Halitosis (Bakhr-ul- Fam)
Introduction
Oral diseases have gained an importance and are considered as a major public health problem worldwide in recent times. Halitosis (Bad breath), Oral cancer, dental caries and periodontal diseases are among the most important global oral health chalenges. Although new treatments and technologies for dealing with them are plentiful, nonetheless more and more patients are now looking for simpler, gentler therapies for improving the quality of life and avoiding iatrogenic problems.
Bad breath, also known as halitosis (Bakhr-ul- Fam), is a symptom in which a noticeably unpleasant breath odour is present. It can result in anxiety among those affected. It is also associated with depression and symptoms of obsessive compulsive disorder.
In other words Halitosis (Bakhr-ul- Fam) is a condition in which bad smell arises from mouth and nose. It is caused by infection within gums and teeth (Afoonat-e- Lissa wa Asnaan), Hot morbid temperament (Su-e- Mizaj Haar) of oral cavity, accumulation of bilious and phlegmatic humours in stomach, Afoonat-e Riya (Lung infections) and Qurooh-e- Riya (Lung ulcers).
It is characterized by bad breath and may be accompanied with features related to diseases of gums, teeth, stomach and lungs as per the causative factors.
In developing country like India, continuous increase in oral health disease has aroused as one of the important public health problem. Many oral diseases occur due to bacterial infections. Various medicinal plants with antibacterial activity contain potential bioactive compounds which help to minimize bacterial load in the mouth and prevent occurrence of dental plaque, caries and ulcers.
Management’ Treatment
The role of Unani medicine in the management of oral health and hygiene has a long history worldwide. Unani medicines are easily accessible, cheaper and relatively safer than other conventional medicines. Unani single drugs as well as compound formulations indicated in Unani material medica have been proven effective and safe. The exploration and identification of various botanicals used in Unani system of medicine, may lead to development of novel preventive or therapeutic strategies for oral health.
Principles of Treatment (Usool-e- Ilaj)
Ilaj Bil Dawa (Pharmacotherapy)
Unani drugs are easily accessible, cheaper and relatively safer than other conventional medicines. Hence, the search for alternative products continues and natural phytochemicals isolated from plants used in traditional medicine are considered as good alternatives to synthetic chemicals.
By considering the importance of various traditional or complementary alternative medical systems (CAM), In the current article, I have reviewed and tried to explore the role of Unani system of medicine. Both single as well as compound formulations available in the treatise of Unani system of medicine. Few of them are mentioned as under.
Regimental Therapy (Ilaj bil Tadbeer)
Dietary Recommendations
Dietary Restrictions
Tahaffuz (Prevention/ Precaution)
Investigations
Single Unani Drugs
Compound Unani Formulations
References
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