‘It was narrated from Abu Hurairah (RA), that the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said: Were it not that I would impose too much difficulty on my Ummah, I would have commanded them to delay Isha and to use the Siwak for every prayer’
Mouth odour, also called halitosis, is an offensive, unpleasant odor from the mouth, commonly referred to as bad breath. Halitosis can be caused by the consumption of certain foods, poor oral hygiene, alcohol or tobacco use and by certain chronic medical conditions that cause a smell that emerges from the gateway into the body.
Interestingly, causes of halitosis are most often avertable. Only chronic ones due to some internal infection could be demanding in treatment; however, most times it can be embarrassing to the sufferer whenever he or she talks
Poor oral hygiene is a common cause. Not everyone knows the personal value of brushing the teeth, washing the tongue (tongue cleaning is the removal of the furry tongue coating, which must be performed gently and thoroughly), and flossing the mouth. Brushing your teeth regularly, at least twice a day, is very important to guide against mouth odor. It prevents tartars and a lot of food remnants and debris from settling around the teeth and gum, which could lead to the accumulation of bacteria that causes mouth odour.
Another causal agent is dental issues such as having many cavities (holes), which would create an environment for bacteria because the cavities gather food debris that could cause decay and produce a bad smell. Similarly, the intake of food and drinks, which can either dry the mouth, such as alcohol-containing liquids (wine and some mouthwashes) and cigarettes, or provide high concentrations of protein or sugar, Furthermore, dairy products are known to break down in the mouth leading to the release of amino acids that are rich in sulphur. Both onion and garlic also contain high concentrations of sulphur, which can pass through the lining of the intestine into the bloodstream and subsequently compound the smell.
People with chronic halitosis have large amounts of volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) produced from the breakdown of proteins by bacteria in the mouth. In addition, most chronic mouth odors are caused by problems in internal organs; the mouth, being the gateway into the body, would convey such problems into the world. Medical problems such as respiratory tract infections, diabetes, and gastrointestinal disorders (stomach ulcers). The odour can also signal some medical issues with the liver, lungs, or kidneys.
Not all sufferers of chronic halitosis are aware of their conditions. Though awkward, one of the best ways to tell if you have halitosis is to ask a friend or family member.
One who maintains proper oral hygiene but still experiences bad breath should promptly see a doctor for an adequate check-up. It is medically advisable to go for dental checks at least twice a year and keep to Islamic prescriptions on mouth hygiene.
For fresh breath, give up smoking, eat a healthy, balanced diet and avoid eating strongly flavoured or spicy food. Cut down on sugary food and drink as it can increase the amount of bacteria in your mouth, Drink plenty of water to help prevent your mouth from becoming dry. This will help clean away any remaining food particles. Salt gargles and constant use of chewing sticks are also recommended, as well as regular cleaning of cavities through oral hygiene.
One should not be depressed because there are solutions. Do not let your concern about having bad breath ruin your life. Islam has answers to this. Source: Internet.