How to Cure Bad Breath

What Is Bad Breath?

2010-01-11T03:47:00.000-08:00

There are over 90 million people who suffer from simple bad breath
or from more severe halitosis. For most people the cause of their
bad breath will emanate from their teeth, gums, and tongue. The
bad odor will come from bacteria in the mouth that is the result of
food particles left in the mouth after eating. Poor dental habits
can also be a major contributing cause of bad breath. Decay in the
mouth will produce a sulphur compound which leaves behind a bad
smell.

If you have bad breath you'll want to take a look at your oral
hygiene habits. When you brush your teeth make sure that you also
brush your tongue, the inside of your cheeks, and the roof of your
mouth. You want to be sure to remove all the food particles and
bacteria from your mouth. You'll also want to make sure that you
floss your teeth to remove any food particles that are trapped
between your teeth. Use a mouthwash as a temporary solution to
your bad breath, however if the problem is still there make sure
that you talk to your dentist to see if you have gum disease or
tooth decay.

Bad breath can also occur for other reasons that include a dry
mouth, diabetes, infection, liver problems, or kidney failure.
Smoking is another contributing factor. Many cancer patients will
find that they have a dry mouth after they have undergone radiation
therapy. Lack of saliva in the mouth can lead to bad breath since
food particles won't be washed away. Other reasons why you may
experience bad breath include stress, dieting, your age, hormonal
problems, and snoring.

If you have an odor that emanates from the back of your mouth you
may have post-nasal drip. Post-nasal drip occurs when the mucus
that is secreted from your nose moves into your throat. The mucus
then gets stuck on your tongue and this can produce a foul smell.

The number one thing that you need to keep mouth odors under
control is an ample amount of saliva. Saliva is needed to wash
away the bacteria and food particles that become stuck in your
mouth. As you sleep the amount of saliva that is produced will
lessen. This is why most people wake up with some level of morning
breath. To get rid of morning breath you simply need to brush and
floss your teeth so that the odor is washed away. Eating a morning
meal is another way to get rid of morning breath since this will
get the saliva flowing once again.

Ref: Abhi [Health-Whiz

Bad Breath Can Damage Your Career

2010-01-11T03:39:00.000-08:00

Not only can bad breath affect your social life, it can also have a
negative impact on your career and job prospects. If you want to
get the job that you really want you might want to brush your teeth
more often and stay away from the coffee. This is because, as some
studies show, people who have bad breath are less likely to be
considered for a job than people with sweet smelling breath.

If you think that you have bad breath there are some things that
you can focus on to remedy the matter such as:

- Take more care brushing your teeth. Make sure that you brush
your gums, the inside of your cheeks, your tongue, and the roof of
your mouth.
- Floss between your teeth at least once each day. You want to
make sure that all the food particles are removed from your mouth
and from between your teeth.
- Drink plenty of water and other liquids so that your mouth
stays wet. Saliva will help to flush out your mouth and can bring
you relief from bad breath before it starts.
- Avoid drinking coffee; coffee leaves a distinctive smell in
your mouth and can also cause dryness.
- Take the time to clean out your mouth each time that you eat
particularly after eating meat, fish, or milk products.
- See your dentist regularly to make sure that you don't have
gum problems or tooth decay.
- Use a tongue cleaner to keep your tongue free of bacteria.
- Chew sugarless gum after you eat, particularly if you can't
find the time to brush your teeth right away.
- Snack on fresh vegetables like carrots and celery.

Many employers say that bad breath is a very unattractive feature
in a potential employee. The only other two unattractive features
are body odor and a person who is dressed without care. Employers
want to know that the employees they hire are neat and tidy.

Bad breath is a taboo subject that many people avoid taking about.
The basic feeling is "if I don't think about it, I don't have it".
However, it's important that you recognize whether or not you have
bad breath so that you can take the steps necessary to relieve this
problem. If you have a job interview planned in the near future
you're going to want to know whether or not you need to focus on
your dental hygiene a little bit more than you usually do. This is
especially true if you're applying for a job where you'll be
spending a lot of time talking with customers or other employees.

