HOW TO LIVE CONSCIOUSLY
Have you ever seen ants marching in search of food? They just follow one another in an almost endless game that seems to drone on and on. Does your life feel like an ant's life - as if you're going from day to day, doing the same thing, the same way, and nothing ever changes?
If so, then there's a very good probability you're not living consciously.
Conscious living is being aware of your life and the things you're doing. It's about taking the time to stop and smell the roses so you can see where you fit into the whole picture. Living consciously is a vital component in enjoying the fleeting moments we have on Earth.
It's important to take note of what's going on around us and be aware of what we're doing. Living consciously brings us an understanding of what we're capable of doing and paves the way for us to get where we want to go.
BENEFITS OF CONSCIOUS LIVING
Perhaps you're wondering, "What's in it for me?" Conscious living brings with it many benefits, which you may already be seeking in your life.
Here are just a few of these benefits:
1.Relieve stress. Conscious living can be a great stress reliever. Not only does it make life more enjoyable when you alleviate your stress, but it also makes you healthier. Stress affects every process in our bodies and can cause serious disease if it builds up within us.
2.Expand your horizons. As you become more aware of your surroundings, you'll find that you can better understand the world and your place in it.
3.Live in the moment. Throughout the day, you'll be more focused on your work because you're consciously acting on a specific task in the moment.
4.Enjoy more passion in your relationships. While living consciously, your relationships will become more meaningful because you'll be appreciative of them as well as the other person. You'll be more in tune with your partner and aware of every want and need.
5.Know your importance. Your job will become more fulfilling because you're more conscious of your role in the grand scheme of things. You no longer just answer a phone or hand someone a photocopy, but you are consciously making a difference.
6.Bring color into your world. Your surroundings will become more vibrant because you'll notice things like the subtle differences between the shades of the trees and the direction of the soft breeze.
7.Being conscious of life makes life more fun. When you're living consciously, bad days are few and far between.
ACTION STEPS TO LIVING CONSCIOUSLY
Luckily, transforming your humdrum life into one filled with vibrant joy is easier than you may think! You can make some simple adjustments to your everyday routines to live consciously and more fully enjoy your life.
HERE ARE SOME ACTION STEPS YOU CAN TAKE TO BRING CONSCIOUS LIVING TO YOUR LIFE:
1.Stop. Take some time to stop throughout the day and look around. Be aware of where you are and what's around you. Become conscious of your surroundings and notice how you fit into them.
• Notice the details such as the green on the trees, or the condensation dripping down the side of the cup.
• Become in tune with what your body feels and actually search out the sensations of your fingers and toes while feeling your chest rise and fall with each breath.
2.Breathe. Take deep breaths and be in the moment. Don't think about what you've done or what you still have to do, just take a minute or two to just breathe!
3.Learn. Take a few minutes each day to try something new. Pick up a book you've wanted to read or learn a new skill. By doing this, you're starting to become conscious of your life and the things you can do with it.
There are many things you can do to live life to its fullest. Living consciously is one of the easiest changes to make on a day-to-day basis. Take a few of these ideas, integrate them into your routine, and begin enjoying the benefits of living consciously!
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Chronic Bad Breath-Do You Suffer With It?
Chronic Bad Breath-Do You Suffer with It?
Chronic bad breath is no laughing matter. If you have it you've possibly experienced embarrassment because of it and this is so unnecessary. Chronic bad breath is usually the consequence of physiological problems more than poor oral hygiene. Anyone with chronic bad breath has tried all the usual measures to fix the problem. Chronic bad breath can affect your life personally as well as professionally.Do you ever think pepoe might be talking about you behind your back?
Perhaps you question yourself and aren't exactly certain you have chronic bad breath.Consider the following experiences to see if you have chronic bad breath.If in doubt, do something about it anyway, because you can't go wrong.
I Have a Constant Bad Taste in My Mouth
Do you have a constant bad taste in your mouth? No matter how many times you brush or floss your teeth, you just can't get rid of the bad taste in your mouth .sometimes, even though we do our best, food particles remain in the mouth and break down thanks to the bacteria that live there.Good oral hygiene often addresses this but sometimes the bad taste remains.
Mint, Anyone?
Picture this. You've just begun a conversation with someone and the next thing you know they're searching in their pocket or purse for something and suddenly they produce a mint and ask you if you want one. Friends may not know how to tell you that you have bad breath so they do the next best thing by offering you a breath freshening agent. Hopefully, you get the clue and accept it making sure to take care of your chronic bad breath as soon as you can.
Breath fresheners only have a temporary effect and can often mask the odor for a brief period. Further action is required to fix chronic bad breath.
Sorry, didn't mean to get in your space.
When you're in conversation with others do they all stand close to you or do you find them backing up and using any number of excuses for doing so?
If this happens often you may need to seriously consider the effect your bad breath may be having on others.If you think friends are avoiding you, consider it might be because of chronic bad breath.
Ugh! I thought my tongue was supposed to be pink!
Look in the mirror and check out your tongue. Is it pink or does it have a nasty looking yellow or white coat? In recent years dentists have suggested that as part of our oral hygiene regime, we brush our tongues as well. Food can get trapped in the grooves in the tongue, bacteria steps in and whoa....stand back 'cause your breath is three alarm awful!
It's not that bad.
don't be upset if you've figured out you have chronic bad breath. you can do something about it and the end of the world is not coming. Go to your dentist and work out a plan that will effectively eliminate your chronic bad breath.
