All About Bad Breath

All About Bad Breath
By Brenda Carey

Bad breath is a medical concern that appears to be one of the many problems people have. It's clinically known as halitosis, a condition that could root anywhere from poor oral hygiene to being a symptom of a certain disease. It can also be caused by the medicine you're taking or the foods that you love eating.

Nobody wants to associate with a person who has bad breath. It is common courtesy to keep your breath fresh at all times, regardless if you intend to talk to anyone or not, as bad breath is a big turn-off. People who suffer from it can have a hard time maintaining a social life.

Generally speaking, halitosis is caused by the accumulation of bacteria in the mouth. This is why regular brushing and flossing is very important. The foods that you eat may directly cause bad breath as well. You should watch eating certain food items if you can't brush your teeth or at least rinse with a strong mouthwash right after.

While most people will not mention the state of your breath, it is still a very embarrassing ordeal for you once you discover that you have it. Some people may turn to the habit of smoking to temporarily mask out the bad breath, however, doing so is not a good idea because smoking could very well worsen the condition.

There are small hair-like projections that can trap food particles and plaque. They can increase the amount of halitosis-causing bacteria that resides on your tongue. You can purchase a device called a tongue scraper that can help scrap off the build-up of food particles and plaque. This is an effective way to cure bad breath so you should incorporate this into your daily oral hygiene routine. A similar function can be performed with a toothbrush. However, the way tongue scrapers are designed allows them to more effectively cure bad breath. Another name for tongue scraper is tongue cleaner.

Initially, you may experience a tough time trying to clean the back of the tongue. The difficulty arises from the gag reflex that may occur as you reach toward the back of the mouth. However, after a while, you will get used to reaching toward the back of your mouth. While you are cleaning, you should apply steady pressure and use long strokes. Also make sure to clean the entire tongue, including the tip, back, and sides.

Chewing parsley or mint leaves has been a remedy used for so long. These herbs are especially good if garlic and onions are the source of your bad breath. Parsley is very high in chlorophyll. Chew a few parsley sprigs dipped in vinegar for immediate relief. If you swallow the leaves after chewing them they will be digested and continue to provide breath freshness for quite a while. These plants seem to reduce the production of intestinal gas by promoting better digestion.

Natural gum made with spearmint or peppermint essential oils will also be helpful. These oils kill odor- causing bacteria, and the chewing action stimulates the production of saliva which helps combat bad breath.

While there are plenty of home remedies that will cure your bad breath, nothing can substitute good oral hygiene. See your dentist if you need tips on what you are not doing right when it comes to your oral hygiene routine if you continue to suffer from halitosis.

Brenda Carey started her career with years of schooling in the medical profession and then found her love of researching and writing. Based on her knowledge and experience she has written numerous books on many health topics, including Ultimate Bad Breath Cure. For her free mini-course, please visit http://www.UltimateBadBreathCure.com. Member Better Business Bureau.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brenda_Carey



http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brenda_Carey