Ref: Abhi [Health-Whiz]

Dry Mouth and Bad Breath

2010-01-11T03:35:00.000-08:00

If you have a dry mouth, you'll have less saliva. And less saliva
in your mouth can lead to bad breath. Saliva is very important to
dental and oral hygiene since it performs the following functions:

- Saliva provides necessary enzymes which are needed to digest
your food.
- Saliva helps to stabilize the pH levels in your mouth, which
in effect control the amount of acids that are present.
- Saliva provides adequate levels of oxygen which are needed to
keep the tissues in your mouth fresh and healthy.

Dry mouth, otherwise known as Xerostomia, means that you have less
saliva. This means that there will be less oxygen in your mouth.
When oxygen is lacking an anaerobic environment will be created
which is perfect for the production of bacteria. Bacteria in the
mouth will create sulphur gases which will give you bad breath and
also leave a bad taste in your mouth.

The shape of your tongue can also determine whether or not you have
bad breath. The rougher that your tongue is the more likely you'll
have bad breath since there will be more grooves in which bacteria
can hide. Everyone has a specific shape and texture of tongue
which can be an inherited factor in the freshness of your breath.

Some people will have a hairy tongue. This means that the
papillae, the fibers of the tongue, are longer than average. These
long fibers can trap in those bacteria that produce foul smelling
sulphurs.

If you scrape your tongue or brush it extra hard to combat bad
breath you may develop what is known as "burning tongue syndrome".
This syndrome occurs when you develop sensitivity to certain
conditions such as hot, cold, or acidic foods. If you have a
tongue that is sensitive you'll want to stay away from mouthwashes
and oral rinses that have an alcohol base.

Once you know that bad breath and a dry mouth go hand in hand you
can take steps to make sure that your mouth remains wet with an
ample amount of saliva. Chewing on gum throughout the day can help
to keep the saliva flowing but make sure that you use sugarless gum
so that you avoid tooth decay. You can also try keeping a bottle
of water with you at all times so that you can wet your whistle
once you feel that your mouth is getting too dry. Bad breath can
be an unpleasant part of your life until you learn some of the
tricks of avoiding it.

Ref: Abhi [Health-Whiz

Bad Breath and Acidic Foods

2010-01-11T03:34:00.000-08:00

Studies show that acidic foods can cause some people to have bad
breath. If you've tried other methods of getting rid of bad
breath, and find that you've not been successful, you might want to
eliminate highly acidic foods from your diet to see what the result
is in regards to foul odors. Fighting bad breath often means
trying two or more solutions until you find the right one for you.

Acids will help the bacteria in your mouth to reproduce at a faster
rate. You need to neutralize the acids in your mouth so that
sulphur compounds are discouraged from growing. The easiest way
that you can do this is by eliminating certain foods from your diet.

Coffee is probably one of the first food items that you should stop
using. Both regular coffee and decaf coffee has high acid levels.
Substitute your morning coffee with a cup of tea since tea is much
less acidic. Another beverage that you should avoid drinking is
tomato juice.

There are other juices that also contain high levels of acid which
you'll want to eliminate for a time so that you can see if your bad
breath disappears or is eased. These juices include orange juice,
pineapple juice, and grapefruit juice. High acid fruits should
also be avoided so that you can neutralize your mouth.

Ref: Abhi [Health-Whiz]

Bad Breath in Children by Abhi [Health-Whiz]

2010-01-11T03:26:00.000-08:00

If your child has bad breath you'll want to get to the bottom of
the problem so that you can rule out health problems. Most bad
breath in children is the result of tooth decay. As soon as your
child's teeth appear they are susceptible to decay. This means
that you have to practice good dental hygiene habits from a very
young age, as early as the first birthday. Get a soft brush and
brush your child's teeth after nursing or after a bottle. When you
start introducing foods to you child's diet make sure that you take
the time to brush lightly so that food particles are removed from
the mouth. Never put your child to bed with a bottle since this is
the number one leading cause of tooth decay.

If teeth aren't the problem behind bad breath in your child other
health problems might be. Other health issues can include throat
problems, sinus infections, or an obstruction from the adenoids or
tonsils. After children have a cold they are often susceptible to
respiratory conditions which can produce bad breath.

Certain food groups can also cause bad breath in children. Try
eliminating foods in groups for about two to four weeks to see if
your child's breath improves. Some of the food groups to
eliminate include dairy, wheat and other glutens, citrus,
shellfish, and eggs.