Chronic bad breath is no laughing matter. If you have it you've possibly experienced embarrassment because of it and this is so unnecessary. Chronic bad breath is usually the consequence of physiological problems more than poor oral hygiene. Anyone with chronic bad breath has tried all the usual measures to fix the problem. Chronic bad breath can affect your life personally as well as professionally.Do you ever think pepoe might be talking about you behind your back?
Perhaps you question yourself and aren't exactly certain you have chronic bad breath.Consider the following experiences to see if you have chronic bad breath.If in doubt, do something about it anyway, because you can't go wrong.
I Have a Constant Bad Taste in My Mouth
Do you have a constant bad taste in your mouth? No matter how many times you brush or floss your teeth, you just can't get rid of the bad taste in your mouth .sometimes, even though we do our best, food particles remain in the mouth and break down thanks to the bacteria that live there.Good oral hygiene often addresses this but sometimes the bad taste remains.
Mint, Anyone?
Picture this. You've just begun a conversation with someone and the next thing you know they're searching in their pocket or purse for something and suddenly they produce a mint and ask you if you want one. Friends may not know how to tell you that you have bad breath so they do the next best thing by offering you a breath freshening agent. Hopefully, you get the clue and accept it making sure to take care of your chronic bad breath as soon as you can.
Breath fresheners only have a temporary effect and can often mask the odor for a brief period. Further action is required to fix chronic bad breath.
Sorry, didn't mean to get in your space.
When you're in conversation with others do they all stand close to you or do you find them backing up and using any number of excuses for doing so?
If this happens often you may need to seriously consider the effect your bad breath may be having on others.If you think friends are avoiding you, consider it might be because of chronic bad breath.
Ugh! I thought my tongue was supposed to be pink!
Look in the mirror and check out your tongue. Is it pink or does it have a nasty looking yellow or white coat? In recent years dentists have suggested that as part of our oral hygiene regime, we brush our tongues as well. Food can get trapped in the grooves in the tongue, bacteria steps in and whoa....stand back 'cause your breath is three alarm awful!
It's not that bad.
don't be upset if you've figured out you have chronic bad breath. you can do something about it and the end of the world is not coming. Go to your dentist and work out a plan that will effectively eliminate your chronic bad breath.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Cure of Bad Breath
ad breath is a common health problem in the society.Offenssive 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 offenssive gases like hydrogen sulphide,skatol ect.
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 problem 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 food gargling with lukewarm water is very essential.Even after small food articles like snacks,sweets,buscuits 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 result.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 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 healp of a tongue cleaner. Tongue cleaner must be used gently without damaging the taste buds on the tongue.
4) Tooth pick:
Tooth pick is a small strip of wood or plastic with a pointed end.This 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 little common salt is dissolved in the lukewarm water .Different types of mouth wash is available in the market in different trade names.Gargling with mouth wash can also reduce bad breath.
6) Food habits:
Protein containing food articles are known to produce bad breath. Example; meat, milk, fish, egg etc. If these food articles are taken proper cleaning is essential.Some food articles are known to produce particular smell which may be unpleasent 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 keep every body away.Small food articles taken in between can also cause bad smell(nuts,fried items etc).Maintaining regularity in food timing is the most important thing.
7) Water intake:
Dryness in the mouth can make a favourable 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 freshners:
Natural and artificial mouth freshners can reduce the intensity of bad breath to some extent.Spicy articles are commonly used for this purpose.Chewing spices like clove,cumin seed,cardomom,cinnamon,ginger ect are useful. All citrus fruits can reduce bad odor.Mouth freshners 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 doesn't work then what to 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 and ect.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 inflamatory 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 atleast once in a year.
4) Filling of caries:
Since caries are one of the main cause for 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) Tooth extraction:
If caries are deep with destruction of teeth with bad smell extraction is the better choice and a dental implant can be kept in the gap.
6) Tonsillectomy:
Patients with recurrent tonsillitis can have bad breath due to offenssive discharges and release of pasty materials from the crypts of tonsils.Such patients get great relief after tonsillectomy(removal of tonsils).
7) Psychological counselling:
Those who suffer from bad breath may be very much depressed and they be away from the public .This isolation hampers their daytoday activities.Such people should understand the fact that all humanbeings are having bad breath, but with slight differences in intensities.Mostly all people control it by taking personal care.Every human body has got it's own smell,that may or may not be tolerable for others.They should be adviced to do all hygienic meashures 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 are 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 ect.proper diagnosis is needed to rule out any real causes.These patients should be managed with a psychological approach.
8) Homoeopathy:
In Homoeopathy medicines are selected on the basis of physical ,mental,emotional,and social aspects of the diseased 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.In the homoeopathic medical repertory by Dr Robin Murphy there are 140 homoeopathic drugs mentioned for bad breath.On the basis of signs and symptoms of the individual a suitable medicine is given.Commonly used drugs are arnica, antim crud, pulsatilla, sulphur, psorinum, nux vomica, ars alb, merc sol, kreosot, hekla lava, silicea, asafoitida, graphites, kali bich, acid nitric etc.
Homoeopathic mother tinctures like cinnamon Q,kreosot Q,zingiber Q,rhus glabra Q,menthol Q and ect can be used for gargling after diluting in water.
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 problem 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 food gargling with lukewarm water is very essential.Even after small food articles like snacks,sweets,buscuits 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 result.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 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 healp of a tongue cleaner. Tongue cleaner must be used gently without damaging the taste buds on the tongue.
4) Tooth pick:
Tooth pick is a small strip of wood or plastic with a pointed end.This 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 little common salt is dissolved in the lukewarm water .Different types of mouth wash is available in the market in different trade names.Gargling with mouth wash can also reduce bad breath.
