Are you one of the millions of people world wide who have a bad mouth odor? Do you have a seemingly incurable bad breath problem? Have you tried to eliminate this disease without any success?
Any in this article, i present simple strategies you can start implementing to get rid of that foul mouth odor. Strategies that will pinch your pocket. They are dead simple and more importantly, very effective.
Here they are:
1. One of the primary causes of bad breath is bacteria from food left overs in your mouth. A simple way to prevent this bacteria from accumulating in your mouth and causing bad smelling odor is to maintain good oral hygiene.
And this is simple. Use good toothpaste. The toothpaste you are using must be able to remove the bacteria responsible for the mouth odor.
2. Avoid foods that make your bad mouth odor worse. Such foods include garlic, meats, fish, and cheeses. Foods rich in protein are the primary source of bad breath causing bacteria. If you have a severe case of bad breath, avoid them for a while while you get appropriate treatment.
3. Saliva has anti bacteria properties. So, make sure your mouth is able to generate saliva naturally. One sure way to achieve this is to take chewing gum regularly. Unfortunately, most chewing gum in the market contain too much sugar. One excellent substitute will be the therabreath chewing gum. It is excellent and help to treat halitosis as well.
4.Make sure you drink at least 8 cups of clean water daily. This helps to maintain proper hydration and also to get your mouth wet constantly.
5.Avoid acidic drinks like caffeine laden drinks. Tea is less acidic. Drink tea instead.
If you can constantly adhere to the above strategies, you will be able to keep bad breath at bay without burning a hole in your pocket.
Good Luck!
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Mouth Infections That Cause Bad Breath
There is no shortage of breath mints, chewing gums or oral rinses that promise to get rid of halitosis or more commonly referred to as bad breath. But rather than blaming your chronically bad breath on the onions that you had on your burger or the high protein diet you are on, a mouth infection can be the cause of your foul-smelling mouth.
By not practicing healthy oral hygiene practices like brushing and flossing your teeth, food remains in between your teeth where bacteria collects and consequently gives off a malodorous odor. If these particles are not brushed away, they form into plaque which settles in between your teeth and along your gum line. Over time, plaque irritates the gums and forms into gingivitis, a common mouth infection. Over time this common mouth infection gives way to a more serious infection known as periodontitis. In the case of periodontal disease, a bacterium naturally found in the mouth interacts with the plaque and produces toxins that affect the gum line. This in turn produces a foul-smelling odor that is one of the cornerstone symptoms of gum infections.
Yeast infections in the mouth which often occur in newborn babies or those with compromised immune systems can also cause bad breath. The best preventive measures for oral thrush are rinsing the mouth, eating fresh yogurt with live active cultures and limited sugary and yeast-containing foods. Other dental problems associated with bad breath are dry mouth, ill-fitting dentures, cavities and tooth decay. It is always better to know the cause of the problem to get the appropriate treatment.
By not practicing healthy oral hygiene practices like brushing and flossing your teeth, food remains in between your teeth where bacteria collects and consequently gives off a malodorous odor. If these particles are not brushed away, they form into plaque which settles in between your teeth and along your gum line. Over time, plaque irritates the gums and forms into gingivitis, a common mouth infection. Over time this common mouth infection gives way to a more serious infection known as periodontitis. In the case of periodontal disease, a bacterium naturally found in the mouth interacts with the plaque and produces toxins that affect the gum line. This in turn produces a foul-smelling odor that is one of the cornerstone symptoms of gum infections.
Yeast infections in the mouth which often occur in newborn babies or those with compromised immune systems can also cause bad breath. The best preventive measures for oral thrush are rinsing the mouth, eating fresh yogurt with live active cultures and limited sugary and yeast-containing foods. Other dental problems associated with bad breath are dry mouth, ill-fitting dentures, cavities and tooth decay. It is always better to know the cause of the problem to get the appropriate treatment.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
What Are the Causes of Bad Breath?
