Causes and Cures for Bad Breath

By David Everett

Bad breath is a very common problem that is shared by millions of people across the country and there are many different causes. It is usually caused by the breakdown of proteins by bacteria somewhere in the mouth. Bad breath (also known as Halitosis) is a major problem which often goes unnoticed by the person who has it, and the problem can get worse because the people around you usually are too polite to tell you that you have that problem.

The Many Causes Of Bad Breath
There are just as many causes of bad breath as there are sources of bacteria in the mouth. Although the causes of breath odor are not entirely understood, most unpleasant odors are known to arise from proteins trapped in the mouth which are processed by oral bacteria.

Pay Attention To Your Oral Hygiene
In some people, bad breath is associated with gum disease, especially if rubbing the areas between the teeth and gums yields a foul odour. In people with healthy teeth and gums, the odour usually comes from the far back region of the tongue, and grows stronger when the patient starts talking. Cleaning of the spaces between the teeth is of great importance and you should always floss or otherwise clean between your teeth, as recommended by your dentist. Have your teeth cleaned periodically by a dental professional. Oral hygiene helps to prevent the build-up of the bacteria that forms on your teeth, tongue and gums that causes bad breath.

Mouthwash Can Help, but...
Mouthwashes and tongue brushing may help temporarily, and breath fresheners and mints can have a short-lived masking effect, but mouthwashes are generally cosmetic and do not have a long-lasting effect on bad breath. Mouthwashes and sprays use alcohol to scour the mouth and prevent the odiferous molecules from sticking to the oral tissues. This isn't a bad idea, but it's only a temporary fix. Mouthwashes alone will not solve the problem.

Light At The End Of The Tunnel
However, in recent years it has become increasingly evident that bad breath is usually treatable once a proper diagnosis is made. Often identifying the cause of bad breath is the first step toward treating this preventable condition. The only way to find a good, effective treatment for bad breath is to find the specific cause. True bad breath is caused by something more than mouth bacteria. You should always consult your doctor and dentist to discover the true cause of your bad breath.

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