6) Food habits:
Protein containing food articles are known to produce bad breath. Example; meat, milk, fish, egg etc. If these food articles are taken proper cleaning is essential.Some food articles are known to produce particular smell which may be unpleasent 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 keep every body away.Small food articles taken in between can also cause bad smell(nuts,fried items etc).Maintaining regularity in food timing is the most important thing.
7) Water intake:
Dryness in the mouth can make a favourable 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 freshners:
Natural and artificial mouth freshners can reduce the intensity of bad breath to some extent.Spicy articles are commonly used for this purpose.Chewing spices like clove,cumin seed,cardomom,cinnamon,ginger ect are useful. All citrus fruits can reduce bad odor.Mouth freshners 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 doesn't work then what to 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 and ect.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 inflamatory 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 atleast once in a year.
4) Filling of caries:
Since caries are one of the main cause for 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) Tooth extraction:
If caries are deep with destruction of teeth with bad smell extraction is the better choice and a dental implant can be kept in the gap.
6) Tonsillectomy:
Patients with recurrent tonsillitis can have bad breath due to offenssive discharges and release of pasty materials from the crypts of tonsils.Such patients get great relief after tonsillectomy(removal of tonsils).
7) Psychological counselling:
Those who suffer from bad breath may be very much depressed and they be away from the public .This isolation hampers their daytoday activities.Such people should understand the fact that all humanbeings are having bad breath, but with slight differences in intensities.Mostly all people control it by taking personal care.Every human body has got it's own smell,that may or may not be tolerable for others.They should be adviced to do all hygienic meashures 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 are 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 ect.proper diagnosis is needed to rule out any real causes.These patients should be managed with a psychological approach.
8) Homoeopathy:
In Homoeopathy medicines are selected on the basis of physical ,mental,emotional,and social aspects of the diseased 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.In the homoeopathic medical repertory by Dr Robin Murphy there are 140 homoeopathic drugs mentioned for bad breath.On the basis of signs and symptoms of the individual a suitable medicine is given.Commonly used drugs are arnica, antim crud, pulsatilla, sulphur, psorinum, nux vomica, ars alb, merc sol, kreosot, hekla lava, silicea, asafoitida, graphites, kali bich, acid nitric etc.
Homoeopathic mother tinctures like cinnamon Q,kreosot Q,zingiber Q,rhus glabra Q,menthol Q and ect can be used for gargling after diluting in water.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Dental Wellness: Simple Halitosis Cures For Fresh Breath
Many sufferers could be discouraged to dig for halitosis treatment regarding their problem considering they are so abashed. Halitosis manifests for numerous reasons, so you can't be sure of what to do to care for the condition. It is a familiar condition amidst people and as in the case of other common diseases of this nature, there can be quite several simple halitosis cures and remedies, that administer alleviation to anyone going through bad breath.
Eliminating halitosis is complex, seeing that there could be certain causes which may provoke it and whereas you should stop. Customarily, people often misinterprets the actual causes of halitosis. In searching for the simple halitosis cures, it's crucial to learn the certain cause. One foremost causes of halitosis is dry mouth. This is because saliva plays a crucial part in our dental health. Saliva gives the mouth three cardinal purposes:
1. Regulates enzymes which aids in the digestion of food
2. Provides a mode to harmonize the pH or acid levels in the mouth
3. Provides high levels of oxygen so as to secure dental tissues healthy and fresh.
Dentures, oral work, food impaction, and abscesses could be several causes of halitosis. The breakdown of bacteria releases sulphur gas that is connected to oral malodor. Many causes halitosis can be related to several of intrinsic issues like poor dental hygiene, gingivitis, bleeding gums, dry mouth, periodontal disease, tooth decay, or other health related conditions such as sinus infections, diabetes, and even cancer patients going through treatments.
Possessing halitosis might mean you're also at more risk to other oral health issues. To get adequate but simple halitosis cures may demand a dental counsel for possible gum disease, infections or tooth decay. To cure temporary halitosis, simple things like constant brushing, flossing as well as using mouthwash after eating meals or snacks could be a big help. Supposing there are several home remedies for halitosis which administer relief to patients that have them, nevertheless the best and simple halitosis cures which might be done at home without the prescription of a dentist involve, among other things, upholding good oral hygiene.
Those that choose or are avid followers of natural medicines are going for the application of home remedies which have been around for many years. People that have had halitosis have tried many individual halitosis remedies. Like many conditions which are chronic in nature, numerous choices for simple halitosis cures are made practicable to help relieve people of their halitosis conditions.
Trust that there are many simple halitosis cures that are safe, natural, and effectual. Specialized halitosis cures is subject to the actual cause of the problem. General and on hand cures for halitosis are readily attainable. The crucial and simple halitosis cures could just be habitual dental hygiene and regular oral consultations.
Guarantee your oral wellness by using dental products that contain all natural ingredients. Try OraMD and have clean and healthy teeth and gums without the hazards and concerns of any side effects. Oral health affects your overall health, so don't neglect your teeth and gums.
About the Author
Karyu Gilbert is an expert on health related topics. He has written many articles regarding skin care, dental health and many others.
Eliminating halitosis is complex, seeing that there could be certain causes which may provoke it and whereas you should stop. Customarily, people often misinterprets the actual causes of halitosis. In searching for the simple halitosis cures, it's crucial to learn the certain cause. One foremost causes of halitosis is dry mouth. This is because saliva plays a crucial part in our dental health. Saliva gives the mouth three cardinal purposes:
1. Regulates enzymes which aids in the digestion of food
2. Provides a mode to harmonize the pH or acid levels in the mouth
3. Provides high levels of oxygen so as to secure dental tissues healthy and fresh.
Dentures, oral work, food impaction, and abscesses could be several causes of halitosis. The breakdown of bacteria releases sulphur gas that is connected to oral malodor. Many causes halitosis can be related to several of intrinsic issues like poor dental hygiene, gingivitis, bleeding gums, dry mouth, periodontal disease, tooth decay, or other health related conditions such as sinus infections, diabetes, and even cancer patients going through treatments.
