Halitosis is an oral health condition characterized by consistently odorous breath. Often identifying the cause of bad breath is the first step toward treating this preventable condition. In many cases, you can improve bad breath with proper dental hygiene. Sometimes, a person's bad breath can blow you away - and he or she may not realize there's a problem. And, they actually may be less effective in controlling bad breath than simply rinsing your mouth with water after brushing and flossing your teeth. There are tactful (nice) ways of letting a person know that he or she has bad breath. When you don't brush and floss regularly, bacteria accumulate on the bits of food left in your mouth and between your teeth. Chronic bad breath, known as Halitosis , does not come from the stomach. The only odor that comes from the stomach is when you burp.Everybody has bad breath from time to time, especially first thing in the morning. You also may have bad breath when you are hungry, when you are dieting, or after eating foods with a strong odor, such as garlic, onions, or pastrami. Certain foods, especially ones like garlic and onions that contain pungent oils, can contribute to bad breath because the oils are carried to your lungs and out through your mouth. Smoking is also a major cause of bad breath. --If simple self-care techniques don't solve the problem, you may want to see your dentist or doctor to rule out a more serious condition that may be causing your bad breath.

Causes of Bad Breath

The common Causes of Bad Breath :

Dentures that are not cleaned properly may be collecting bacteria and remaining food particles which cause bad breath.
One of the primary symptoms of this gum disease is foul, odorous breath, and an unpleasant taste in the mouth. This condition requires immediate care by an oral health professional.
Smoking dries out your mouth and causes its own unpleasant mouth odor. Tobacco users are also more likely to have periodontal disease, an additional source of bad breath.
The oils from garlic and onions are absorbed into your bloodstream and transferred to your lungs, where they're expelled when you breathe out.
Insufficient saliva allows dead cells to accumulate in your mouth. The cells decompose and cause odor.
Dieters may develop unpleasant "fruity" breath from ketoacidosis, the breakdown of chemicals during fasting.
Bacteria and plaque buildup in the mouth from food caught between teeth, dentures, or dental appliances.

Symptoms of Bad Breath

Some Symptoms of Bad Breath :

Fatigue
Nasal congestion
Fever
Cough
Dental pain
Nausea
Bad breath (halitosis)
Facial pain
Difficulty breathing through your nose.

Treatment of Bad Breath

Do not smoke or use other tobacco products, such as snuff or chewing (spit) tobacco.
Avoid foods and drinks that cause bad breath, such as garlic and alcohol.
Chew sugar-free gum, suck on sugar-free mints, or drink water, especially if your mouth is dry. Try using breath sticks, which contain the ingredients found in a mouthwash and dissolve in your mouth.
Have regular dental checkups.
Floss daily.
Eat a low-fat diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
Brush your teeth, tongue, roof of your mouth, and gums at least twice a day with toothpaste.
Gargle with water.
Use a mouthwash for temporary relief of bad breath. Swish it around in your mouth for 30 seconds before spitting it out
Cranberries may be able to eliminate the offensive-smelling bacteria that can build up in your mouth and lead to bad breath. Apparently, the tart berries make the bacteria less sticky, so plaque is less likely to form.

Bowel & Stomach Diseases

Appendicitis
Barett's Oesophagus
Coeliac Disease
Crohn's Disease

Heart Problems

Angina
Aortic Aneurysm
Aortic Regurgitation
Aortic Stenosis
Arrhythmias
Atrial Fibrillation

Infectious Diseases

Bacterial Vaginosis
Bird Flu
Boils
Cellulitis
Chicken Pox
Cystitis

Skin Disorders

Acne
Alopecia Areata
Baldness

Women Diseases

Abnormal Periods
Atropic Vaginitis
Breast Cancer
Breast Pain
Cervical Cancer

Liver & Kidney Diseases

Cholecystitis
Cirrhosis
Fatty Liver Disease
Kidney Cancer
Liver Cancer

Mental Health

Anorexia Nervosa
Bipolar Affective Disorder
Bulimia Nervosa
Dementia
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Schizophrenia

Disclaimer : All information on www.family-health-guide.org is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, please consult your doctor.