In virtually all cases, bad breath originates in the mouth itself. The 600 types of bacteria found here produce malodorous compounds and fatty acids, and account for 80-90% of all cases of mouth-related bad breath. Large quantities of naturally-occurring bacteria are often found on the posterior dorsum of the tongue, where they are relatively undisturbed by normal activity.
That leaves about 10% of foul smell exiting from the nostrils due to sinus infection or foreign bodies.
If it is transient…..
+ The intensity of bad breath differs during the day, due to eating certain foods (such as garlic, onions, meat, fish and cheese).
+ Since the mouth is exposed to less oxygen with less saliva flowing in the night, the odor is usually worse upon awakening (“morning breath”).
It often disappears following eating, brushing one’s teeth, flossing or rinsing with specialized mouthwash.
If it is persistent….
It can turn into a more serious condition, negatively affects the individual’s personal, social and business relationships, leading to poor self-esteem and increased stress. 25% of the population is suffering from it in varying degrees.
Causes
+ The most common location for mouth-related halitosis is the back part of the tongue which is relatively dry and poorly cleansed, and thus invites the bacteria to thrive on remnants of food deposits, dead epithelial cells and postnasal drip.
+ The most common cavity-causing bacteria, streptococcus mutans can spread easily to infants and children by their caregivers and between couples.
+ Not taking enough water can cause bad breath too. A dry mouth with lesser saliva flow slows the cleansing process and results in accumulation of dead cells which can decompose and cause odor.
+ Untreated tooth decay and gum problems can cause bad breath too. Cavities from tooth decay can easily trap food particles and bacteria, thus emitting strong smelling hydrogen sulphide vapours. Plaque-filled pockets between the teeth and gums from advanced periodontal (gum) disease is a common cause of severe halitosis. Hardened plaque roughens the tooth surface and creates more space for trapping food.
+ Other causes of bad breath include dieting, improper dieting, drinking, smoking and medical problems like chronic lung infections and uncontrolled diabetes (usually breath with fruity odor), constipation, smoking, fever, inadequate protein digestion, over-stressed and too much unfriendly bacteria in the colon. The sufferer is most probably having high acidity in the body.
+ Some women develop unpleasant breath for several days before menstruation. Emotional stress, which upsets the metabolism may also be a factor.
Recommendations
+ Most people can get away with bad breath by practising good oral hygiene, such as flossing and brushing the teeth and tongue twice a day correctly so as to promote saliva production and clear away plaque and bacteria.
+ Eating a healthy breakfast with rough foods helps clean the very back of the tongue.
+ Those infected with gum disease, should seek dental treatment. Removal of the subgingival calculus (i.e. tartar or hard plaque) and friable tissue has been shown to improve mouth odor considerably. This is accomplished by subgingival scaling, root planning and irrigation with an antibiotic mouth rinse.
The major chemical compounds of bad breath are the same as those emitted by rotting food, faeces and even dead bodies – all potential sources of disease and infection. This is because the bacteria produces acids that destroy the teeth gradually and then move on to attack other tissues in the body. There are instances of heart attacks arising from severe dental decay.
Treat this smelling problem seriously!
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halitosis; ST Mind your Body, Jul 1, 2010 and Apr 7, 2011
VIVA corner
The active enzymes in VIVA Green Barley can neutralise free radicals present in the mouth by destroying the bad thriving bacteria. It gives a refreshing taste with its greenish flavor. You can practise munching some green barley in the mouth before going to bed.
VIVA Floraguard aids in the production of natural antimicrobial compounds and establishes a protective layer against pathogenic infection including bacteria, molds, viruses and parasites residing in both the mouth and colon.
VIVA C-complex can help in healing mouth and gum disease and in preventing bleeding gums.VIVA Biogarlic acts as a natural antibiotic, destroying foreign bacteria faster in both the mouth and colon.
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