Possessing halitosis might mean you're also at more risk to other oral health issues. To get adequate but simple halitosis cures may demand a dental counsel for possible gum disease, infections or tooth decay. To cure temporary halitosis, simple things like constant brushing, flossing as well as using mouthwash after eating meals or snacks could be a big help. Supposing there are several home remedies for halitosis which administer relief to patients that have them, nevertheless the best and simple halitosis cures which might be done at home without the prescription of a dentist involve, among other things, upholding good oral hygiene.
Those that choose or are avid followers of natural medicines are going for the application of home remedies which have been around for many years. People that have had halitosis have tried many individual halitosis remedies. Like many conditions which are chronic in nature, numerous choices for simple halitosis cures are made practicable to help relieve people of their halitosis conditions.
Trust that there are many simple halitosis cures that are safe, natural, and effectual. Specialized halitosis cures is subject to the actual cause of the problem. General and on hand cures for halitosis are readily attainable. The crucial and simple halitosis cures could just be habitual dental hygiene and regular oral consultations.
Guarantee your oral wellness by using dental products that contain all natural ingredients. Try OraMD and have clean and healthy teeth and gums without the hazards and concerns of any side effects. Oral health affects your overall health, so don't neglect your teeth and gums.
About the Author
Karyu Gilbert is an expert on health related topics. He has written many articles regarding skin care, dental health and many others.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Top Tip For Making A Great Speech
How can you train your mind to overcome all of the negative fear and anxiety which is often associated with public speaking, and instead boost positive and confident thought, thereby paving the way to delivering your speech calmly, powerfully and successfully?
Great public speaking is all about confidence; the confidence to stand up in a room full of people who you don't know, and deliver a speech with eloquence and gusto. It's not easy - without effective mental rehearsal you may become short of breath, experience butterflies in your stomach, forget what you were going to talk about or even freeze completely. Some unfortunate people have even been known to faint.
Some people are naturally accomplished orators, who not only speak with passion and wit, but thoroughly enjoy being in the limelight. They have the ability to make every single person in the audience feel that they are communicating almost solely with you, and compel your full attention. Others prefer to stand back, to mingle amongst the crowd and shy away from the spot light. How can humans be so very different, from one individual to the next? We all have the same individual components after all. We are all born with the capacity to learn, develop and achieve almost unlimited things.
At birth, the human brain is not fully formed. A template is there which adapts to the environment and culture to which we are born. We learn through experience, be it our native tongue or a familiarity with standing up in front of our peers and taking centre stage. We learn whether something feels good to us or not depending upon each individual experience. Before the age of 10 we usually have a reasonably well developed sense of who we are and what we are comfortable with or not.
From there on in, we tend to live our lives within the limitations of these core beliefs and expectations. If we have had bad experiences or no experience of "performing" in front of a crowd, the tendency for most is to shy away from such circumstances. On the other hand, those who have had good experiences have the budding confidence to stand up there again and again, building greater degrees of confidence along the way. Good experiences, repeated time and again lead to comfort and confidence.
But if you haven't had such good and powerful experiences, you don't have to stay the same way. You can learn to overcome your shyness, fear or trepidation and think differently and feel differently. You have the capacity to feel just as confident and comfortable as the best orators in the world. The key is in knowing how to mentally rehearse your speech again and again so that you effectively "trick" your inner mind into believing that you have been in this situation many times before and so you feel the comfort of this experience and the confidence which accompanies it.
Your mind does not know the difference between something which is real and something which is vividly imagined. This is fact. Thus by vividly imagining yourself making a great speech and receiving positive feedback from the crowd you in effect train your brain to feel comfortable and happy about such events. I do not just mean thinking about your speech and imagining it to be word perfect, I mean that you should really see yourself there, to step right into a movie in your minds' eye, to hear your own voice, loud and clear, to feel the confidence in your stance, to feel the warm response of the audience.
A thought without an emotion will have no effect. Your effective mental rehearsal will involve all of your senses; you will be powerfully aware and fully absorbed in the sights, sounds and feelings associated with your imagery. It is this vivid detail and emotion which embeds the "experience" within your psyche. It is this detailed emotional input which makes it "true". And as you visualize your speech again and again and again, it is as if you have already "been there and done that" all of those many times..and so public speaking truly feels like second nature to you.
There is another way in which you can enhance the effect of such visualization. You can use hypnosis to relax and access your subconscious mind and then run through your visualizations in this state of relaxed focus. In this way your visualizations will take on more color and texture, more vividness and reality, as your creative mind is unleashed. Hypnotic suggestions can also be made to further increase confidence and empower you to an ever more compelling performance.
What are you waiting for? You can start visualizing right now and you will find you get better and better at it, and you can get hypnosis downloads to make your visualizations more powerfully compelling and therefore effective.
Great public speaking is all about confidence; the confidence to stand up in a room full of people who you don't know, and deliver a speech with eloquence and gusto. It's not easy - without effective mental rehearsal you may become short of breath, experience butterflies in your stomach, forget what you were going to talk about or even freeze completely. Some unfortunate people have even been known to faint.
Some people are naturally accomplished orators, who not only speak with passion and wit, but thoroughly enjoy being in the limelight. They have the ability to make every single person in the audience feel that they are communicating almost solely with you, and compel your full attention. Others prefer to stand back, to mingle amongst the crowd and shy away from the spot light. How can humans be so very different, from one individual to the next? We all have the same individual components after all. We are all born with the capacity to learn, develop and achieve almost unlimited things.
At birth, the human brain is not fully formed. A template is there which adapts to the environment and culture to which we are born. We learn through experience, be it our native tongue or a familiarity with standing up in front of our peers and taking centre stage. We learn whether something feels good to us or not depending upon each individual experience. Before the age of 10 we usually have a reasonably well developed sense of who we are and what we are comfortable with or not.
From there on in, we tend to live our lives within the limitations of these core beliefs and expectations. If we have had bad experiences or no experience of "performing" in front of a crowd, the tendency for most is to shy away from such circumstances. On the other hand, those who have had good experiences have the budding confidence to stand up there again and again, building greater degrees of confidence along the way. Good experiences, repeated time and again lead to comfort and confidence.
But if you haven't had such good and powerful experiences, you don't have to stay the same way. You can learn to overcome your shyness, fear or trepidation and think differently and feel differently. You have the capacity to feel just as confident and comfortable as the best orators in the world. The key is in knowing how to mentally rehearse your speech again and again so that you effectively "trick" your inner mind into believing that you have been in this situation many times before and so you feel the comfort of this experience and the confidence which accompanies it.
Your mind does not know the difference between something which is real and something which is vividly imagined. This is fact. Thus by vividly imagining yourself making a great speech and receiving positive feedback from the crowd you in effect train your brain to feel comfortable and happy about such events. I do not just mean thinking about your speech and imagining it to be word perfect, I mean that you should really see yourself there, to step right into a movie in your minds' eye, to hear your own voice, loud and clear, to feel the confidence in your stance, to feel the warm response of the audience.
A thought without an emotion will have no effect. Your effective mental rehearsal will involve all of your senses; you will be powerfully aware and fully absorbed in the sights, sounds and feelings associated with your imagery. It is this vivid detail and emotion which embeds the "experience" within your psyche. It is this detailed emotional input which makes it "true". And as you visualize your speech again and again and again, it is as if you have already "been there and done that" all of those many times..and so public speaking truly feels like second nature to you.
There is another way in which you can enhance the effect of such visualization. You can use hypnosis to relax and access your subconscious mind and then run through your visualizations in this state of relaxed focus. In this way your visualizations will take on more color and texture, more vividness and reality, as your creative mind is unleashed. Hypnotic suggestions can also be made to further increase confidence and empower you to an ever more compelling performance.
What are you waiting for? You can start visualizing right now and you will find you get better and better at it, and you can get hypnosis downloads to make your visualizations more powerfully compelling and therefore effective.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Bad Breath
Causes of bad breath ?
Bad breath is a common health problem which greately affects the daytoday activities of somany people. The offenssive odor from the mouth is unpleasent to those who come in close contact with bad breathers. The problem will be doubled by psychological trauma leading to depression. The sufferers from this problem wil be isolated from the society. This can even lead to marital disharmony.
Literally speaking all humanbeings are badbreathres. Oral cavity contains millions of anaerobic bacteria like fusobacterium and actinomyces which acts on the protein of food materials and putrifies them. This process results in the formation of offenssive gases like hydrogen sulphide,methyl mescaptan,cadaverin,skatol,putrescine ect causing bad odor. If oral hygiene is not maintained properly all will suffer from bad breath. Most of us control this by regular brushing,tongue cleaning and gargling. Even after maintining cleanliness in the mouth some individuals suffer from offenssive smell due to various causes which has to be diagnosed and treated properly.
Some common causes of bad breath.
1) Poor oral hygiene:
If oral hygiene is not maintained properly the mouth becomes the seat for millions of bacteria which produce offenssive gases by degrading the food debris. Bad breath is severe in those who do not brush their teeth regularly and clean their mouth after every food. Snacks taken inbetween meals can also produce bad breath because of improper cleaning.
Badbreath is common in almost all people in the morning on waking. During sleep there is less production of saliva .Saliva has got some antibacterial properties which help to keep the mouth clean. Saliva conains oxygen molecules which is needed to make oral cavity aerobic. So the reduction in it's quantity during sleep makes a favourable condition for anaerobic bacteria.
2) Food habits:
The main cause of bad smell is due to degradation of protein by the bacteria and hence all food products rich in protein favours bad breath. Meat,fish,milk products, eggs,cakes,nuts,pear and ect can cause bad breath. Some food articles can produce particular type of smell which may be unpleasent. Raw onion can produce typical bad smell. It is said that an apple a day keeps the doctor away,a raw onion a day keeps everybody away. Eating groundnuts can also produce bad smell. However if proper cleaning is done smell can be reduced irrespective of the nature of food. Irregularity in timing of food can also produce bad breath. Small food articles taken in between the meals can also produce bad smell.
3) Biofilm:
There is formation of a thin sticky coating called biofilm on the tongue and oral mucosa. This coating is thick on the posterior aspect of the tongue where millions of gram negative bacteriae are seen .The thick coating on the tongue is always associated with badbreath. Even a thin biofilm can make anaerobic condition favourable for bacterial proliferation.
4) Dental caries:
This is a destructive process causing decalcification with distruction of enamel and dentine resulting in cavitisation of the tooth. These are produced mainly by the lactobacilli . Food particles are deposited inside these cavities and are putrified by the anaerobic bacteria producing bad smell. Normal brushing will not remove the food debris easily and hence they are putrified completely. Caries are common in schoolgoing children and in those who donot maintain proper oral hygiene .Calcium and vitamin deficiency can also predispose caries.
5) Gingivitis:
Gum is a mucus membrane with supporting connective tissue covering the tooth bearing borders of the jaw .The main function of gum is protection .Gingivitis is the inflammation of the gum .Due to various causes gum tissue get infected resulting in swelling,pain and discharge. If the condition become worse the infection spread towards peridontal area leading to continuous discharge called pyorrhoea. Some times the infection goes deep producing alveolar abscess with discharge of pus. Infection can even reach the bone causing osteomyelitis.All these conditions can produce offenssive smell.
6) Gum retraction:
When the gums retract from the teeth a gap is developed which will lodge food particles and cause bad breath.
7) Dental plaques and tartar deposits; Plaques and tartar is deposited mainly in the gaps between the teeth and gum. This will provide shelter for the food debris and bacteria causing bad breath.
8) Ulcerative lesions& coatings:
Almost all ulcerative lesions of the mouth are associated with bad breath. These lesions may be caused by bacteria,viruses,food allergies or due to autoimmune disorders. Apthous ulcer is the commonest amoung ulcerative lesions. Others are herpes,fungal infections,vincents angina,infectious mononucleosis,scarlet fever,diphtheria,drug reactions and ect. Cancerous ulcers produce severe bad breath. All fungal infections produce white coating(candidiasis). Leucoplakia is a white thick patch on the mucus membrane of the mouth & tongue. It is considered as a precancerous condition. Offenssive breath is associated with these conditions.
9) Diseases of the salivary glands:
Saliva is very useful to supply oxygen to all parts of the oral cavity. Even a thin film of coating called biofilm can provide an anaerobic condition in the mouth. Saliva can wet these layers and make an aerobic condition which is unfavourable for the bacteria .Any condition which reduces the production of saliva can increase bacterial activity. Some times the salivary duct is obstructed by stones or tumors.Cancer of the salivary gland is associated with offenssive odor. In suppurative parotitis purulant dischrge in to the mouth causes bad breath.
10) Tonsillitis:
Tonsils are a pair of lymphoid tissue situated in the lateral wall of oropharynx. Inflammation of the tonsil is called tonsillitis. Bad breath is seen in both acute and chronic tonsillitis. Quinsy or peritonsillar abscess can also produce bad breath.
11) Tonsillar plaques & tonsillar fluid:
If bad breath persists even after maintaining proper oral hygeine there is possibility of this condition. Serous fluid secreated from the folds of tonsil is very offenssive. Some patients complain that they hawk some cheesy materials from the throat;which are very offenssive in nature. These are formed inside the tonsillar crypts which contain thousands of bacteriae. In such conditions tonsillectomy gives noticiable relief from bad breath.
12) Pharyngitis& pharyngial abscess:
Pharynx is a fibromuscular tube which forms the upper part of the digestive & respiratory tract. Inflmmation of the pharynx is called pharyngitis, caused mainly by bacteria and viruses. Bad breath is present in pharyngitis along with other signs like cough and throat irritation. Abscesses in the wall of pharynx can also produce offenssive discharge of pus in to the throat.
13) Dentures:
Denture users may complain about bad smell due to lodgement of small food debris in between. Proper brushing may not be possible in denture users especially fixed dentures.
14) Tobacco:
Tobacco chewing is associated with bad breath. The smell of tobacco itself is unpleasent for others. Tobacco can irritate the mucus membrane and cause ulcers and coatings. Gingivitis and pyorrhoea are common in tobacco chewers. Tartar is deposited on the teeth mainly near the gums. Tobacco chewers get gastric acidity with eructations. All these causes offenssive smell.
15) Smoking:
Smokers always have bad smell. It can also produce lesions in the mouth & lungs causing bad breath.Smoking increases carbon dioxide in the oral cavity & reduces oxygen level,causing a favourable condition for bacteria. Smoking reduses appetite & thirst hence acid peptic disease is common in chain smokers.
16) Lesions in the nose & ear:
Bad breath is occasionally seen in sinusitis(infection of para nasal sinuses). In case of post nasal dripping bad breath is common due to the presence of protein in the discharges. These proteins are degraded by the bacteria. Infection in the middle ear with discharge of pus in to the throat through the eustachian tube(passage from middle ear to the throat)can also cause offenssive odor. Chronic rhinitis(infection of mucus membrane of nose) and forign bodies in the nose can also produce bad smell in the expired air.
17) Diabetes mellitus:
Mostly all diabetic patients suffer from bad breath. Coated tongue,ulcers &coatings in the mouth ,increased sugar level in tissues ect are responsible for bad breath.Bacterial growth in diabetic patient is very faster than non diabetic individuals.
18) Fevers:
Bad breath is common in almost all fevers. Even an acute fever can produce bad breath. Severe bad breath is seen in typhoid .Other infectious diseases like Tuberculosis , AIDS ect produce bad smell.
19) Fasting & dehydration:
Dry mouth favours bacterial activity. So any condition which produce dryness in the mouth makes the breath offenssive. Eventhough the food particles are known to produce bad breath, fasting can also produce the same. Production of saliva is also reduced during fasting. Chewing and swallowing also helps to keep the mouth clean.
20) Bedridden patients:
Bedridden patients suffer from offenssive breath due to thick coating on the tongue. water intake is also limited in these patients. Regurgitation of food aggravates the condition. Since they talk less aeration in the oral cavity is reduced which favours anaerobic bacteria to become active.
21) Diseases of stomach & esophagus:
Eructation of gas and food produce unpleasent smell. Abnormality in the function of lower sphincter can allow the food to regurgitate upwards causing bad breath. Bad breath is also common in gastritis,gastric ulcer and cancer of stomach.
22) Intestinal diseases:
Bad breath is common in patients suffering from ulcerative lesions of intestine like ulcerative collitis..Other diseases are malabsorption syndrome intestinal tuberculosis, peritonitis ect.
23) Diseases of lungs:
Lung diseases like pneumonia, lung abscess,chronic bronchitis,bronchiectasis,tuberculosis, lung cancer ect can produce bad odor during expiration.
24) Liver disorders:
Liver diseases like hepatitis, cirrhosis,can cause bad breath.Gall bladder diseases with vomiting also causes unpleasent odor.
25) Psychiatric patients:
Bad breath is common in psychotic patients due to poor hygiene,irregular food habits,less water intake and ect.
26) Somatisation disorder:
This is a psychiatric disorder charecterised by the presence of a physical symptom that suggest a medical illness .These patients come with physical complaints like pain,nausea difficult respiration, bad smell ect. This condition is diagnosed after detailed examination of the patient with all investigations.Since this is a psychiatric disorder it has to be managed with a psychological approach.
[ THE POINTS MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE IS FOR GENERAL INFORMATION. ANY PERSON HAVING BAD BREATH SHOULD CONSULT A QUALIFIED DOCTOR ]
Bad breath is a common health problem which greately affects the daytoday activities of somany people. The offenssive odor from the mouth is unpleasent to those who come in close contact with bad breathers. The problem will be doubled by psychological trauma leading to depression. The sufferers from this problem wil be isolated from the society. This can even lead to marital disharmony.
Literally speaking all humanbeings are badbreathres. Oral cavity contains millions of anaerobic bacteria like fusobacterium and actinomyces which acts on the protein of food materials and putrifies them. This process results in the formation of offenssive gases like hydrogen sulphide,methyl mescaptan,cadaverin,skatol,putrescine ect causing bad odor. If oral hygiene is not maintained properly all will suffer from bad breath. Most of us control this by regular brushing,tongue cleaning and gargling. Even after maintining cleanliness in the mouth some individuals suffer from offenssive smell due to various causes which has to be diagnosed and treated properly.
Some common causes of bad breath.
1) Poor oral hygiene:
If oral hygiene is not maintained properly the mouth becomes the seat for millions of bacteria which produce offenssive gases by degrading the food debris. Bad breath is severe in those who do not brush their teeth regularly and clean their mouth after every food. Snacks taken inbetween meals can also produce bad breath because of improper cleaning.
Badbreath is common in almost all people in the morning on waking. During sleep there is less production of saliva .Saliva has got some antibacterial properties which help to keep the mouth clean. Saliva conains oxygen molecules which is needed to make oral cavity aerobic. So the reduction in it's quantity during sleep makes a favourable condition for anaerobic bacteria.
2) Food habits:
The main cause of bad smell is due to degradation of protein by the bacteria and hence all food products rich in protein favours bad breath. Meat,fish,milk products, eggs,cakes,nuts,pear and ect can cause bad breath. Some food articles can produce particular type of smell which may be unpleasent. Raw onion can produce typical bad smell. It is said that an apple a day keeps the doctor away,a raw onion a day keeps everybody away. Eating groundnuts can also produce bad smell. However if proper cleaning is done smell can be reduced irrespective of the nature of food. Irregularity in timing of food can also produce bad breath. Small food articles taken in between the meals can also produce bad smell.
3) Biofilm:
There is formation of a thin sticky coating called biofilm on the tongue and oral mucosa. This coating is thick on the posterior aspect of the tongue where millions of gram negative bacteriae are seen .The thick coating on the tongue is always associated with badbreath. Even a thin biofilm can make anaerobic condition favourable for bacterial proliferation.
4) Dental caries:
This is a destructive process causing decalcification with distruction of enamel and dentine resulting in cavitisation of the tooth. These are produced mainly by the lactobacilli . Food particles are deposited inside these cavities and are putrified by the anaerobic bacteria producing bad smell. Normal brushing will not remove the food debris easily and hence they are putrified completely. Caries are common in schoolgoing children and in those who donot maintain proper oral hygiene .Calcium and vitamin deficiency can also predispose caries.
5) Gingivitis:
Gum is a mucus membrane with supporting connective tissue covering the tooth bearing borders of the jaw .The main function of gum is protection .Gingivitis is the inflammation of the gum .Due to various causes gum tissue get infected resulting in swelling,pain and discharge. If the condition become worse the infection spread towards peridontal area leading to continuous discharge called pyorrhoea. Some times the infection goes deep producing alveolar abscess with discharge of pus. Infection can even reach the bone causing osteomyelitis.All these conditions can produce offenssive smell.
6) Gum retraction:
When the gums retract from the teeth a gap is developed which will lodge food particles and cause bad breath.
7) Dental plaques and tartar deposits; Plaques and tartar is deposited mainly in the gaps between the teeth and gum. This will provide shelter for the food debris and bacteria causing bad breath.
8) Ulcerative lesions& coatings:
Almost all ulcerative lesions of the mouth are associated with bad breath. These lesions may be caused by bacteria,viruses,food allergies or due to autoimmune disorders. Apthous ulcer is the commonest amoung ulcerative lesions. Others are herpes,fungal infections,vincents angina,infectious mononucleosis,scarlet fever,diphtheria,drug reactions and ect. Cancerous ulcers produce severe bad breath. All fungal infections produce white coating(candidiasis). Leucoplakia is a white thick patch on the mucus membrane of the mouth & tongue. It is considered as a precancerous condition. Offenssive breath is associated with these conditions.
