Bad Breath Cure

Sinusitis or sinus infection is the inflammation of the sinuses including the nasal passages and it can cause discomfort or pressure in the eyes, nose and cheek area. A person with sinus infection may have fever, halitosis and nasal congestion with nasal secretion. The sinuses are covered with mucous layer and cell that help trap and propel bacteria and other foreign substance. Sinusitis is subdivided into two categories.

•  Acute Sinusitis- Usually occurs no more than three times per year with each episode  lasting no longer than 10 days or usually lasts less than two months. Medications and treatment are usually effective and it counteracts damage done to the mucous lining and surrounding bone. Allergens or allergy causing substances and pollutants may trigger sinus infection. It usually follows after a viral infection and this will lead to sinus lining damage and inflammation.
•  Chronic Sinusitis- Occurs more than four times per year and lasts longer than two months with symptoms usually lasting more than three weeks. People with chronic disorder such as HIV, AIDS and leukemia have higher risk because of impaired immune system.

 Halitosis on the other hand is usually caused by mouth, throat infection and sometimes the culprit is often found in our diet (garlic). It is considered as one of the embarrassing conditions that can cause difficulties in life. Some individuals are not aware that the problem exist. There are many causes of bad breath. Foremost among them is the bacteria in the mouth, sinus infection, tobacco consumption and alcohol use.  Other causes includes: certain foods (spicy foods ), poor oral health care, improper cleaning of dentures, periodontal disease, certain medical conditions such as respiratory infection and gastrointestinal disorder and severe dieting. Other factor that affects the airway and may cause bad breath includes nasal polyps, bronchitis, and pneumonia.

 Possible treatment

 1. Practice Oral Hygiene

• Practicing proper oral hygiene is very important. Brushing your teeth, flossing your gums and rinsing thoroughly will minimize bacteria build up.
•  Have your teeth cleaned and any cavities filled. Cavities are great breeding ground for bacteria.
•  Use water pik after breakfast if available.
• Try brushing your gums with powdered cloves/ myrrh and clean your tongue twice a day with a toothbrush or tongue cleaner soaked in chlorhexidine (antibacterial agent)
• Gargle with water or mouthwash every after meal to reduce the food residue that may lead to halitosis. Look for mouthwash that contains little or no alcohol as the alcohol will make the problem worse. Recent data suggest that frequent use of commercial mouthwash that contains more than 25% of alcohol has been linked to increased incidence of oral cancer.

 2. Dietary

• Eliminating certain types of foods may solve the problem.
• Foods rich in sugar, beverages (such as coffee and tea), cheeses (such as blue, camembert and roquefort) and other exotic spices (such as curry) should be minimize.

 3. Supplements

• Vitamin B, C and zinc may be helpful in minimizing halitosis.

 4. See a Doctor for further evaluation

•  In some instances, chronic bad breath associated with sinus infection will not be eliminated unless the sinuses are completely cleared up.
• Call your doctor and have an immediate appointment if treatment fails.