Bad breath ko log sirf mouthwash se hide karne ki koshish karte hain, par smell ka source aksar “andar” hota hai. Most common cause: tongue coating. Tongue ki surface par bacteria aur food debris jamta hai, jo sulfur compounds banata hai—yahi typical bad smell.
Second cause: gum disease. Agar gums bleed karte hain, swelling hai, ya daanton ke beech food stuck rehta hai, to odor persistent ho jaata hai. Cavities, broken fillings, aur wisdom tooth ke gum flap me trapped food bhi smell create karte hain.
Kabhi-kabhi bad breath ka link dry mouth se hota hai—less saliva = bacteria ko free pass. Ye morning breath, mouth breathing, smoking, alcohol, aur certain medicines se badh sakta hai. Gut angle bhi real hai, lekin mostly cases me issue mouth-based hi hota hai. Acid reflux (GERD) me sour smell + burning sensation ho sakta hai.
Fresh breath routine (simple but effective):
- Tongue scraper daily (morning + night)
- Floss/interdental brush
- Water intake + sugar gum (xylitol)
- Smoking/late-night sugary snacks reduce
Red flags (dentist/doctor):
- 2 weeks se zyada persistent smell
- Bleeding gums, pus, loose tooth
- Burning sensation + reflux symptoms
- Tonsil stones ka suspicion (white bits + throat smell)
Permanent fix “cause” ko treat karne me hai, not sirf perfume-type mouthwash me.