Bad Breath - Halitosis
Bad Breath (halitosis), yes something stinks and I believe it is the makersof mints and mouthwashes that sell millions of dollars worth of products everyyear. Yet these products may help control halitosis only temporarily. Theyactually may be less effective than simply rinsing your mouth with water andbrushing and flossing your teeth. Certain foods, health conditions and habits are among the causes of foulbreath. In many cases you can improve halitosis with proper dental hygiene. Ifsimple self-care techniques don't solve the problem, you may want to see yourdentist or physician to rule out a more serious condition. Causes of Bad Breath The causes of halitosis are numerous. They include: Food.
The breakdown of food particles in and around your teeth can cause a foul odor.Eating foods containing volatile oils is another source of bad breath. Onionsand garlic are the best known examples, but other vegetables and spices also cancause bad breath. After such foods are digested and the pungent oils areabsorbed into your bloodstream, they're carried to your lungs and are given offin your breath until the food is eliminated from your body. Alcohol behaves inthe same fashion, allowing the measurement of alcohol levels by breath tests.Alcohol itself has almost no odor, however. The characteristic smell on yourbreath is mainly the odor of other components of the beverage.
Dental problems.
Poor dental hygiene and periodontal disease can be a source of halitosis. If youdon't brush and floss daily, food particles remain in your mouth, collectingodorous bacteria. A colorless, sticky film of bacteria (plaque) forms on yourteeth. If not brushed away, plaque can irritate your gums (gingivitis) and causetooth decay. Eventually, plaque-filled pockets can form between your teeth andgums (periodontitis), worsening this problem — and your breath. Dentures thataren't cleaned regularly or don't fit properly can also harbor odor-causingbacteria and food particles.
Dry mouth.
Saliva helps cleanse and moisten your mouth. A dry mouth enables dead cells toaccumulate on your tongue, gums and cheeks. These cells then decompose and causeodor. Dry mouth is natural during sleep. It's the cause of "morningbreath." But dry mouth is a problem especially if you sleep with your mouthopen. Some medications and smoking also can lead to a chronic dry mouth, as cana problem with your salivary glands. Self-Care/Preventionfor Bad Breath Try the following steps to improve or prevent Halitosis: - Brush your teeth after you eat.
Keep a toothbrush at work to brush after lunch.
- Floss at least once a day.
Proper flossing removes food particles and plaque from between your teeth.
- Brush your tongue.
Giving your tongue, including the back of your tongue, a good brushing removes dead cells, bacteria and food debris.
- Clean your dentures well.
If you wear a bridge or a partial or a complete denture, clean it thoroughly at least once a day or as directed by your dentist.
- Drink plenty of water.
To keep your mouth moist, be sure to consume plenty of water — not coffee, pop or alcohol. Chewing gum (preferably sugarless) or sucking on candy (preferably sugarless) also stimulates saliva, washing away food particles and bacteria. If you suffer from chronic dry mouth, your dentist or physician may additionally prescribe an artificial saliva preparation.
- Use a fairly new toothbrush.
Change your toothbrush every 2 to 3 months.
- Schedule regular dental checkups.
At least twice a year, see your dentist to have your teeth or dentures examined and cleaned. You can teach your school-age children to brush and floss their teethregularly and to brush their tongue to prevent halitosis. However, don't givechildren mouthwash to use, because many mouthwash products contain alcohol andcan pose a risk for children if they swallow the liquid. Below is one link that provides documentation to what we believe to be a safeand effective alternative to treating and preventing bad breath.
Natural Alternative to Treat and Prevent Halitosis
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Bad Breath to Crohns Disease and Living Probiotics
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