Halitosis (Bad Breath)
Halitosis affects everyone at some point. It usually causes embarrassment in social situations, although for many people they have no idea that they have bad breath until someone tells them. There are many causes of the problem and they each create a different odor. Some cases are easy to cure, and others are symptoms of more serious underlying conditions.
Symptoms
The main symptom of halitosis is bad breath. Secondary symptoms may include a film on the tongue, sour taste, metallic taste, post nasal drip, and dry mouth. Sometimes the ailment becomes a symptom of something more serious. If a person's breath smells fruity, it may be because the body is having a problem with excess acetone. This may be a symptom of diabetes. If the breath smells like fecal matter, it may be due to prolonged vomiting or having a nasogastric tube in place. If the breath smells like ammonia or fishy, it may be a sign of chronic kidney failure.
Causes
Common causes of halitosis include food or beverages that have recently been eaten, large doses of vitamins, poor dental hygiene, dentures, cavities, smoking, alcoholism, menstruation, blood disorders, cancer, gall bladder disorders, sinusitis, seasonal allergies, tonsillitis, a throat or lung infection, gum disease, an abscessed or impacted tooth, or medications. In most cases like these, the odor comes from the upper digestive system, including the teeth, gums, mouth, esophagus and stomach. At other times, the odor may begin in the respiratory tract.
Cautions
If your bad breath persists or has an odor like some of those described above, see your doctor for a diagnosis.
Herbal Treatments
Internal Applications
- Alfalfa – this herb is an excellent source of chlorophyll, which can cleanse the breath. This herb also cleanses the bloodstream and the colon.
- Parsley – eat a sprig of parsley for a quick remedy for bad breath.
- Fennel – chew the seeds of this herb to freshen the breath after eating. It also aids the digestion.
- Cloves – this herb will cleanse the breath but it may numb your taste buds for awhile.
- Anise – chew the seeds after meals to eliminate bad breath and aid the digestion.
- Peppermint – rinse your mouth with an infusion or add a few drops of oil to your tongue or on your toothbrush before brushing to freshen the breath. Rinsing your mouth with peppermint tea works as well.
- Tea tree – drop a tiny bit on your tongue or your toothbrush to relieve bad breath.
- Fenugreek – take a tea made from fenugreek leaves to help get rid of halitosis.
- Stinging nettle – this herb helps eliminate toxins from the body and purifies the blood. Since bodies that are backed up can produce halitosis, cleansing the body can help.
- Dandelion – the juice of this herb will stimulate liver functions so the body can be detoxified.
- Cardamom – chew a green cardamom after meals or when you develop bad breath between meals.
- Garlic – while most people think garlic causes bad breath, by ingesting garlic, your immune system and digestive system will improve their function. Garlic also prevents bacteria growth in the mouth and the bowels.
External Applications
- Eucalyptus – use this herb as a rinse for your mouth to get rid of halitosis.
- Myrrh – gargle with a teaspoon of tincture added to water or massage your gums several times per day with a cotton swab soaked in tincture.
- Basil - make an infusion and use as a mouthwash - gargle 2-3 times a day.