Bad-breath also known as halitosis is a common problem amongst many people. It is not only an outward sign of ill-health but also a social stigma. Most of us suffer from it at least once in our lifetime. Many people are not aware of the discomfort they cause to others due to bad-breath.
The most common cause of bad-breath is gum problems and dental decay, caused at the root of teeth which produces a foul smelling pus giving a bad odor to breath. Cavities in the teeth can also accumulate germs and release a foul odor. Other causes of halitosis are upset stomach, constipation, problems of the throat and respiratory system and gastro-intestinal disturbances. Chewing of tobacco, betel-leaf and smoking are the other causes of bad-breath. Problems like anemia may also cause bad-breath.
Nature cure for bad-breath: If the cause of bad-breath is gum and teeth disorders, smoking, anemia and sinusitis these conditions can be properly treated. Similarly if bad-breath occurs due to gastro-intestinal disorders it can be treated effectively if these conditions are corrected properly and the system is cleansed of morbid matter.
Persons suffering from bad-breath should take a balanced diet consisting of vegetables, grains, seeds, nuts and fruits and more emphasis should be laid on both raw and cooked fruits and vegetables.
If bad-breath occurs due to constipation, necessary steps should be taken to eradicate it completely. Foods such as white bread, white sugar, eggs and flesh foods should be avoided.
Overeating of any kinds of foods should also be avoided. Six to eight dried soaked figs and prunes should be taken along with breakfast. Drinking 10-12 glasses of water daily and taking adequate fluids also helps in eliminating bad-breath.
Along with this, oral hygiene should also be properly maintained. Teeth should be brushed properly twice a day in the morning and at bed time. Particles accumulated between the crevices of teeth should be removed with tooth pricks. In case of tooth decay, bleeding and swollen gums, dentist should be consulted for treatment.
Eating fruits after lunch or dinner removes food particles and gives a clean feeling in the mouth. Using a toothpaste containing neem is very beneficial in removing tooth decay.
Various home remedies also prove to be helpful in treating and curing bad breath. Use of fenugreek also serves as a very good remedy. Tea prepared from fenugreek should be taken to cure this condition. This tea can be prepared by taking half a litre of cold water and putting fenugreek seeds in it. After allowing it to boil slowly at a low temperature for about fifteen minutes it should be strained properly and used as a tea.
Use of avocado is another effective remedy which is far more better than other remedies. It effectively removes decomposed matter from the intestines which is one of the most important causes of bad breath.
Guava fruit is also very beneficial in halitosis. It contains good amounts of oxalate, manganese and calcium and is rich in oxalic, malic and phosphoric acid. Chewing it proves to be an excellent tonic for teeth and gums. It checks gum bleeding and stops bad breath. Leaves of guava tree are also equally useful.
Another valuable remedy for the treatment of bad breath is the use of parsley. Several sprigs of parsley chopped coarsely should be steeped in two cups of boiled water along with one or two cloves. This mixture should be stirred frequently while cooling. After straining, this mixture can be used as an excellent mouth wash.
Persons suffering from bad-breath should eat all fruits and vegetables. Apple juice, grape fruit juice, lemon juice, pineapple juice and vegetables like celery, tomato and carrot are very beneficial.
Proper physical exercises are equally essential as they remove constipation and help in the prevention of bad-breath.
Thus we can conclude that many people suffer from the problem of halitosis today, and natural remedies have proved to be very useful in the treatment and prevention of bad-breath.
