Simple Way To Know If You Have Bad Breath -

Lick your wrist with your tongue in just
one swipe
Then, leave the wrist to dry (this takes
only a few seconds)
After your wrist has dried, smell it. Any
smell it gives off is the smell of your
mouth and breath.
What is bad breath?
Bad breath, also known as halitosis, fetor
oris, ozostomia or stomatodysodia is an
unpleasant smell that is given off from the
nose or mouth of an individual when he or
she breathes or speaks.
Causes of bad breath
(1) Types of food or drinks ingested: Foods
with strong odours like onions and garlic;
exotic spices like curry, thyme and
cinnamon and beverages like coffee, when
ingested and digested, are absorbed into
the bloodstream from where they enter the
lungs and are expelled when breathing.
And unfortunately, even after brushing and
flossing, their smell doesn't go away unless
they've completely passed through the
blood system.
(2) Poor dental hygiene: Improper cleaning
of dentures (artificial teeth) and failure to
(properly) brush, floss and tongue scrape
daily causes food particles to remain
between the teeth, gums and on the tongue
which causes bad breath.
(3) Use of depressants and stimulants:
Depressants and stimulants like tobacco
(smoked, chewed or sniffed) and alcohol
enter the bloodstream from where they
make their way to the lungs and are also
expelled when breathing.
(4) Health problems: Health problems like
gum disease, candidiasis (yeast infection),
xerostomia (dry mouth which can be
caused by continuous breathing through
the mouth), diabetes, pneumonia, sore
throat, and Gastro Esophageal Reflex
Disease (GEAD) which is the backflow of
acid from the stomach to the mouth and
also, damaged internal organs like the liver
and kidney release toxins which are
expelled through the nose and mouth and
cause bad breath.
(5) Lack of carbohydrate: High protein and
low carbohydrate consumption causes the
body to burn stored fats for fuel and leads
to a condition known as ketosis because as
fat burns, ketones are built up in the body
and are released through breathing.
Treatment of bad breath
Make sure you brush, floss and tongue
scrape at least twice daily (see image
below). Tongue scrapers are sold in
pharmacies but if you can't get one, use a
teaspoon.
Drink plenty of fluids especially water so as
to prevent saliva imbalance which causes
dry mouth.
Quit the use of tobacco and alcohol.
Limit spicy foods, coffee and other foods
with strong odours.
Take more of wholegrain carbohydrates,
fruits and vegetables.
Take tea, as polyphenol present in tea plant
helps hinder bacteria growth.
Take sugarless gums as they contain xylotol
which kills bacteria and reduces plague but
note that the use of gums, mints and
mouthwash only stop bad breath
temporarily.
Finally, you might need to consult your
dentist or doctor as the bad breath could
be due to health factor.

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