When you don't brush and floss regularly, bacteria

Causes of Bad Breath: -

* Poor dental hygiene: - Infrequent or improper brushing and flossing, allows bits of food that are stuck between the teeth to decay inside the mouth.

* Infections in the mouth: - These can be caused by either a cavity in a tooth or by periodontal (gum) disease.

* Respiratory tract infections: - Throat, sinus or lung infections

* External source: - Garlic, onions, coffee, cigarette smoking, chewing tobacco. Smoking and drinking coffee, tea and/or red wine will contribute to your teeth becoming discolored.

* Dry mouth: - This can be caused by salivary gland problems, medicines or 'mouth breathing.' A large number of prescriptions and over the counter medicines cause dry mouth.

* Illnesses Diabetes, liver disease, kidney disease, lung disease, sinus disease, reflux disease and others

This causes bad breath. In addition, odor-causing bacteria and food particles can cause bad breath if dentures are not properly cleaned.

How to Test Bad Breath: -

* Cup your hands and breathe deeply into them. Now sniff, you'll know whether you have bad breath or not.

* Pull floss gently between your teeth, remove and sniff it. If it gives out foul smell, you too smell.

Natural Treatment for Bad Breath: -

* Avoid food such as garlic and onion that can create strong odors. Also avoid coffee and cigarettes.

* Sprinkle some baking soda into your palm, dip your toothbrush in it and brush your teeth and tongue. Not only does baking soda freshen your breath but it will clean your teeth too.

* Cure bad breath by drinking lots of water. Drinking water is not only good for health but will also decrease the chances of bad breath. Water washes away food particles and bacteria. Since bacteria will grow on food, it will also decrease the density of the bacteria in your mouth.

* Get regular dentist checkups. Especially if you have chronic bad breath problems. A regular dental hygiene from a dentist can really help with bad breath. They can also recommend professional advice, and ways to eliminate bad breath. From toothpastes to use, brushing techniques, to what mouthwash to use.

* Avoid food such as garlic and onion that can create strong odors. Also avoid coffee and cigarettes.

Herbal Remedies for Bad Breath: -

Identifying the cause of bad breath is important. If hyperacidity is to blame, then meadowsweet tea can help. If sluggish digestion is at fault, then acrimony or fenugreek seeds can be useful. Where bad breath is associated with catarrh, use peppermint or a tea tree oil inhalation.

A traditional remedy is to chew a few linage or fennel seeds. An effective herbal mouth spray can be made by adding one teaspoon of tea tree and rosemary oils to water and pouring into a spray bottle.