BAD BREATH
Bad breath (halitosis) is characterized by an unpleasant odor of the mouth. Reasons for Bad Breath can vary from a simple poor oral hygiene to a chronic medical condition. General causes being food, poor oral hygiene, untreated tooth plaque, cavities, gum infection, acidity, digestive disorders, diabetes, smoking, chewing tobacco, etc. This condition can be a cause of social embarrassment.
SYMPTOMS
Foul odor from the mouth, thick white patch on the tongue, sticky/dry mouth and acidic taste in the mouth.
REMEDIES
Oral Hygiene – Before brushing, swish water around your mouth to loosen the food particles stuck to your teeth. Then brush your teeth in a circular motion which will help to get rid of food stuck between the teeth. Follow with flossing. Clean the tongue with a tongue scraper on the sides as well.
Baking Soda- For pleasant breath brush your teeth with baking soda (cooking soda). This will also remove staining.
Salt- Granny’s salt remedy will never go wrong. After brushing give a salt massage to the gums. This will make your gums strong and also helps in whitening.
Cinnamon- Boil one liter of water with 2 sticks of cinnamon or add 2 tablespoon of cinnamon powder. Reduce the water to half. Cool it and use it as a natural mouthwash for the fresh breath. Do this twice a day. This mixture can be stored and refrigerated.
Spices- Chewing clove, fennel (saunf), cardamom (elaichi), after food digestives will help in removing food odor like garlic and onion.
Apple- Eating an apple/raw carrot after every meal will help remove the food particles stuck in your teeth and prevent any bacterial activity.
Parsley- Chew few parsley leaves as they are rich in chlorophyll which is an antiseptic and are natural mouth fresheners.
Essential Oils- Mix tea tree oil, peppermint oil and lemon oil in a glass of water and use it as a mouthwash.
Green Tea/Black Tea- They contain polyphenol, which are antioxidants that fight bacteria in the mouth.
PREVENTION
Brushing of the teeth twice a day is advisable to prevent forming bacteria.
Maintain a good oral hygiene.
Avoid chewing of tobacco, smoking and alcoholism
Avoid drinking fizzy soft drinks as it can damage the enamel of the teeth allowing bacteria l attack.
Minimize the intake of acidic food.
Drink fresh vegetable and fruit juice generously which will help reduce acidity and prevent bad breath (halitosis).