Bad breath, or Halitosis, describes a condition most commonly characterized as noticeably unpleasant odors that are carried on the breath. Whether from an oral source or not, so-called "stinky breath" is very common, so much so that virtually every human being suffers from it to some extent throughout their lives. There is therefore a lot of community interest in how to cure bad breath and the range of bad breath remedies available.
Despite how common it is, Halitosis can have a significant and devastating personal, social and professional impact on those who actually suffer from it, or interestingly, believe they suffer from it. The latter case is known medically as halitophobia.
Most cases of unpleasant breath (probably as many as 85-90%) originate in the mouth itself, for a variety of reasons and in different degrees. Eating certain foods (such as garlic, onions, meat, fish, and cheese) is an obvious cause, but obesity, smoking, poor dental hygiene and alcohol consumption are also very common causes. Inactivity and the presence of lower levels of oxygen during prolonged periods of sleep are responsible for the appearance of stronger odors first thing in the morning... so-called "morning breath."
Breath odor may be controlled or even temporarily eliminated with eating, teeth brushing, flossing, or rinsing with commercially available mouthwash. Not surprisingly, dental hygiene is a significant contributor to longer-term solutions.
In cases of excessive or prolonged bad breath (chronic bad breath), the personal effects on self-confidence can be enormous. This is a very serious condition and can affect some 25% of the population to varying degrees. In fact, the negative effects for sufferers can even be a significant contributor to poor self-esteem and increased stress levels, sometimes leading to other medical conditions.
Understanding how to achieve fresh breath cures needs to start with at least some basic knowledge of the common factors and Halitosis causes that are involved. These include...
1. Mouth
Scientists have discovered that, of the 600 + varieties of bacteria found in the human mouth, several dozen can produce high levels of foul odors when produced in the laboratory. These odors are produced mainly in the anaerobic breakdown of proteins into individual amino acids and then detectable foul-smelling gases.
2. Tongue
The back of the tongue (posterior dorsum) is the most likely origin of mouth odor, although other parts of the mouth can also be implicated. The presence of food particles, mouth ulcers and poorly maintained teeth or dentures are obvious examples.
The tongue can of course be cleaned with a toothbrush or, better still, an ergonomically designed tongue scraper. Mints, mouth sprays, mouthwash and gum may also help to mask bad odors, however a cure for bad breath is only possible with the control or elimination of decaying food debris and tongue-born bacteria.
3. Gum Disease
Otherwise known as periodontal disease, this can also be a factor causing bad breath. Typically, the cause can be traced to bacteria prospering below the gum line (subgingival dental plaque) which manifests in a persistent foul smell.
4. Nose
Largely unappreciated by most medical laymen, another major source of bad breath is the nose. Nasal odor can be pungent, quite different from oral odor and usually caused by sinus infections or foreign material lodged in the nasal passages.
5. Tonsils
A relatively minor contributor to breath problems, putrefaction from the tonsils manifests in some 3-5% of cases. This is typically caused by the presence of small, foul smelling pieces of calcified matter in tonsillar crypts called tonsilloliths.
6. Stomach
Apart from the common temporary odors emanating from belching (or burping), the stomach is considered a rare source of bad breath by most researchers. This is because the esophagus is a closed and collapsed tube, and any continuous flow of gas or putrid matter from the stomach indicates a health problem far more serious than Halitosis.
7. Systemic Diseases
There are a few systemic or non-oral medical conditions which may cause breath problems, but these are rare in the general population.
8. Other Medical Causes
These include lower respiratory tract Infections (bronchial and lung infections), renal infections and renal failure, carcinoma, trimethylaminuria ("fish odor syndrome"), diabetes, etc. But the presence of these conditions will usually manifest in a more conclusive diagnosis, and is rarely the cause of unpleasant breath.
9. And Finally...
Do think about what you eat. It's probably obvious, but if you eat things like strong cheese, spicy meats and garlic, guess what... these types of foods, as well as alcoholic drinks and coffee (amongst others) will leave odors on your breath! In other words, no matter how fresh and healthy your mouth, teeth, gums, tongue and stomach, it's often the food you eat that is the sole or principal culprit. There is definitely good news if you want to stop bad breath. Start with a disciplined approach to dental hygiene, diet and lifestyle... perhaps add medical advice and some easily accessible bad breath home remedies... and this is one problem you can lick!
