Bad breath


Human breath is composed of highly complex substances with varying odors which results in unpleasant situations like halitosis. Bad breath or Halitosis is a condition where the breath is altered in an unpleasant manner for the affected individuals and produces variable odors that can generate unpleasant situations.

Bad breath is not a disease in itself but an irritating symptom which can bring botheration in social and personal rapport. Most of the time it is a temporary symptom that settles on its own depending upon the cause, but sometimes this small symptom can be intricate enough to deal with. This leads to loss of confidence and self-esteem.


What are the Causes of Bad Breath?

  • The primary reason is due to lack of oral hygiene.
  • Xerostomia (Dry mouth).
  • Food particles clogged between the dentures provide a seat for Bacteria to multiply.
  • Excess intake of pungent foods like Onion, Garlic, eggs etc.
  • Smoking, Alcohol consumption and Tobacco chewing.
  • Due to any underlying diseases like Respiratory tract infection such as chronic cold and Sinusitis, Gastro Intestinal complaints like indigestion, constipation, acidity. Also, some kidney and liver diseases can be the cause of foul smelling breath.
  • Sometimes Diet and Fasting can also be the reason, as it leads to dryness of mouth and allows plaque formation.

Also, different medical conditions, impart different odor on the patient's breath.

  • Diabetes – Fruity or citrusy breath
  • Asthma or cystic fibrosis – Acidic breath
  • Kidney problem – Scent of ammonia
  • Hepatic cirrhosis – Musty or mousey odor
  • Nasal malodor – Slightly cheesy character
  • Bowel obstruction – Fecal odor.

Signs and Symptoms of Bad Breath

The features of halitosis can include:
  • A white coating generated on the tongue especially at the back of the tongue
  • Dry oral cavity
  • Morning bad breath and a burning tongue
  • Thick saliva in the mouth and a constant need to clear the throat
  • Presence of sour, bitter or metallic taste in the mouth.

Essential Home Remedies For Bad Breath

Drinking sufficient water is one of the easiest and simplest remedies for bad breath since it prevents excessive dryness of the mouth.

1.  CARDAMOM

Chew Cardamom seeds frequently. They are one of the best mouth fresheners, chewing the Cardamom seeds provides natural essence to the mouth.

Cineole is a major active component present in cardamom. It has potent antiseptic properties that can kill bacteria which is responsible for producing bad breath or any other infections.

Besides its antibacterial properties, Cardamom is slightly pungent but pleasant in taste. It stimulates the salivary flow and also the fibrous outer coat helps to mechanically cleanse the teeth.

2.  CLOVE

Chewing of Clove and cumin seeds after meals are very helpful.

Clove is rich in compound with antifungal and antimicrobial properties.

These fight against the bacteria which cause bad breath and digestive problems. Clove buds are also effective as a natural pain reliever, especially in case of dental emergencies.

3.  CINNAMON

Take the cinnamon bark, powder it thoroughly. Add cinnamon powder to a cup of water and boil it.

Allow the water to cool and strain it. 

Cinnamon has cinnamic aldehyde, an essential oil that helps to reduce the number of bacteria in the oral cavity as well as it covers up the bad breath.

4.  LEMON JUICE

Prepare lemon juice with a glass of water and add sufficient quantity of salt to it.

Rinse the mouth with this to avoid bad breath. 

Lemon has a presence of citrus acid which restricts the growth of bacteria in your mouth. 

In addition to this character, it has a strong pleasant smell which can mask the bad odor in the mouth.

5.  GARGLE

Gargles with medicated water of Licorice, Indian Sarsaparilla, and Turmeric powder.

Gargling helps to cleanse and reduces the bacterial load in the oral cavity and keeps the mouth fresh and clean.


6. FENUGREEK

The Decoction made from Fenugreek seeds helps to get rid of Bad breath. Alternatively, consumption of fenugreek seeds regularly can also help to diminish bad breath.

Fenugreek seeds has the power to fight against catarrhal infections. These seeds have the capacity to dissolve the enzymes properly and prevents bad breath.