Halitosis, is it a problem for you?

Health Tip - Halitosis

Halitosis (bad breath) is a term used to describe noticeably unpleasant odors exhaled in breathing. Also, called fetor oris, ozostomia, or stomatodysodia.

   Halitosis is a Latin word meaning breath with the Greek suffix osis used to describe a medical condition.



                                                

Halitosis is estimated to be the third most frequent reason for seeking dental aid, following tooth decay and periodontal disease.

                                                       

Causes of Halitosis:

• Tongue (not cleaning the tongue) Bacteria
• Mouth (most common)
• Gum disease
• Nose (nasal odor due to sinus)
• Tonsils
• Esophagus (excessive acid and gases)
• Periodontal disease
• Systemic disease:

•  Fetor hepaticus (rare type caused by chronic liver failure)
•  Lower respiratory tract infections (bronchial and lung  infections)
• Cacinoma
•  Renal infection and renal failure 
• Halitophobia (delusion halitosis)

 Generally Halitosis originates in the mouth and is caused by an accumulation of bacteria in the mouth as a result of gum disease, food, or plaque.

                            

                                                           

                    The intensity of bad breath differs due to certain foods: garlic, onions, meat, fish and cheese.

              

              Obesity, smoking and alcohol may also play a role in bad breath.                                    

How is Halitosis Diagnosed?

• Self diagnosis     

 Smell your own breath lick the back of your hand or wrist, let the saliva dry for a minute or two, and smell the results or lightly scrape the posterior back of your tongue with a plastic disposable spoon and smell the drying residue.

• Professional diagnosis       Dentist or Commercial Breath Clinic: Halimeter, Gas chromatograpgy, BANA test or B-galctosidase tests are used to diagnosis Halitosis.

Good dental hygiene can improve bad breath.

How to Treat or Manage Halitosis:

• Specialized Mouthwashes     can help use an anti-bacteria mouthwash.

                                                    

                                                      

• Brushing and flossing your teeth daily   will help remove food decay and trapped food in the mouth (between the teeth and under the gum line.

• Traditional remedies       brushing your teeth at least two times a day using a fluoride-containing toothpaste. Your tooth brush should be small to medium sized with soft, multi -nylon bristles. Replace your tooth brush periodically.

• Cleaning the tongue  (the back 2x daily) 

• Clean dentures thoroughly with soap and warm water, a denture cream or denture-cleaning tablet.    

• Detox body/organ internal cleansing         

• Change your diet 

          

 Remember! Eating a healthy breakfast, chewing gum (sugar free), gargling, maintaining proper oral hygiene and in some cases probiotic treatments will  help maintain a healthy mouth.

Another non-traditional remedy chew Areca nut and betel leaf. It is a natural remedy used against bad breath (a mild stimulant that can become addictive be careful and do your research).

As you take care of your outer body please take care of your inner body. 

Do a body check every (periodically during) day.  Ask a love one or close friend to help.

For more information go to www.WebMD.com, http://www.ask.com/, www.herbal-and-homeremedies.com, www.healthline.com, or www.medicalnewstoday.com.

Live Well

Doc V