Despite how common it is, Halitosis can have a significant and devastating personal, social and professional impact on those who actually suffer from it, or interestingly, believe they suffer from it. The latter case is known medically as halitophobia.
Most cases of unpleasant breath (probably as many as 85-90%) originate in the mouth itself, for a variety of reasons and in different degrees. Eating certain foods (such as garlic, onions, meat, fish, and cheese) is an obvious cause, but obesity, smoking, poor dental hygiene and alcohol consumption are also very common causes. Inactivity and the presence of lower levels of oxygen during prolonged periods of sleep are responsible for the appearance of stronger odors first thing in the morning... so-called "morning breath."
Breath odor may be controlled or even temporarily eliminated with eating, teeth brushing, flossing, or rinsing with commercially available mouthwash. Not surprisingly, dental hygiene is a significant contributor to longer-term solutions.
In cases of excessive or prolonged bad breath (chronic bad breath), the personal effects on self-confidence can be enormous. This is a very serious condition and can affect some 25% of the population to varying degrees. In fact, the negative effects for sufferers can even be a significant contributor to poor self-esteem and increased stress levels, sometimes leading to other medical conditions.
Understanding how to achieve fresh breath cures needs to start with at least some basic knowledge of the common factors and Halitosis causes that are involved. These include...
1. Mouth
Scientists have discovered that, of the 600 + varieties of bacteria found in the human mouth, several dozen can produce high levels of foul odors when produced in the laboratory. These odors are produced mainly in the anaerobic breakdown of proteins into individual amino acids and then detectable foul-smelling gases.
2. Tongue
The back of the tongue (posterior dorsum) is the most likely origin of mouth odor, although other parts of the mouth can also be implicated. The presence of food particles, mouth ulcers and poorly maintained teeth or dentures are obvious examples.
The tongue can of course be cleaned with a toothbrush or, better still, an ergonomically designed tongue scraper. Mints, mouth sprays, mouthwash and gum may also help to mask bad odors, however a cure for bad breath is only possible with the control or elimination of decaying food debris and tongue-born bacteria.
3. Gum Disease
Otherwise known as periodontal disease, this can also be a factor causing bad breath. Typically, the cause can be traced to bacteria prospering below the gum line (subgingival dental plaque) which manifests in a persistent foul smell.
4. Nose
Largely unappreciated by most medical laymen, another major source of bad breath is the nose. Nasal odor can be pungent, quite different from oral odor and usually caused by sinus infections or foreign material lodged in the nasal passages.
5. Tonsils
A relatively minor contributor to breath problems, putrefaction from the tonsils manifests in some 3-5% of cases. This is typically caused by the presence of small, foul smelling pieces of calcified matter in tonsillar crypts called tonsilloliths.
6. Stomach
Apart from the common temporary odors emanating from belching (or burping), the stomach is considered a rare source of bad breath by most researchers. This is because the esophagus is a closed and collapsed tube, and any continuous flow of gas or putrid matter from the stomach indicates a health problem far more serious than Halitosis.
7. Systemic Diseases
There are a few systemic or non-oral medical conditions which may cause breath problems, but these are rare in the general population.
8. Other Medical Causes
These include lower respiratory tract Infections (bronchial and lung infections), renal infections and renal failure, carcinoma, trimethylaminuria ("fish odor syndrome"), diabetes, etc. But the presence of these conditions will usually manifest in a more conclusive diagnosis, and is rarely the cause of unpleasant breath.
