Halitosis

Halitosis refers to bad breath which is not only a sing of ill- health but it is also a social stigma. It is common in many people at all times and in all people some of the time. Unfortunately, most people who offend in this respect are completely unaware of their problem and the discomfort they cause to others.

Causes

The most common cause of halitosis is bad teeth and gum conditions. Dental decay at the roots of the teeth may result in abscesses in the gums with foul-smelling, pus giving an objectionable odor to the breath. Even small holes in the teeth may provide a place where germs can multiply and release foul orders.

Other causes of halitosis are any conditions of the nerves, throat, respiratory tract, or stomach which are associated with chronic infection or local upsets of one sort or another, such as chronic tonsillitis, lung diseases like chronic bronchitis and bronchiectasis, chronic gastritis and sinuses which cause a discharge at the back of the throat. Most cases of bad breath., however, are caused by gastrointestinal disorders, intestinal sluggishness and particularly by chronic constipation.

The unpleasant odor results from an exceptionally large amount of waste matter expelled through the lungs. Chewing pan and tobacco and smoking are other causes of bad breath. The diseases like anemia may also lead to unpleasant breath.

Treatment

If halitosis is caused by tooth and gum conditions, tonsillitis, sinusitis, smoking or anemia , these conditions must be treated. Once they are eliminated the bad breath will disappear. Similarly, bad breath resulting from gastrointestinal disorders can be successfully treated by correcting these disorders and cleansing the system of morbid matter.

The patients suffering from halitosis should take a well-balanced diet consisting of seeds, nuts and grains, vegetables and fruits, with emphasis on raw and cooked vegetables and fruits.

In case of constipation, all measures should be adopted for its eradication. The patient should avoid reined carbohydrate foods, such as white sugar,white bread and products made from them as well as flesh foods and egg. Even whole grain bread should be eaten sparingly.

The patient should also avoid over eating of any kind of foods. He should eat six to eight soaked prunes and a few dried and soaked figs with breakfast. He must also drink the water in which these fruits were soaked. He should also take plenty of liquids and drink six to eight glasses of water daily. This will help eliminate bad breath.

The teeth should be cleaned regularly twice a day especially before going to bed at night. Metal particles should be removed carefully with toothpicks. In case of decaying teeth and swollen and bleeding gums, a dentist should be consulted. Munching a raw apple or guava after lunch removes most of the trapped particles. The use of twigs of the margosa (neem) tree as toothbrush is the best method of cleaning the teeth.