Ever noticed that everyone else from the group moves away whenever you join them? Or when your pals often offer you breath mints? You may have bad breath which, as often is the case, you may be clueless about.
The anaerobic bacteria that forms from the food particles that are decaying inside our mouths, (from the different foods that we eat) is the leading cause of bad breath. What’s even more disappointing is the fact that halitosis chooses neither age nor gender. It can happen to anyone, especially to people who have poor oral hygiene.
Just how can we be sure that it is indeed halitosis? The following are the symptoms of bad breath:
- Yellow or White film on the tongue – this bad breath symptoms is very common among those suffering from halitosis. Once removed, however, it does not guarantee that the bacteria will be entirely gone. The reason being, these bacteria are found in the entire mouth and tongue. Usually, people who have mucous (nasal) problems have rapid build ups of these films. It is recommended to see a physician as soon as possible to prevent further problems.
- Dry Mouth – also known as xerostomia. It is a known cause of bad breath as well. When a person has a dry mouth, the bacteria tend to focus more on the saliva, which then evaporates readily in the air. The smell becomes stronger and more offensive. Due to less saliva, its (saliva) cleansing effect diminishes which results to accumulation of more cellular debris and bacteria in the oral cavity. The known causes of dry mouth include aging, not enough fluid intake, alcohol based mouthwashes and other medications.
- Bitter, Metallic and Sour Tastes – these unfavorable tastes results from sinus drainage, dry mouth, medications from certain diseases, tooth infections, and other oral bacteria. Anaerobic bacteria often cause these metallic tastes, as well as the combination of the aforementioned sources for such.
- Post Nasal Drainage – another bad breath symptoms which usually results from certain sinus conditions and allergies. A thick mucous is drained slowly in the posterior region of our throats which makes a person “clear” his throat every once in a while. The person may even be clueless about the allergy. However, due to this condition, whether the person is aware of it or not, a certain amount of mucous might end up in the mouth which then contribute to the “smelly” problem that one already has. What’s worse is that the said mucous even protects these bacteria against oxygen, which can easily kill them once exposed. Hence people suffering from cold, in which large amounts of mucous are generated, experience smelly and even offensive breath.
Having bad breath is not something that one should be ashamed of, because it can be treated. If you experience any of these symptoms, make sure to go and give your dentist a visit. Let him know every single detail, even the tiniest of your concerns, that he may know the best way to treat your condition.