How to Whiten Teeth at Home - 7 Tips to Get a Whiter Brighter Smiler in Days

2010-01-05T04:14:00.000-08:00

Stained teeth are a kiss of death. No one likes looking at someone's teeth that's several shades darker than the normal. It can adversely affect your ego, and make you slowly step aside and fade into oblivion. To avoid this from ever happening, check out the tips below on how to whiten teeth at home.

1. Teeth whitening need not be expensive. But you must make an effort to contact your dentist every month. Your dentist will have clue on the most effective treatments for your teeth. He's also professionally trained to deal with different issues ranging from gum disease to tooth decay to teeth blemishes. Ask him if he can recommend some cheap treatments. Otherwise, follow the next steps on how to white teeth at home.

2. Always include fruits and vegetables in your meals. Eat plenty of them as well during snacks. The vitamins you acquire by eating them are needed to maintain that glow in your skin and teeth. Calcium is very important as well because it strengthens your bones and teeth, and allows them to shine brighter than ever.

3. Eliminate the habit of drinking tea, coffee, and soft drinks. Not only do they have adverse effects on your health as a whole, their dark ingredients can slowly get absorbed in your teeth. And you don't want that to happen, do you? Your teeth are too precious to get messed up with nasty caffeine and carbons you get from drinking these stuffs.

4. Instead of these unhealthy liquids, drink plenty of water and at least a glass of milk everyday. Water washes away stains that might otherwise get stuck in your teeth. Milk, on the other hand, contains lots of calcium. Having high calcium content in your body would only mean one thing - brighter and stronger and better looking teeth.

5. Get lovely teeth by rubbing the white portion of orange over and over again. Those nice looking fibers are proven to be effective in restoring white enamel. In fact, the elements found in them are now being tapped by manufacturers in mixing whitening materials.

6. You can also try the baking soda trick. Put a small amount of baking soda in an aluminum foil and mix it with an equally small amount of toothpaste. Place the foil around your teeth for an hour and rinse it thoroughly after. Doing this three times a week will greatly enhance the white color of your teeth.

7. When purchasing products off the counter, always make sure it says peroxide in the label. Peroxide is proven to be the most potent solution on how to whiten teeth at home. In fact, you can even buy a hundred percent peroxide solution and mix a small amount with water. Gargle several times a day.

If you are looking to whiten your teeth at home then there is a cheap and very effective Home Teeth Whitening system that you can use to whiten your teeth in as little as 3 Days. This system is safe and easy to apply and allow you to Get Up To 5 Shades Brighter Or More. So hurry now and grab your FREE Home Teeth Whitening Kit and get your whiter, brighter smile in as little as 3 days Flat!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Casey_Gentles

Bad Breath Report - A-Z of Your Quest on Bad Breath Information - Causes, Treatment

2010-01-05T04:12:00.000-08:00

This is the clearest, most lucid information on Bad Breath you can ever lay your hands on – the Bad Breath report. Now, in a moment of time, we will quickly get together and walk through all you ever wanted to know about Bad Breath.

Bad Breath is a big social handicap; it impairs your relationship, mars your successes and leaves you with an atmosphere of self defeat. Bad Breath can cost you your living. Not too worry, many have gone past and scaled the hurdle by the tips I will lay here in a moment. First, let’s walk through some fundamentals; what is Bad Breath, Bad Breath causes, and then treat Bad Breath afterwards.

What is Bad Breath

Bad breath / Halitosis bad breath is a condition where the breath you exhale give offensive odor. This odor is mainly caused by a bacterium that reside within the throat and the surface of the tongue. Other causes are just supporting causes. It is surprising to note that most people living with bad breath aren't even aware of it. Breathing into your hand to see if you have bad breath is just a myth because it doesn't work! Bad breath may be detected · If you frequently have a bad taste in your mouth · People step back from you when you're talking to them · They out rightly avoid direct contact with you · Somebody has told you about it · Someone has constantly offered you breath mints or chewing gum · You experience a white/yellow film coating on your tongue