9. And Finally...
Do think about what you eat. It's probably obvious, but if you eat things like strong cheese, spicy meats and garlic, guess what... these types of foods, as well as alcoholic drinks and coffee (amongst others) will leave odors on your breath! In other words, no matter how fresh and healthy your mouth, teeth, gums, tongue and stomach, it's often the food you eat that is the sole or principal culprit. There is definitely good news if you want to stop bad breath. Start with a disciplined approach to dental hygiene, diet and lifestyle... perhaps add medical advice and some easily accessible bad breath home remedies... and this is one problem you can lick!
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Bad Breath Odors and What They Mean
Do you have bad breath, or know someone who does? If so, have you ever thought anything about the foul odors that come from the mouth, other than the fact that they smell terrible? It may surprise you and others to know that the odors you or others experience with bad breath can be indicative or symptomatic of a medical condition or illness. This article will briefly cover a few distinct smells and what they may mean for your health.
We usually think that there is just one standard stinky breath odor: a bad one. We know that bad breath is disgusting, but most of us do not take the time to really investigate or get a good whiff of it in order to figure out more about it. Instead, we try to get as far away from the bad smell as we can - and rightfully so! But believe it or not, figuring out the specific properties, scents, and aromas of the bad breath can actually be important to diagnosing a medical condition that you may not even know exists.
A good example of this is with diabetes. Diabetes, to put it simply, produces acetone, which results in a condition known as acetonuria. The body gets rid of this excess acetone in one way by expelling it through exhaling via the mouth. The odor that is given off by this condition is a distinct, fruit and "sweet" smell. If your bad breath has a fruity odor to it - and it is not from fruit drinks, eating food, or chewing gum - then it is possible that you may have acetonuria and diabetes mellitus.
Another example is with chronic kidney failure. Your kidneys process waste from the blood, which then goes into urine. Ammonia is a by-product of this process and is expelled from your body when you urinate. If your kidneys are not functioning properly, then ammonia can build up in your body and reach toxic levels. Your breath may also have a distinct, sour ammonia smell. Thus, if you notice someone with bad breath that frequently smells like ammonia, there could be problems with their kidneys that need to be evaluated.
Yet another example of this comes with bowel problems, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), bowel obstructions, or other conditions. If one's stinky breath has a distinct fecal smell, or otherwise smells like waste or garbage, then this could be indicative of a serious gastrointestinal disorder. Those with Crohn's disease, a very serious chronic gastrointestinal disorder, can also have this type of breath.
In short, if you or someone you know has a distinct bad breath odor, a visit to the doctor may be in order (especially if it does not go away). Of course, if your breath smells like garlic, chances are you eat too much garlic! Just keep an eye - and a nose - out for bad breath to hopefully prevent a bad condition.
We usually think that there is just one standard stinky breath odor: a bad one. We know that bad breath is disgusting, but most of us do not take the time to really investigate or get a good whiff of it in order to figure out more about it. Instead, we try to get as far away from the bad smell as we can - and rightfully so! But believe it or not, figuring out the specific properties, scents, and aromas of the bad breath can actually be important to diagnosing a medical condition that you may not even know exists.
A good example of this is with diabetes. Diabetes, to put it simply, produces acetone, which results in a condition known as acetonuria. The body gets rid of this excess acetone in one way by expelling it through exhaling via the mouth. The odor that is given off by this condition is a distinct, fruit and "sweet" smell. If your bad breath has a fruity odor to it - and it is not from fruit drinks, eating food, or chewing gum - then it is possible that you may have acetonuria and diabetes mellitus.
Another example is with chronic kidney failure. Your kidneys process waste from the blood, which then goes into urine. Ammonia is a by-product of this process and is expelled from your body when you urinate. If your kidneys are not functioning properly, then ammonia can build up in your body and reach toxic levels. Your breath may also have a distinct, sour ammonia smell. Thus, if you notice someone with bad breath that frequently smells like ammonia, there could be problems with their kidneys that need to be evaluated.
Yet another example of this comes with bowel problems, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), bowel obstructions, or other conditions. If one's stinky breath has a distinct fecal smell, or otherwise smells like waste or garbage, then this could be indicative of a serious gastrointestinal disorder. Those with Crohn's disease, a very serious chronic gastrointestinal disorder, can also have this type of breath.
