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Ever being kept at an arm's length by your friend? If yes, then there is high possibility that you are suffering from chronic Halitosis. Millions of us suffer from the same. Suffering from Halitosis is like giving nightmares to your girlfriend. and the worst part is you don't even have a clue about it until a very close friend comes up to and tells you about it. Embarrassing? yeah it can really make you feel like an alien in a group.

The root cause of Halitosis ( Bad Breath)

Generally, bad breath originates from gums and tongue. It can also take birth from stomach but its very unlikely. The bacteria from the decay of food particles is mainly responsible for the abhorrent smell. Other reasons can be poor oral hygiene or the debris left in the mouth. This decay process produces a sulphur compound which produces the unpleasant odour.

How to keep a check on bad breath?

• If in some dilemma or confusion about bad breath, ask a close friend of yours.

• Keep rinsing your mouth after your meals. This a temporary solution and works at times.

• Cut down spicy food. Spicy food also adds to the cause and increase the unpleasant odour.

• Brush your teeth when you wake up in the morning and before you go to bed in night. Brushing should include tongue and cheeks too.

• Drinking fluids is also a smart solution.

• Don't eat tobacco products at any cost. Tobacco smoke produces substances like nicotine, tar etc which accumulates on a person's teeth which not only produces unpleasant odour but also a very ugly look. Drink less alcohol too.

• Use good toothpaste which neutralize sulphur compounds and have anti-bacterial properties.

• Do not skip your breakfast. Missing your breakfast may allow bacteria to re-appear.

• Visit your dentist if the problem still remains. Get your mouth cleaned by getting rid of plaque and bacteria that grows on your teeth very frequently.

What are the factors causing bad breath?

• Chewing of tobacco and excessive smoking. As explained above, tar and nicotine produces bad odour.

• Food which you eat can also produce bad breath. Spicy and protein rich food in particular account for it.

• Poor oral hygiene

• Several health conditions like diabetes, sinusitis, kidney failure etc can also lead to bad breath.

• Use of dentures, braces which are not cleaned properly.

• Xerostomia can also bring bad breath along with it. Saliva in our mouth helps to cleanse bacteria. Xerostomia makes mouth dry as the amount of saliva reduces. This encourages bad breath.

• Even hormonal changes can have a bad effect on your breath. So can dieting and age.

A self test for bad breath

Lick your wrist and wait for five seconds to allow the wrist to dry up. Now smell it. Is it foul? If no, then you don't suffer from bad breath.