Bad breath cause of embarrassment, create social and psychological barriers , and even affect marriages. Bad Breath also known about halitosis. Bad breath can also be caused by dry mouth (xerostomia), which occurs when the flow of saliva decreases. Saliva is necessary to cleanse the mouth and remove particles that may cause odor. Dry mouth may be caused by various medications, salivary gland problems or continuously breathing through the mouth. Chronic bad breath, known as Halitosis, does not come from the stomach. The only odor that comes from the stomach is when you burp. Food eaten such as garlic and spicy foods once absorbed into the body can release odor through the lungs when you breathe. Food odors are transitory and should not be confused with bad breath. Human's sense of smell has the ability to adjust to odor. Bad breath may be the sign of a medical disorder, such as a local infection in the respiratory tract, chronic sinusitis, postnasal drip, chronic bronchitis, diabetes, gastrointestinal disturbance, liver or kidney ailment. Poor oral hygiene leads to bad breath because when you leave food particles in your mouth, these pieces of food can rot and start to smell.

Bad breath is a problem that is shared by millions of people across the country. Most bad breath is caused by something in the mouth. Some types of bad breath, such as "morning mouth," are considered to be fairly normal, and they usually are not health concerns. The "morning mouth" type of bad breath occurs because the saliva that regularly washes away decaying food and odors during the daytime diminishes at night while you sleep. Mouthwashes are generally cosmetic and do not have a long-lasting effect on bad breath. Bad breath is also caused by dry mouth (xerostomia), which occurs when the flow of saliva decreases. Saliva is necessary to cleanse the mouth and remove particles that may cause odor. Dry mouth may be caused by various medications, salivary gland problems or continuously breathing through the mouth. Occasionally, some people develop a bacterial coating on the back of their tongue, and this can cause bad breath. Bronchitis and other upper respiratory infections in which you cough up odorous sputum are other sources of bad breath. Dieters may develop unpleasant "fruity" breath from ketoacidosis, the breakdown of chemicals during fasting.

Strong smelling drinks, such as alcohol and coffee, can also cause bad breath. Sometimes, certain medications can cause bad breath. Treatment begins with a complete oral examination and health history, you may have an "odor-meter" test done. Periodontal disease and /or cavities should be treated and repaired. Oral infections must be eliminated or impacted teeth may need to be removed. Good oral hygiene must be stressed, including cleaning the teeth and tongue. Once the oral infection is treated and cured, mouthrinses and toothpastes may have some effectiveness in managing oral odor. 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. Strep throat, tonsillitis and mononucleosis can cause bad breath until the throat infection clears.

Bad breath caused by dental problems can be prevented easily. Bad breath also can be combated by drinking plenty of water every day to encourage saliva production. Halitophobia may severely affect the lives of some 0.5-1.0% of the adult population. Other products that keep breath fresh and prevent plaque from forming include sugar-free gum, sugarless lozenges, raw carrots and celery. Bad breath may be temporarily reduced by using a hydrogen peroxide rinse. Hydrogen peroxide at a concentration of 1.5% can be taken as an oral antiseptic by gargling 10 ml, about two teaspoons. Hydrogen peroxide is commonly available at a concentration of 3% and should be diluted to 1.5% by mixing it with an equal volume of water. Hydrogen peroxide is a powerful oxidizer which kills most bacteria, including useful aerobic bacteria. Chew sugar-free gum, especially if your mouth feels dry. Eat fresh food and fibrous vegetables. Drink plenty of fluids, avoiding too much coffee and alcohol.

Bad Breath Treatment Tips

1. Drink plenty of fluids, avoiding too much coffee and alcohol.

2. Clean your mouth after eating dairy products, fish and meat.

3. Chew sugar-free gum, especially if your mouth feels dry.

4. Eat fresh food and fibrous vegetables.

5. Eating a healthy breakfast with rough foods helps clean the very back of the tongue.

6. Gargling right before bedtime with an effective mouthwash.

7. Maintain water levels in the body by drinking several glasses of water a day.

8. Flossing is particularly important in removing rotting food debris and bacterial plaque from between the teeth, especially at the gumline.

Juliet Cohen writes articles for online medical clinic and skin disorders.