Bad Breath Essay

740 Words2 Pages

Bad Breath - Cause, Cure and Social Impact

Just admit it. We all know we have done it one time or another. It’s your big first date and you’re ready to walk out the door, but just before you can go you give yourself a quick breath test. It is the age-old practice of the cupping of the hands over the mouth followed by a quick sniff to ensure your breath doesn’t stink. Society today has boosted the business of having fresher breath. Stores are full of products offering a variety of scented mouthwashes, mints, chewing gums, and strips. With all these products out there it is hard to believe that bad breath can still have the potential of sabotaging your date.

Bad breath is medically known as halitosis, and can be the result of a combination …show more content…

Dry mouth is a medical condition called xerostomia that can occur at anytime, not just in the mornings (Mayo Clinic, 2004, para.3). The production of salvia is crucial to help cleanse and moisten the mouth by washing away dead cells and neutralizing acids formed by plaque. Dead cells can accumulate on the tongue, cheeks, and gums and if not removed, they then begin to decompose in your mouth thus causing an odor.

Dry mouth can also be caused by medications such as antihistamines and decongestants, salivary gland problems or continual breathing through the mouth (Alice, 2004, para.5). Some suggestions for decreasing dry mouth are to drink plenty of water and fluids as well as chewing sugarless gum to increase saliva production. Also, a daily ritual of tongue scraping can help reach the back of the tongue where bacteria are more likely to grow (Alice, p.2). Contact your dentist to find out how to purchase your very own tongue scraper, but in case you can’t find it a moist toothbrush will work just as

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