Do you suffer from chronic bad breath? Chronic halitosis (the medical term for bad breath) is a more than just the temporary halitosis odors caused by eating garlic or other pungent foods--the embarrassing condition stays with you long after the foods are swallowed and digested. Chronic bad breath can't be fixed by breath mints. As soon as the mint is gone, the halitosis returns. Chronic halitosis has a deeper cause and will require a little more effort. But it is very possible to cure chronic bad breath with some fairly simple remedies. Let's take a look at what causes chronic halitosis and what steps you can take to rid yourself of it quickly. The build-up of bacteria and decaying food particles is almost always the culprit behind chronic bad breath. Your mouth is an excellent environment for bacteria--it's usually dark, warm and moist. Your tongue provides a rough surface for bacteria to grow and multiply on. If you have some plaque building up between your teeth, it also provides hand holds for bacteria and small bits of leftover food. As the bacteria thrives, it gives off odors that most people find unattractive. The best cures for chronic halitosis are cures that attack the bacterial growth in your mouth. Now, you may be saying "Wait a minute, I brush my teeth all the time--why do I have chronic halitosis?" It's true, even though poor oral hygiene is the overwhelming top cause for chronic halitosis, there are other reasons by you might have a reputation for unkissability. Some people suffer from xerostomia, a chronically dry mouth. Dry mouth is often a side effect of medications, especially treatments for asthma and bronchitis. Having a dry mouth often leads to chronic bad breath. Other possible causes of chronic halitosis include some respiratory diseases and even diabetes. The quickest and surest help for chronic halitosis is brushing and flossing along with cleaning your tongue. Many people tend to forget their tongue during their dental hygiene activities. Many new toothbrush designs are incorporating tongue cleaning tools, but it's also okay to just brush your tongue. Separate tongue cleaners are also available. In a pinch, you can use the edge of a spoon. Saliva has been referred to by some as the greatest secret weapon against chronic halitosis. Adequate saliva helps to wash away food particles and bacteria. In addition to the physical cleansing action, saliva also has antibacterial properties. Chewing gum is an excellent way to promote the greater production of saliva in your mouth. Recent studies have highlighted the surprising effectiveness of cinnamon in the battle against chronic bad breath. Of course you're probably well aware of the pleasing aroma of cinnamon. But this spice has also been found to have ingredients that help lower the levels of bacteria in your mouth. Combining the anti-bacterial properties of cinnamon with the saliva-promoting action of chewing gum will help rid you of chronic halitosis. Make sure you stick with sugar-free gum so you can avoid cavities. Drinking water can have a positive effect on chronic bad breath. Sometimes you can get dehydrated without really feeling thirsty. So don't wait until you feel the need for water--drink it as a habit. This will help you avoid dehydration that could lower your saliva production. Drinking water also helps to flush away some bacteria and food particles. If you're on a no-carb or low-carb diet, it could actually be contributing to chronic halitosis. Wouldn't that be ironic--losing weight to be attractive leads to chronic halitosis? When you burn fat on a big scale, your body produces ketones. And ketones in your blood can lead to a distinctive sort of bad breath. So, do yourself and your date a favor--have a few carbs to help your breath. Everyone suffers from halitosis at one time or another. But chronic bad breath needs a little extra action. Since most chronic halitosis results from bacteria growth and decaying food particles, start by paying a little more attention to your oral hygiene. If that doesn't work pretty quickly, then you should see a dentist as soon as possible. Not only will your dentist be able to provide a thorough cleaning, he's also the right doctor to discuss other options if cleaning doesn't do the job.
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