What is Halitosis or Bad Breath?

Halitosis or bad breath is an oral problem in which a little bitty uneven surface of the tongue trapped the microorganisms and bacteria, which produce a bad smell. This term was first used in 1921 in the US, derived from the Latin word “halitus” which means “exhaled air” and “oasis” at the end is a Greek word, which is used as a suffix for pathological terms. The main symptom of halitosis is a bad smell. About 30% of the population is facing this problem of bad breath. 

Psychological Effects of Halitosis

Halitosis is a disease, which can badly affect the quality of life. This medical issue can damage someone’s personality and social relations. Having this disease can lead to severe anxiety or depression. This is the main cause of lack of confidence among people; they feel hesitation while talking to others. Everyone should aware of this serious issue and try to cure it if they have this problem.

Causes of Halitosis

Sulfur-producing bacteria: The main cause of halitosis that lives in the colonies at the back of the tongue.

Dry mouth: overuse of medicines and alcohol causes dry mouth and produces a bad smell, which leads to halitosis.

Smoking: Today the main cause of halitosis is too much use of tobacco. Smoking not only causes halitosis, but it is also the main problem of liver damage.

Foods: There are some foods, which supposed to cause bad breath such as garlic, onions, and cauliflowers. These foods are not the main cause but can produce a bad smell for short time.

Poor Oral hygiene is also a major problem of this disease.

Symptoms of Halitosis/ Bad Breath

The most notable symptoms of bad breath or halitosis are the followings:

• Dry mouth
• Bad smell after awaking the morning
• Thick saliva
• Sour or bitter taste
• Discoloration of teeth

 Treatment of Bad Breath

Water: drinking plenty of water is a very easy and natural way to cure this disease. Water rinses off all the smell-producing bacteria. It produces saliva and keeps the tongue smooth.

Gargling with salt water: The mixture of salt and warm water is considered the best way to kill smell-producing bacteria. Gargling with this water helps to cure halitosis.

Chew on cloves: Cloves are the natural agent to fight against cavity-causing bacteria. Daily chewing cloves help to prevent bad breath.

Floss: using floss in daily routine help to remove bacteria and food particles that are stuck within teeth to produce a bad smell.

Brush Tongue: Bacteria mostly stay on the tongue, and sugar particles are stuck on the uneven surface of the tongue. So, must brush your tongue while brushing your teeth.

5- Foods To Treat Bad Breath

Raw Fruits and Veggies: These fruits are oranges, apples, pears, and carrots, they help to produce saliva and kill odor-producing bacteria.

Green Tea: This includes catechins, which are the best natural antioxidant. Green is the best agent to fight this bad smell problem.

Probiotic Yogurt: The probiotic yogurt has bacteria in it, which combat bad bacteria that cause bad breath. Use yogurt in your daily routine for good oral health.

Herbs: Parsley and Basil are the most important herbs, which contain polyphenols. This is a natural chemical to fight bacteria.

Chewing gum to treat halitosis: When you chew gum, your mouth stays salivary flow stimulated. It keeps your teeth clean and makes your jaw strong. Chiclete like gums are not good for your teeth; it feeds your bacteria that spread in your mouth and cause bad breath.