In short, if you or someone you know has a distinct bad breath odor, a visit to the doctor may be in order (especially if it does not go away). Of course, if your breath smells like garlic, chances are you eat too much garlic! Just keep an eye - and a nose - out for bad breath to hopefully prevent a bad condition.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Bad Breath Remedy - Complete Solution
Many people who suffer from bad breath or halitosis have no idea they need a bad breath remedy that is a daily routine. This is a routine that must be followed without fail every day. It does take a little extra time but you get the results you want. You get breath that is fresh and clean all day. If you are serious about finding a way to get rid of bad breath you have to do more than brush.
Before you brush you must have a device that you can use to safely scrape your tongue. Use this device dry to remove the covering of mucous. The mucous is what protects the bacteria and keeps it safely on the tongue. Rinse the scraping device and put some paste or gel on it. Once again, scrape the tongue and spread the paste or gel onto the tongue. Add a little paste or gel to your toothbrush and brush the inside of your mouth. Most people only brush the teeth. You must brush the teeth, tongue, inside of the cheeks, the roof of the mouth and under the tongue. There are even more bad bacteria under the tongue than on the tongue.
There is a high level of bacteria growing in the throat and it does contribute to bad breath. Remedy advice would have to include a means of attacking hard to get to bacteria. The best means of doing this would be by gargling with a suitable mouthwash. It is imperative you use a mouthwash that does not contain any alcohol. You must gargle for ninety seconds. Keep your head back so that you gargle as far back in the throat as you can.
A bad breath remedy that comes as a total system completed with healthy products that work make life a lot easier. It means no more searching the pharmacies, stores or online.
Desperate to find a bad breath remedy? Jeff Ray can help! Jeff Ray is a bad breath expert and the director of Bad--Breath.net. He provides honest information and advice on bad breath remedies and more. Get free tips when you visit the website today!
Before you brush you must have a device that you can use to safely scrape your tongue. Use this device dry to remove the covering of mucous. The mucous is what protects the bacteria and keeps it safely on the tongue. Rinse the scraping device and put some paste or gel on it. Once again, scrape the tongue and spread the paste or gel onto the tongue. Add a little paste or gel to your toothbrush and brush the inside of your mouth. Most people only brush the teeth. You must brush the teeth, tongue, inside of the cheeks, the roof of the mouth and under the tongue. There are even more bad bacteria under the tongue than on the tongue.
There is a high level of bacteria growing in the throat and it does contribute to bad breath. Remedy advice would have to include a means of attacking hard to get to bacteria. The best means of doing this would be by gargling with a suitable mouthwash. It is imperative you use a mouthwash that does not contain any alcohol. You must gargle for ninety seconds. Keep your head back so that you gargle as far back in the throat as you can.
A bad breath remedy that comes as a total system completed with healthy products that work make life a lot easier. It means no more searching the pharmacies, stores or online.
Desperate to find a bad breath remedy? Jeff Ray can help! Jeff Ray is a bad breath expert and the director of Bad--Breath.net. He provides honest information and advice on bad breath remedies and more. Get free tips when you visit the website today!
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Common Cures for Bad Breath (halitosis)
Bad breath is a common health problem in the society. Offensive smell from the mouth may be due to various reasons. The main reason is the presence of anaerobic bacteria in the biofilm formed on the tongue.
These bacteria degrades the proteins present in the food resulting in the production of some offensive gases like hydrogen sulphide, skatol.
Bad odor from the mouth in the early morning is seen in almost all individuals. This can be controlled by maintaining oral hygiene. Even after cleaning the mouth some individuals may suffer from bad breath due to some problems in the mouth or in the nearby areas. Some general disease condition can also produce bad breath. Exact cause has to be identified and should be treated accordingly.
Some common measures to cure or reduce bad breath are discussed here:
1) Oral hygiene.
