Saturday, February 11, 2012


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More Than Just A Smell: The origins of bad breath

By Kingsley Jones


Bad breath is more than just embarrassing. Sure it can make social situations awkward, but it also can be the body's way of warning us that something else is going on; something abnormal. For this reason, it becomes so important to understand the underlying causes of bad breath to see if it is masking a deeper problem.

Bad breath, medically termed halitosis, can be the result of a multitude of factors and derive its origin from several places within the body. The most common location for halitosis origination is in the mouth. Because food is ingested here first, the mouth becomes a type of catch-all for the bacteria that can be present on food. When food begins the mastication process, small bits can get lodged in the crevices of the tongue where bacteria will then begin to grow. This bacterial growth from food particles may be found on the indentations of the tongue, in the cracks of the gums, or in between teeth, which leads to the odorous result of bad breath.

Bad breath does not only come from the mouth but also from the nose as well. Individuals with halitosis may notice bad breath exiting from the nasal passages or nostril cavity. Usually this second source of bad breath is due to infections of the sinus or nasal passage obstructions that results in an odorous discharge.

Chronic halitosis, or a constant problem with bad breath, should not be taken lightly. As aforementioned, it could be a warning sign provided by your body that something more serious is occurring. Consult a healthcare provider or a physician if you are suffering from this disorder and make sure to take preventive steps in the fight against this annoying culprit. Regularly brush your teeth, tongue, and gums as well as floss. This can help cleanse the oral cavity where most bad breath originates. Such knowledge will help you in avoiding those awkward situations and get you on the path to feeling more confident and healthy!






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