Article - Simple caused of bad breath

Bad breath...halitosis, whatever you call it, it's something almost all of us suffer from at some point in our lives. So what causes this timeless turnoff, and what can be done about it? Some simple causes are below.

Infected gums - This can be one of the most obvious causes of bad breath. To get gums back into shape, brush thoroughly and often with a soft-bristle brush, and get into the habit of regular flossing. Your dentist can advise you of the appropriate treatment for all dental problems.

Dirty teeth -  "There are more animals living in the scum on a man's teeth," claimed a 17th-century scientist, "than there are men in a whole kingdom." Whether or not there is any truth in this, teeth can certainly collect their fair share of odor-producing debris. Best for keeping oral bacteria to a minimum is frequent brushing (with or without toothpaste) or even just swishing the mouth with water.

Dirty tongue - Many dentists believe that keeping a clean tongue may be even more effective at arresting offensive breath than keeping teeth clean. Tongue-brushing is something the ancient Romans did regularly; Mohammed also encouraged his followers to practice the custom. Brush very gently, with a soft-bristle brush and keep away from the very back of your tongue as this may cause a gagging reaction.

An empty stomach - Yes, skipping meals can cause foul breath as it reduces the production of saliva needed to flush away bacteria from teeth, tongue and gums. Stress can also lead to a dry mouth, which can cause double trouble when coupled with the increase in stomach acid that stress can cause. Chewing gum and lozenges can step up saliva flow, as can between-meal snacks such as fresh fruits and vegetables.

Smoking - Because it sours the mouth and disrupts digestion, smoking has been linked to bad breath for centuries.

Chewing tobacco - can also foul the breath. Overuse of mouthwashes Ironic as it may sound, mouthwashes may actually worsen a bad breath problem by irritating oral tissue, although it does mask bad odors temporarily. For an emergency pick-up, try a quick rinse with a mix of water and a few drops of peppermint oil.

As always if you have chronic bad breath please visit your dentist they will be happy to help you.