Bad Breath Causes

Bad breath does not originate from the stomach or any other part of the body like many have been made to believe. It stays right there in the mouth and like I earlier asserted, a bacteria that resides within the surface of the tongue and the throat mainly cause bad breath. This bacterium is called Anaerobic Sulfur producing bacteria. These bacteria are originally supposed to be there (in small quantities) because they have their functions – they actually help us in food digestion. They break down proteins found in some food. Under some condition, these bacteria begin to function at a very high rate. Since they breakdown proteins and proteins are made up of amino acids that are dense with sulfur (this sulfur exactly is what smells and causes the odor), they are said to cause bad breath. Other supporting causes are bad teeth and gums – if they are in poor condition, they can contribute to bad breath. Also, consumption regularly or in large quantities of garlic, onions, alcohol, hot peppers, aromatic spices e.t.c These tips will help you fight off Bad Breath:

* Drink a lot of water
* Chew sugarless gums and mints
* Drink water and use it to clean your mouth thoroughly after eating. This is more important especially after eating foods high in protein. There are two reasons for this – it moistens the mouth and removes the food particles that will feed the bacteria or in themselves cause odor.
* Thorough brushing and flossing should be incorporated in one’s daily cleaning routine. Flossing should be more emphasized. [just in case, flossing means to clean in-between your teeth with a special material]
* If you are on Atkins diet, the odds are even greater, because the core of Atkins diet is for you to break fats into ketones to produce ketosis. Ketones causes’ very bad smell and they get into the saliva – Bad Breath originates from the mouth! It is wiser to change the diet.
* Minimize greatly your consumption of garlic, onions, chili powder, alcohols, hot peppers
* Make sure the state of your gums and teeth are perfect. Check on your dentist or regular examination.

In summary, what we have analyzed in your quest to treat bad breath is this.

* Reduce greatly the sum total of these bacteria that exist in your mouth
* Reduce greatly what makes them thrive; the types of food we take in, the kinds of diet we follow, the debris that remain in between our teeth after eating.
* Reduce greatly the type of environment in which these bacteria thrive.

That’s it on the Bad Breath Report, Visit http://freshbreath4life.blogspot.com for more simple incredible ways to eliminate bad breath fast!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Achi_Amaechi

PREVENTING AND TAKING CARE OF BAD BREATH (PART 2)

2010-01-05T04:10:00.000-08:00

Many manufactured mouth washes contain antibacterial chemicals such as chlorhexidine, cetylpyridinum chloride, zinc gluconate, chlorine dioxide or essential oil. Others contain odour eliminators, e.g. oxidizing agents that react with pungent products but do not affect bacteria. Read the product labels to choose what is more effective for you. Do not overuse mouthwashes as, like other chemicals, there is a possibility that they can produce unknown effects in the body. Avoid masking bad breath. Aim at cleansing and then freshening the mouth.

During the day, avoid letting bacteria accumulate in your mouth. Swish water around in your mouth after a meal (privately) if you cannot brush your teeth. If you are going on a long journey or are going to face a long period of oral inactivity, chewing gum limits the stagnancy that bacteria need to thrive and chewing also ensure you swallow off bacteria which are then destroyed by stomach acid. If in a public environment, you don’t have to make your chewing obvious as some people may be offended by it.for those who need to avoid sugar, there is sugar-free gum.

During the day, if you have to work close with people and you tend to accumulate bad breath, it is helpful to avoid being offensive to others and getting embarrassment for yourself. Take a mint tablet, a dash of mouth spray, or freshen-up by gargling an rinsing your mouth wash. Such products can help to mask troublesome odour so that one can relate well with family, colleagues, and associates but they do not remove bacteria.

Chewing areca or Bethel nuts which are popular in northern Nigeria may also have anti-halitosis effect but the nut also contains an addictive stimulant and prolonged use of the nut tans the teeth. Some medicines containing natural products are designed to work from the inside, e.g. in the digestive system, so that you can consume whatever you like (onions, garlic, spices, coffee, alcohol, cigarettes) without developing bad breath from them. Such products include: Odour Cleanse, Good Breath and Breath Buddies. Capsules and gels containing parsley seed oil and sunflower oil are commonly used.

Bad breath can also come from inside the nose especially if tiny foreign bodies are trapped there. Bacteria can thrive there too. The tonsils (small structures in your throat) may periodically release a smelly foul smelling off-white matter, the size of an okra seed, called a tonsillolith which causes bad breath. When you gargle, cough out such debris from your throat.

