BAD BREATH is usually caused by bacteria whether from food, nasal discharge, reflux e.t.c. Other times what you eat may be responsible e.g. such as garlic breath. The origin of bad breath - HALITOSIS - most often comes from the mouth, nasal passages, or stomach. Bad breath can be an indication of stress, stomach disorders / indigestion, syphilis, tuberculosis, cancer, tooth or gum disease, sinus or tonsil infection and mineral deficiency.
A quick way to test for bad breath is to cup your hands over nose and mouth, puff out through your mouth, then sniff in.
Bad Breath Remedies
* Floss your teeth once a day or use a water-pick. This removes trapped food from between your teeth which putrify if left.
* Try a baking soda toothpaste or mouthwash. This changes the acidity of your mouth making life more difficult for bacteria.
* Brush your tongue with your toothbrush. This removes tiny trapped food particles on the surface of your tongue. Your tongue up close is actually quite hairy.
* Don't miss breakfast. Hunger can lead to killing-breath.
* Drink your 8 glasses of water a day.
* Eat parsley or wintergreen with your main meals. These herbs release pleasant oils as you chew them which linger for hours.
* Avoid fats - cheese, butter, milk, fat meats - in your diet if indigestion is the source of your bad breath.
* Try Digestive Enzymes with your main meals.
* If there's associated heatburn, try an over the counter antacid.
* Try natural yogurt culture like Lactobacillus or Acidophilus. This "friendly bacteria" helps to crowd out bad odor producing bacteria from your intestinal tract.
If these steps don't remedy your bad breath see a dentist and your doctor to isolate the cause and create a cure for you.