Mouth should be kept clean every time to reduce the bacterial action. After eating, gargling with lukewarm water is very essential. Even after eating snacks, sweets, biscuits, cleaning with water is needed. Brushing should be done twice daily. It is said that early morning brushing is for beauty and bed time brushing is for good health.
2) Brushing techniques.
Normal brushing technique should be followed for better results. Many people brush vigorously causing damage to the gums. Brushing after every food and drink can damage the enamel. Bristles of the tooth brush should be smooth but hard enough to remove the food particles from the gaps. The direction of brushing is the most important thing.
The upper teeth should be brushed in a downward direction and the lower in upward direction. This is applicable to both inner and outer surfaces. Next comes the crown of the teeth: here brushing is done in anterior and posterior direction keeping the brush in same direction. This is applicable to both upper and lower set of teeth.
3) Tongue cleaning.
White or yellowish coating on the tongue can cause bad breath. This is more well marked in the morning and should be removed twice daily with the help of a tongue cleaner. Tongue cleaners must be used gently without damaging the taste buds on the tongue.
4) Tooth picks.
Tooth pick is a small strip of wood or plastic with a pointed end and is used to remove food particles lodged between the gaps. Very useful after eating meat and fish, should be used gently to avoid damage to gums.
5) Gargling.
After every meal gargling with lukewarm water is useful. For better result common salt is dissolved in the lukewarm water. Different types of mouth wash are available in the market in different trade names. Gargling with mouth wash can also reduce bad breath.
6) Food habits.
Some food articles are known to produce particular smell which may be unpleasant for others. Raw onion is the best example. It is said that an apple a day keeps the doctor away and a raw onion a day keeps everybody away. Maintaining regularity in food timing is the most important thing.
7) Water intake.
Dryness in the mouth can be a favorable condition for the bacterial activity resulting in bad odor. Saliva is needed to keep the mouth moist and to reduce the bacterial proliferation. Production of saliva is closely related with water balance of the body and hence sufficient quantity of water should be taken to maintain the production of saliva.
8) Mouth fresheners.
Natural and artificial mouth fresheners can reduce the intensity of bad breath to some extent. Spicy articles are commonly used for this purpose. Chewing spices like clove, cumin seed, cardamom, cinnamon, and ginger can be useful. All citrus fruits can reduce bad odor. Mouth fresheners and chewing gums are available in the market. These products are also helpful, but some may cause damage hence should be used with caution.
If the above things don't work what should I do?
Consider the following:
1) Remove the cause.
Bad breath is common in some general and systemic diseases like diabetes, fevers, gastric disorders, liver diseases. By removing or reducing the primary cause the bad breath will go automatically.
2) Modern medicine.
If bad breath is due to any infection, suitable antibiotics, anti fungal or anti viral medicines will help. If it is due to any autoimmune or chronic inflammatory conditions steroids may also be used. Saliva producing tablets can also be used.
3) Dental cleaning.
Dental cleaning done by a dentist can remove the dental plaques and tartar. This can reduce the severity of bad breath. Visit your dentist at least once a year.
4) Filling of caries.
Since caries are one of the main causes of bad breath it should be filled by a dentist. Earlier silver amalgam was used; nowadays it is replaced by synthetic materials. If the pulp cavity is affected by the caries, root canal treatment can be done.
5) Tonsillectomy.
Patients with recurrent tonsillitis can have bad breath due to offensive discharges and release of pasty materials from the crypts of tonsils. Such patients get great relief after tonsillectomy (removal of tonsils).
6) Psychological counseling.
Those who suffer from bad breath may be very much depressed and they are away from the public. This isolation hampers their day-to-day activities. Such people should understand the fact that all human beings are having bad breath, but with slight differences in intensities. They should be advised to do all hygienic measures to reduce the intensity of smell. Improving the quality of life by all possible means can also help. Moral support from friends and family members is needed for such people.
Some individuals visit the doctor for bad breath without any real problem. It is included under somatisation disorder. They usually complain about pain, breathlessness, abdominal discomfort, bad smell. Proper diagnosis is needed to rule out any real causes. These patients should be managed with a psychological approach.