Bad breath may also come from the stomach in people whose esophaguses leak upwards from the stomach. In this case, no matter how well we clean the mouth, we could still be offensive to others.

Infection in your breathing tubes (bronchi and lungs or the respiratory tract), also causes bad breath. This may need a doctor’s prescription of a specific of a specific antibiotic or antifungal drug for you to take.

Liver failure, kidney failure, cancer, diabetes, are abnormal health conditions that have been associated with bad breath but these are not the common causes of bad breath.

Be sensitive to people’s reaction to your bad breath. It is sometimes hard to know the level of foulness of your own breath because you get used or acclimatized to it. Family members should kndly tell one another if they notice persisitent chronic foul breath. But remember that for most people, bad breath is on and off and we should be somewhat tolerant and overlooking.

You may detect your own bad breath by licking the of your wrist and smelling it when it dries. If it is foul, you are in trouble. You can also smell the scraping from the baclk of your tongue.

Clinically, bad breath is diagnosed with a halimeter – a portable device which measures vaporized sulfuric compounds (produced by bacteria) in the breath. However, foods, such as onions and garlic produce sulfur which can continue to appear in the breath for up to 48 hours after eating. So, most Nigerians who consume these foods routinely may consistently test positive. A portable gas chromatography machine (e.g. OralChroma is now being used with more reliability.

In all these efforts to fight bad breath, remember that solving one health problem does not have to generate another health problem. Therefore, avoid damaging your tongue with brush or scrapper. It may be helpful to cope with bad breath for a couple of days and give your mouth rest from antiseptic mouth wash.

Article Source: Theresa Adebola John, PHD, MHPE

PREVENTING AND TAKING CARE OF BAD BREATH (PART 1)

2010-01-05T03:49:00.000-08:00

Bad breath (halitosis) is a curse on the bearer. It makes people shrink from you, even hate you. If they have any business with you, they want to be quick with you and drive you out. Therefore, bad breath, though a physical problem, is not also good for your mental health and mental well-being.

Everybody experiences non-pathologic bad breath. Early in the morning, especially for those whose mouths are closed during sleep, the mouth bears strong odour produced by the undisturbed activities of anaerobic bacteria. These enjoy life in the warm, moist, unventilated (less oxygen containing) oral (mouth) cavity during your peaceful sleep.

If your work entails long periods of silence during which you do not speak or if you spend long hours studying without talking breaks, you give bacteria in your mouth a chance to produce smelly substances. Their action (putrefaction) generates sulfuric products, giving rotten eggs smell.

We often wonder that even after brushing out teeth several times a day, we get bad breath. We need to remove the source of the bad breath. Bacteria are difficult to get rid of. A few remnant can rapidly multiply exponentially to greatly increase their population. Up to 600 types may be found in your mouth. Don’t get alarmed. Only a few types can produce bad odour. The places where they may remain after your routine teeth brushing are the inner end of the tongue and around your molar teeth. The inner part of the tongue gets covered with food debris and drip from the inner part of the nose (post-nasal- drip). This thin layer is good breeding ground (habitat) for bacteria.

The molar teeth, because of their remoteness, also retain food remnants when we do not brush well beyond the front teeth.

Use a manufactured tongue cleaner or teaspoon to gently scrape the back of the tongue. The tongue brush which is round and flat may also be used or an ordinary tooth brush may suffice for a low budget economy. Some people discourage brushing as they believe it spreads the bacteria and they therefore advise scraping. Avoid damaging the taste buds on the back surface of your tongue. Whenever you can, eat some rough or fibrous food that can clean the back of your tongue as you swallow, e.g. dry gari, French bread, or a piece of toast.

Work on the molars with a toothpick and floss (a purposefully manufactured dental string) and rinse out the spaces between your teeth with antiseptic mouth wash. It may be especially helpful to control halitosis caused by bacteria if you do this before going to sleep at night.

Article Source: Theresa Adebola John PHD, MHPE

Herbal Remedies for Bad Breath - Abhi

2010-01-05T03:47:00.000-08:00

There are many people who swear that herbal remedies work for bad
breath. If you suffer from bad breath you might want to try some
of the following herbal products to see if you can promote a
sweeter breath:

- