In an important social situation, when you speak with confidence, you suddenly notice a subtle change in the expressions of the people around you - this is the moment you realize the embarrassment caused by bad breath. Bad breath, this seemingly trivial problem, is actually a pain that many people suffer in silence. Not only can it instantly freeze the air around it, but it is also a kind of social signal blocker, making people retreat or even choose silence when communicating. But is bad breath really an inexplicable problem?
Often, we blame bad breath on poor oral hygiene, but this understanding is too superficial. In fact, the causes of bad breath are complex and diverse, and there is much more to it than just oral problems.
Oral disease is the most direct cause. Plaque, tartar, tooth decay, periodontitis, etc. can all produce bad breath. These problems lead to bad breath mainly due to the volatile sulfides produced by bacteria in the mouth when they break down food debris.
Digestive disorders such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can also cause bad breath. When stomach acid and undigested food flow backwards into the esophagus, it can trigger bad breath.
Respiratory problems such as chronic rhinitis, sinusitis, etc., nasal secretions caused by these diseases drip into the throat and become the basis for bacterial breakdown, resulting in odors.
Systemic diseases such as abnormal glucose metabolism (diabetes) and increased blood pressure in the systemic arteries (hypertension) may also indirectly cause bad breath. In particular, when glucose metabolism is abnormal, ketones are produced in the body and excreted through breathing, resulting in bad breath.
Bad eating habits, excessive smoking and alcohol can aggravate bad breath. Certain foods, such as onions, garlic, etc., as well as alcohol and tobacco, can cause short- or long-term bad breath.
In response to the above causes, it is key to take appropriate measures. First of all, improve oral hygiene, have regular dental check-ups, and timely ** oral diseases. Secondly, if digestive or respiratory problems are suspected, you should seek medical attention promptly. At the same time, improve lifestyle habits, reduce or avoid eating foods that are prone to bad breath, quit smoking and limit alcohol.
Traditional Chinese medicine believes that bad breath is not just an oral problem, but is closely related to overall health. It may stem from dysfunction of the internal organs, especially gastrointestinal dysfunction. According to TCM theory, bad breath can be attributed to the following aspects:
The spleen and stomach are the foundation of the acquired nature and the source of the body's qi and blood biochemistry. Dysfunction of the spleen and stomach, dampness and heat, can lead to bad breath. The liver is drained, the liver fire is vigorous, and the upper punch surface can make the oral environment dry and cause bad breath. Kidney semen, main water, kidney deficiency can lead to insufficient fluid, dry mouth, resulting in bad breath.
The method of bad breath in traditional Chinese medicine focuses on harmonizing the functions of the viscera, and adopts the strategy of internal regulation and external treatment, including: using herbs to strengthen the spleen and stomach, such as Poria cocos, Atractylodes, etc., to eliminate dampness and heat, improve digestion and absorption, and reduce the production of bad breath from the root. Use drugs that cleanse the liver and detoxify, such as gentian grass and salvia, to relieve bad breath caused by liver fire. For dry mouth and bad breath caused by kidney deficiency, you can use medicinal materials that nourish yin and moisturize dryness, such as Yuzhu, Maidong, etc., to enhance the secretion of body fluids and improve the oral environment.
A simple and effective herbal tea prescription for bad breath caused by dampness and heat in the spleen and stomach:
Recipe: 15 grams of Poria cocos, 10 grams of Atractylodes macrocephalus, 5 grams of licorice, a small amount of green tea.
Method: Put the above Chinese herbs and green tea into a teapot, add boiling water and soak for 10 minutes before drinking.
Directions: Take one dose daily for one week.
When it comes to the TCM solution for bad breath, hawthorn appears as a key monotherapy solution. Hawthorn is not only a common ingredient, but also a Chinese herbal medicine with a significant digestive promotion effect. Its main effect is to promote food digestion and improve gastrointestinal function, thereby indirectly alleviating bad breath caused by indigestion.
Hawthorn contains a large number of acidic components, such as hawthorn acid, citric acid, etc., which can increase the secretion of gastric juice and speed up the breakdown of food in the stomach. In addition, the dietary fiber in hawthorn also plays an important role in promoting intestinal peristalsis, helping food residues to be excreted from the body, and reducing gases and odors caused by fermentation.
Hawthorn water: Drink fresh hawthorn boiled water every day, you can adjust the intensity according to your personal taste, and long-term persistence can improve bad breath.
Hawthorn pills: For people who are not convenient to make their own hawthorn water, hawthorn pills or hawthorn tablets on the market are also a convenient choice, and they should be taken according to the recommended dosage of the product instructions.
Although hawthorn is good, an overdose may cause excessive stomach acid, which can cause discomfort instead. In particular, people with stomach diseases such as stomach ulcers and hyperacidity should consult a physician before use. Pregnant women and children should use with caution or under the guidance of a physician.