7) Homoeopathy.
In Homoeopathy, medicines are selected on the basis of physical, mental, emotional and social aspects of the person. Considering the whole aspects a constitutional homoeopathic medicine is selected and given in suitable potency and dose. By this all health related problems including bad breath will be solved. On the basis of coating on the tongue, type of smell, cause for bad breath and other associated complaints a medicine can be given to get relief from bad breath.
These bacteria degrades the proteins present in the food resulting in the production of some offensive gases like hydrogen sulphide, skatol.
Bad odor from the mouth in the early morning is seen in almost all individuals. This can be controlled by maintaining oral hygiene. Even after cleaning the mouth some individuals may suffer from bad breath due to some problems in the mouth or in the nearby areas. Some general disease condition can also produce bad breath. Exact cause has to be identified and should be treated accordingly.
Some common measures to cure or reduce bad breath are discussed here:
1) Oral hygiene.
Mouth should be kept clean every time to reduce the bacterial action. After eating, gargling with lukewarm water is very essential. Even after eating snacks, sweets, biscuits, cleaning with water is needed. Brushing should be done twice daily. It is said that early morning brushing is for beauty and bed time brushing is for good health.
2) Brushing techniques.
Normal brushing technique should be followed for better results. Many people brush vigorously causing damage to the gums. Brushing after every food and drink can damage the enamel. Bristles of the tooth brush should be smooth but hard enough to remove the food particles from the gaps. The direction of brushing is the most important thing.
The upper teeth should be brushed in a downward direction and the lower in upward direction. This is applicable to both inner and outer surfaces. Next comes the crown of the teeth: here brushing is done in anterior and posterior direction keeping the brush in same direction. This is applicable to both upper and lower set of teeth.
3) Tongue cleaning.
White or yellowish coating on the tongue can cause bad breath. This is more well marked in the morning and should be removed twice daily with the help of a tongue cleaner. Tongue cleaners must be used gently without damaging the taste buds on the tongue.
4) Tooth picks.
Tooth pick is a small strip of wood or plastic with a pointed end and is used to remove food particles lodged between the gaps. Very useful after eating meat and fish, should be used gently to avoid damage to gums.
5) Gargling.
After every meal gargling with lukewarm water is useful. For better result common salt is dissolved in the lukewarm water. Different types of mouth wash are available in the market in different trade names. Gargling with mouth wash can also reduce bad breath.
6) Food habits.
Some food articles are known to produce particular smell which may be unpleasant for others. Raw onion is the best example. It is said that an apple a day keeps the doctor away and a raw onion a day keeps everybody away. Maintaining regularity in food timing is the most important thing.
7) Water intake.
Dryness in the mouth can be a favorable condition for the bacterial activity resulting in bad odor. Saliva is needed to keep the mouth moist and to reduce the bacterial proliferation. Production of saliva is closely related with water balance of the body and hence sufficient quantity of water should be taken to maintain the production of saliva.
8) Mouth fresheners.
Natural and artificial mouth fresheners can reduce the intensity of bad breath to some extent. Spicy articles are commonly used for this purpose. Chewing spices like clove, cumin seed, cardamom, cinnamon, and ginger can be useful. All citrus fruits can reduce bad odor. Mouth fresheners and chewing gums are available in the market. These products are also helpful, but some may cause damage hence should be used with caution.
If the above things don't work what should I do?
Consider the following:
1) Remove the cause.
Bad breath is common in some general and systemic diseases like diabetes, fevers, gastric disorders, liver diseases. By removing or reducing the primary cause the bad breath will go automatically.
2) Modern medicine.
If bad breath is due to any infection, suitable antibiotics, anti fungal or anti viral medicines will help. If it is due to any autoimmune or chronic inflammatory conditions steroids may also be used. Saliva producing tablets can also be used.
3) Dental cleaning.
Dental cleaning done by a dentist can remove the dental plaques and tartar. This can reduce the severity of bad breath. Visit your dentist at least once a year.
4) Filling of caries.
Since caries are one of the main causes of bad breath it should be filled by a dentist. Earlier silver amalgam was used; nowadays it is replaced by synthetic materials. If the pulp cavity is affected by the caries, root canal treatment can be done.
5) Tonsillectomy.
Patients with recurrent tonsillitis can have bad breath due to offensive discharges and release of pasty materials from the crypts of tonsils. Such patients get great relief after tonsillectomy (removal of tonsils).
6) Psychological counseling.
Those who suffer from bad breath may be very much depressed and they are away from the public. This isolation hampers their day-to-day activities. Such people should understand the fact that all human beings are having bad breath, but with slight differences in intensities. They should be advised to do all hygienic measures to reduce the intensity of smell. Improving the quality of life by all possible means can also help. Moral support from friends and family members is needed for such people.
Some individuals visit the doctor for bad breath without any real problem. It is included under somatisation disorder. They usually complain about pain, breathlessness, abdominal discomfort, bad smell. Proper diagnosis is needed to rule out any real causes. These patients should be managed with a psychological approach.
7) Homoeopathy.
In Homoeopathy, medicines are selected on the basis of physical, mental, emotional and social aspects of the person. Considering the whole aspects a constitutional homoeopathic medicine is selected and given in suitable potency and dose. By this all health related problems including bad breath will be solved. On the basis of coating on the tongue, type of smell, cause for bad breath and other associated complaints a medicine can be given to get relief from bad breath.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
How to Find Remedies For Bad Breath
Personal hygiene is big business in the United States. We are bombarded with ads telling us how to be clean and smell clean. One of the biggest concerns for most of us is does our breath smell clean and fresh. Nothing can be a bigger turn off to people than if you have bad breath.
If you want to fight bad breath you must first know what is causing it. For most people that have bad breath it is caused by a build up of bacteria in the mouth that causes this foul smelling odor. Some people have aweful breath once in a while, while for others it is a chronic problem. If you can get a handle on what is causing bad breath and start preventing it you can be a much happier more comfortable person. In this article I will give you some tips on how to prevent bad breath.
First, one very important way to stop bad breath is to drink more water. Water will flush out much of the bacteria that forms in your mouth. Also when you drink water your mouth does not become dry and prevents your mouth from getting the odor that dry mouth can cause. Keeping your mouth and body hydrated can be a great defense.
Second, watch the types of food you eat. If you eliminate certain foods you can be guaranteed that your breath will smell fresher. Eating foods that have a lot of onions and garlic are sure to effect your breath negatively. Heavy spiced foods can leave a bad odor in your mouth. If you know you are going to be around people you may want to avoid these types of food.
Third, you want to eat a healthy diet. Eating a well balanced diet filled with vitamins and nutrients keeps you from getting deficiencies that can be an underlying cause for terrible breath. What you put in your body effects the odors that come out of your body.
If you want to fight bad breath you must first know what is causing it. For most people that have bad breath it is caused by a build up of bacteria in the mouth that causes this foul smelling odor. Some people have aweful breath once in a while, while for others it is a chronic problem. If you can get a handle on what is causing bad breath and start preventing it you can be a much happier more comfortable person. In this article I will give you some tips on how to prevent bad breath.
First, one very important way to stop bad breath is to drink more water. Water will flush out much of the bacteria that forms in your mouth. Also when you drink water your mouth does not become dry and prevents your mouth from getting the odor that dry mouth can cause. Keeping your mouth and body hydrated can be a great defense.
Second, watch the types of food you eat. If you eliminate certain foods you can be guaranteed that your breath will smell fresher. Eating foods that have a lot of onions and garlic are sure to effect your breath negatively. Heavy spiced foods can leave a bad odor in your mouth. If you know you are going to be around people you may want to avoid these types of food.
Third, you want to eat a healthy diet. Eating a well balanced diet filled with vitamins and nutrients keeps you from getting deficiencies that can be an underlying cause for terrible breath. What you put in your body effects the odors that come out of your body.
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