7 Comments

1. Keith says:

   December 29, 2009 at 5:06 pm

   The first step in determining a solution for bad breath is to try to
   narrow down the source of your Halitosis (smelly breath).

   * Dental problems. Unhealthy dental hygiene and
   periodontal disease can be a source of bad breath. If you don’t
   brush and floss daily, food particles remain in your mouth, collect
   bacteria and emit hydrogen sulfide vapors. Plus, a form of bacteria
   called (plaque) accumulates on your teeth. If not brushed away,
   plaque can irritate your gums (gingivitis) and cause tooth decay.
   Eventually, plaque-filled pockets can form between your teeth and
   gums (periodontitis), making the problem and your breath worse.
   Dentures that aren’t cleaned properly or don’t fit can also harbor
   odor-causing bacteria and food particles.

   * Food. The breakdown of food
   particles in and around your teeth can cause a foul odor. Eating
   foods containing volatile oils is another source of bad breath.
   Onions and garlic are the best-known examples, but other vegetables
   and spices also can cause bad breath. After these foods are digested
   and the pungent oils are absorbed into your bloodstream, they’re
   carried to your lungs and are given off in your breath until the
   food is eliminated from your body. Onions and garlic can cause bad
   breath for as long as 72 hours after you’ve eaten them.

   * Dry mouth. Saliva keeps the
   mouth clean and moist. Dry mouth allows dead cells to accumulate on
   your tongue, gums and cheeks. These cells decompose and cause odor.
   A dry mouth can naturally occur during sleep. This is what causes
   “morning breath.” Dry mouth is even more of a problem if
   you sleep with your mouth open. Some medications as well as smoking
   can lead to a chronic dry mouth, as can a problem with your salivary
   glands.

   * Mouth, nose and throat conditions.
   Bad breath is also associated with sinus infections because nasal
   discharge from your sinuses into the back of your throat can cause
   mouth odor. A child with bad breath may have a foreign object lodged
   in his or her nose. A bean or small item stuck in the nose can cause
   persistent nasal discharge and a foul odor. Throat infections can
   cause bad breath until they clear. Bronchitis and other upper
   respiratory infections in which you cough up odorous sputum are
   other sources of bad breath.

   * Diseases. Chronic lung
   infections and lung abscesses can produce very foul-smelling breath.
   Illnesses, such as some cancers and certain metabolic disorders, can
   cause a distinctive breath odor. Kidney failure can cause a
   urine-like odor, and liver failure may cause an odor described as
   “fishy.” People with uncontrolled diabetes often have a
   fruity breath odor. Chronic reflux of stomach acids from your
   stomach (gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD) also has been
   associated with bad breath.

   * Heavy dieting. Dieters may
   develop unpleasant “fruity” breath from ketoacidosis, the
   breakdown of chemicals during fasting.

   * Tobacco products. Smoking
   dries out your mouth and causes its own unpleasant mouth odor.
   Tobacco users are also more likely to have periodontal disease, an
   additional source of bad breath.
2. Dr Frank says:

   December 29, 2009 at 5:06 pm

   Chronic sinus infection is one cause of halitosis, bad breath. Better to get your GP or dentist to confirm the diagnosis.