Introduction
Bad breath is caused by odor-producing bacteria that grow in the mouth. Medically it is called halitosis, and can result from poor oral hygiene habits and may be a sign of other health problems. It can also be caused by dry mouth (xerostomia), which occurs when the flow of saliva decreases but it is not contagious, so you cannot catch it or pass it along to someone else. Bad breath can also be worsen by the types of foods you eat and other bad habits. It's a problem that is shared by millions of people in the U.S. and affects one in four people on a regular basis.
Bacteria
Bacteria, just like humans, go through their lives consuming foods and excreting wastes. If you don't brush and floss daily, particles of food remain in the mouth, collecting bacteria, which can cause bad breath. Dentures that are not cleaned properly can also harbor odor-causing bacteria and food particles. Millions of bacteria live in the mouth, particularly on the back of the tongue. The mouth's warmth and moist conditions are ideal for the growth of these bacteria. Plaque is a great place for bacteria to live and yet another reason why breath can turn foul. Oral hygiene helps to prevent the build-up of the bacteria that forms on your teeth, tongue and gums that causes halitosis. Brush your tongue, also, because bacteria can grow there.
Treatment
If you have bad breath, you may want to start by talking to your dentist about treatment options. If your dentist determines that your mouth is healthy and that the odor does not originate from the mouth, you may be referred to your family physician or to a specialist to determine the cause of the odor and treatment. At present, chronic halitosis is not very well understood by most physicians and dentists, so effective treatment is not always easy to find. A key ingredient to look for in a product for treatment is Zinc Acetate. This is on top as a controlling agent for volatile sulphur and volatile organic compounds (the actual "smelling stuff" of halitosis). It is not intended and should not be construed as a substitute for personal hands on dental/medical attention, diagnosis or treatment.
Conclusion
Bad breath may be the sign of a medical disorder, such as a local infection in the respiratory tract, chronic sinusitis, postnasal drip, chronic bronchitis, diabetes, gastrointestinal disturbance, liver or kidney ailments. It is also caused by dry mouth (xerostomia), which occurs when the flow of saliva decreases. When caused by chronic sinusitis it may keep coming back, especiallis caused by a structural abnormality of the sinuses. Halitosis that results from a systemic illness may be a long-term problem. It may be transient, often disappearing after eating, brushing one's teeth, flossing, and rinsing with specialised mouthwash. It may also be persistent (chronic), which is a more serious condition, affecting some 25% of the population in varying degrees. If you're concerned about your breath, please see your dentist.
About the Author
Richard H. Ealom is the Author of this article and the creator of "Free Articles On Diseases: How To Prevent and Cure Them". Need more information Please visit our website @ http://rainydrops.com/a-bad-breath/bad-breath.php or http://rainydrops.com/alternative-orthodox.php
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