine and surgery (in view) of University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN).