Do you know anyone who seems to have bad breath all the time? Is bad breath something that you struggle with? Halitosis, or bad breath, is a very common condition, but it can absolutely wreck personal and business relationships. Once you smell the odor of bad breath, it's almost impossible to hide your reactions. Ignoring bad breath is incredibly difficult. What is the cause of bad breath? Why is it so difficult to get rid of? There are many conditions that can result in bad breath, but the root cause of halitosis is the action of bacteria in your mouth. The human mouth provides a near-perfect place for bacteria to develop and reproduce. Your mouth is moist and warm. Unless you talk all the time, it stays pretty dark inside your mouth as well. In addition, you're putting food in your mouth at regular intervals and it's inevitable that little bits of it might get left behind when you swallow, providing fuel for growing bacteria. As they live and grow, bacteria produce several different sulfur-based compounds. The one thing all these compounds have in common is that they smell absolutely horrendous. Every time you exhale or expel air by talking, laughing or sighing, these foul-smelling compounds ride along on the wind. And everyone nearby suffers. So why does this bacteria, this basic cause of bad breath, grow into a problem for some people and not for others? Well in some cases, it comes down to proper oral hygiene. If you are otherwise healthy, then it should be possible to eliminate the cause of halitosis by improving your dental care. You should brush your teeth after every meal to remove any bits of food from between your teeth. Regular flossing will also help in this regard. It's also important to have regular professional cleanings by your dentist at least every six months. This will help you to avoid a buildup of plaque between your teeth. Plaque provides a optimal surface for the growth of bacteria between your teeth. Professional cleanings will help to remove this common cause of bad breath. Did you realize that your tongue needs regular cleaning too? Your tongue is another area where bacteria love to set up housekeeping. If you don't regularly clean this rough, moist surface, the bacteria will grow enough to become a significant cause of bad breath. Try to remember to brush your tongue every time you brush your teeth. They aren't actually required, but it's possible to find tools specifically designed for tongue cleaning. It also works fine to use the edge of a spoon. One condition that can be a cause of halitosis is dry mouth. If you have reduced production of saliva and a dry, rough tongue, you may be suffering from dry mouth. Doctors refer to this condition as xerostomia. Dry mouth most often results as a side effect of medications. Saliva helps to wash away food particles and bacteria, so a short supply of saliva can be a cause of bad breath. One way to counteract dry mouth is to increase your fluid intake. Drink at least 64 ounces of water a day, even if you don't feel particularly thirsty. Another way to deal with this particular cause of halitosis is to chew sugar-free gum. The chewing action will help promote the production of additional saliva. Sometimes the cause of bad breath is entirely out of your control. Sinus infections can sometimes cause bad breath. Remember, your sinus cavity is connected to your throat, and the unpleasant odors of infection can exit through your mouth. If self-care methods don't improve your sinus conditions quickly, you may want to see a doctor. People with diabetes are often more susceptible to oral infections, which are in turn a cause of halitosis. If you have diabetes, then you should work to manage your blood sugars as closely as possible and be especially watchful for the signs of infection. Cavities and abscessed teeth can also be a cause of bad breath. Once again, infection tends to have an unpleasant odor. If you suspect decay or infection, then visit your dentist as soon as possible. Dentists can also check for the presence of any gum disease, another possible cause of halitosis. Struggling with bad breath can be discouraging and embarrassing. But once you understand the cause of bad breath, it's usually possible to eliminate it with a few simple actions and lifestyle changes.
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