Bad breath , also called halitosis, refers to an unpleasant odor of the breath. Often, it may be the result of a neglected oral hygiene or due to an infection of the mouth. Eating garlic and onions can cause bad breath, but it can usually be dispelled by eating nuts, chewing tea leaves or gum etc. Regular brushing and flossing gets rid of food particles that can decay and give off odor, eventually causing persistent bacterial infection and gum disease. However, halitosis usually refers to a long-term problem of bad breath, not just caused by eating smelly foods. It can be caused by digestive problems, gastritis or constipation etc.

 

In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), bad breath is believed to be caused by heat and dampness in the stomach. Due to an excess of Yang and a deficiency of Yin, a surplus of heat occurs in the stomach, which in turn translates into unpleasant oral odors. The TCM doctor will aim at removing the heat in the stomach and stimulate the Yin in order to restore balance in the body.

If you have bad breath, make sure it is not an oral hygiene issue. Many times bad breath is not just the mouth, but it can come from acid reflux, stomach burning, bloating and other issues that a dentist cannot fix. However, acupuncture and Chinese herbs will fix it, thus fixing the bad breath.