It's late, you just had dinner. Before you wash your mouth you lie on the bed. You play that zombies TV series that someone recommended you, a few chapters later you think: "teeth can wait". You turn off the light, you fall asleep and the next morning, when you wake up, you perceive a very bad smell in your breath. Does it sound familiar to you?
Bad breath, or halitosis, is a common illness among the population, very present in the history of humanity, with references to this condition dating from 1550 a. C. It is also mentioned by many of the ancient cultures, such as Greek, Roman, Hindu, Islamic and Jewish.
Bad breath has multiple causes. It can be caused by bad oral hygiene, by consuming foods and odoriferous drinks such as garlic, onion, coffee and alcoholic beverages; or be a sign of cavities and other diseases of the mouth and teeth, throat, pharynx or nose; as well as stomach, bowel and even cancers.
Halitosis can have consequences for the self-esteem of people, produce insecurity, fear of facing the public, obsessive thoughts and isolation.
Specialists estimate that, at some point in their lives, about 80% of Mexicans have had an episode of bad breath.
To prevent it, it is recommended to drink plenty of water to increase the production of saliva, as it has a positive effect on the bacterial flora of the mouth and helps to reduce bad breath. Brush your tongue and teeth at least three times a day or after each main meal, as well as before bedtime, use mouthwash and floss and avoid the consumption of odoriferous foods and beverages, such as garlic, onion, tobacco, coffee and alcoholic drinks.
If, despite oral hygiene, bad breath continues, it is very important not to let it go and go to a health professional to receive an adequate diagnosis and treatment.
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