I am 24. For many years my mouth has had a very bad smell and feels sticky. I have had my teeth cleaned many times by the dentist and taken many medicines, but nothing has made a difference. To stop the smell I constantly have to keep something in my mouth.
Now marriage proposals are being discussed, and I feel very hesitant and uneasy when meeting people. What could be the real cause of this problem, and what is the right remedy in Ayurveda? If needed, I am ready to come for treatment in person.
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Welcome to the world of health from Ayurveda conducted by Dr. Nikul Patel.
Direct answer: If bad breath remains despite dental cleaning, the cause may be coating on the tongue, the gums, tonsils, sinuses or digestive problems. Ayurveda often links it with weak digestion (Mandagni) and Ama. Complete oral hygiene and better digestion usually bring good improvement.
Understanding the problem
Most bad breath comes from the coating on the back of the tongue and the gums. White particles collecting in the tonsils (tonsil stones), mucus dripping from the sinuses into the throat, a dry mouth, acidity or constipation can also be causes.
The Ayurvedic view
If Agni (digestive power) is weak, food is not digested properly and Ama (undigested, sticky residue) forms. Ama mixes with Kapha and brings stickiness and smell to the mouth. Ayurveda’s Dinacharya specially describes cleaning the tongue (Jihva Nirlekhana) and Gandusha (holding oil or a decoction in the mouth) for oral health.
Practical steps
- Clean the tongue gently with a tongue cleaner, right to the back, every morning and night.
- Brush twice a day and floss between the teeth.
- Sesame oil Gandusha in the morning (5-10 minutes), then rinse.
- Enough water; do not let the mouth become dry.
- Eat only when hungry; no late, heavy dinner.
Diet
- Light, warm, fresh food; fennel or cardamom after meals.
- Less excess onion-garlic, fried food, sweets, cold drinks and stale food.
- Treat constipation if present.
Medicine
In Ayurveda, herbs such as Triphala (constipation and digestion), Khadira decoction gargles and Irimedadi oil are considered useful for oral health. The right medicine, dose and duration will be decided by the Vaidya after examining your condition.
When to see a doctor?
- Bleeding gums, loose teeth
- Repeated swelling or white particles in the tonsils
- Yellow mucus from the nose, heavy head
- Difficulty swallowing food, weight loss
Related Questions
Does cleaning the tongue reduce bad breath?
Yes, the coating on the back of the tongue is a big cause of bad breath.
What is Gandusha?
Holding oil or a decoction in the mouth for a few minutes and then spitting it out; part of Ayurvedic Dinacharya.
Can acidity cause bad breath?
Yes, acidity and indigestion cause bad breath in some people.
In short: If bad breath remains even with clean teeth, tongue coating, gums, tonsils, sinuses or weak digestion may be the cause. Tongue cleaning, oil Gandusha, light food and better digestion bring improvement.
You can consult in person or online.
Dr. Nikul Patel (B.A.M.S.)
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