9) Diseases of the salivary glands:
Saliva is very useful to supply oxygen to all parts of the oral cavity. Even a thin film of coating called biofilm can provide an anaerobic condition in the mouth. Saliva can wet these layers and make an aerobic condition which is unfavourable for the bacteria .Any condition which reduces the production of saliva can increase bacterial activity. Some times the salivary duct is obstructed by stones or tumors.Cancer of the salivary gland is associated with offenssive odor. In suppurative parotitis purulant dischrge in to the mouth causes bad breath.
10) Tonsillitis:
Tonsils are a pair of lymphoid tissue situated in the lateral wall of oropharynx. Inflammation of the tonsil is called tonsillitis. Bad breath is seen in both acute and chronic tonsillitis. Quinsy or peritonsillar abscess can also produce bad breath.
11) Tonsillar plaques & tonsillar fluid:
If bad breath persists even after maintaining proper oral hygeine there is possibility of this condition. Serous fluid secreated from the folds of tonsil is very offenssive. Some patients complain that they hawk some cheesy materials from the throat;which are very offenssive in nature. These are formed inside the tonsillar crypts which contain thousands of bacteriae. In such conditions tonsillectomy gives noticiable relief from bad breath.
12) Pharyngitis& pharyngial abscess:
Pharynx is a fibromuscular tube which forms the upper part of the digestive & respiratory tract. Inflmmation of the pharynx is called pharyngitis, caused mainly by bacteria and viruses. Bad breath is present in pharyngitis along with other signs like cough and throat irritation. Abscesses in the wall of pharynx can also produce offenssive discharge of pus in to the throat.
13) Dentures:
Denture users may complain about bad smell due to lodgement of small food debris in between. Proper brushing may not be possible in denture users especially fixed dentures.
14) Tobacco:
Tobacco chewing is associated with bad breath. The smell of tobacco itself is unpleasent for others. Tobacco can irritate the mucus membrane and cause ulcers and coatings. Gingivitis and pyorrhoea are common in tobacco chewers. Tartar is deposited on the teeth mainly near the gums. Tobacco chewers get gastric acidity with eructations. All these causes offenssive smell.
15) Smoking:
Smokers always have bad smell. It can also produce lesions in the mouth & lungs causing bad breath.Smoking increases carbon dioxide in the oral cavity & reduces oxygen level,causing a favourable condition for bacteria. Smoking reduses appetite & thirst hence acid peptic disease is common in chain smokers.
16) Lesions in the nose & ear:
Bad breath is occasionally seen in sinusitis(infection of para nasal sinuses). In case of post nasal dripping bad breath is common due to the presence of protein in the discharges. These proteins are degraded by the bacteria. Infection in the middle ear with discharge of pus in to the throat through the eustachian tube(passage from middle ear to the throat)can also cause offenssive odor. Chronic rhinitis(infection of mucus membrane of nose) and forign bodies in the nose can also produce bad smell in the expired air.
17) Diabetes mellitus:
Mostly all diabetic patients suffer from bad breath. Coated tongue,ulcers &coatings in the mouth ,increased sugar level in tissues ect are responsible for bad breath.Bacterial growth in diabetic patient is very faster than non diabetic individuals.
18) Fevers:
Bad breath is common in almost all fevers. Even an acute fever can produce bad breath. Severe bad breath is seen in typhoid .Other infectious diseases like Tuberculosis , AIDS ect produce bad smell.
19) Fasting & dehydration:
Dry mouth favours bacterial activity. So any condition which produce dryness in the mouth makes the breath offenssive. Eventhough the food particles are known to produce bad breath, fasting can also produce the same. Production of saliva is also reduced during fasting. Chewing and swallowing also helps to keep the mouth clean.
20) Bedridden patients:
Bedridden patients suffer from offenssive breath due to thick coating on the tongue. water intake is also limited in these patients. Regurgitation of food aggravates the condition. Since they talk less aeration in the oral cavity is reduced which favours anaerobic bacteria to become active.
21) Diseases of stomach & esophagus:
Eructation of gas and food produce unpleasent smell. Abnormality in the function of lower sphincter can allow the food to regurgitate upwards causing bad breath. Bad breath is also common in gastritis,gastric ulcer and cancer of stomach.
22) Intestinal diseases:
Bad breath is common in patients suffering from ulcerative lesions of intestine like ulcerative collitis..Other diseases are malabsorption syndrome intestinal tuberculosis, peritonitis ect.
23) Diseases of lungs:
Lung diseases like pneumonia, lung abscess,chronic bronchitis,bronchiectasis,tuberculosis, lung cancer ect can produce bad odor during expiration.
24) Liver disorders:
Liver diseases like hepatitis, cirrhosis,can cause bad breath.Gall bladder diseases with vomiting also causes unpleasent odor.
25) Psychiatric patients:
Bad breath is common in psychotic patients due to poor hygiene,irregular food habits,less water intake and ect.
26) Somatisation disorder:
This is a psychiatric disorder charecterised by the presence of a physical symptom that suggest a medical illness .These patients come with physical complaints like pain,nausea difficult respiration, bad smell ect. This condition is diagnosed after detailed examination of the patient with all investigations.Since this is a psychiatric disorder it has to be managed with a psychological approach.
[ THE POINTS MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE IS FOR GENERAL INFORMATION. ANY PERSON HAVING BAD BREATH SHOULD CONSULT A QUALIFIED DOCTOR ]
Wednesday, May 13, 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.
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