BAD BREATH... What To Do?

Bad breath or Halitosis, becomes an awkward or embarrassing situation sometimes. It can also be a warning for certain health problems also.

 WHAT ARE THE CAUSES? 

Usually it's due to DENTAL problems or poor orodental hygiene or type of food we eat. Smoking, alcohol consumption, chewing tobacco, neglection of dental hygiene lead on to dental carries or irritation of gums and buccal mucosa ( lining of the mouth). 

Ulcers of oral cavity ( mouth), any pus collection, gum disease, gingivitis ( gum  infections) dental ( teeth) carries, dental abscess, plaques, coated tongue, fungal infection of tongue ,can cause bad breath. 

Diseases of the TONSILS, like tonsillitis, tonsillar abscess( pus), tonsillolith( stones), tonsil foreign body also contributes. 

INADEQUATE WATER INTAKE, dehydration, decreased saliva production, salivary gland diseases, like inflammation, abscess also causes bad breath. 

Upper respiratory infections, like rhinitis, rhinosinusitis, sinus abscess, chronic  discharge from the back of the nose to the throat, fungal sinusitis, nasal pathologies with post nasal discharge ,lesions of the throat also contribute to bad breath. 

LUNG infections like pneumonia, lung abscess, bronchitis are other causes( to list a few). 

STOMACH problems like, gastritis, gastric reflux ( stomach contents entering into the mouth)

Diabetes, Renal( kidney) disease and  liver disease can also cause bad breath. 

WHAT TO DO? 

Maintain good orodental hygiene

Brush the teeth twice daily

Flossing, Rinse your mouth with water after eating. 

Cut down sugar, coffee, tea

Stop smoking, alcohol consumption

Adequate water intake 

Healthy and balanced diet ( include more fresh fruits  and vegetables) 

Dental examination in case of carries

Treat sinusitis, pharyngitis and other  infections promptly. 

Control Diabetes

Early detection  of any lung, liver or kidney ailments( chronic cough, sputum  or phlegm expectoration, swelling (edema) of face ,legs, bloated stomach, indigestion, jaundice are some of the symptoms of lung, kidney, and liver disease respectively. 

HOPE THIS POST WAS USEFUL.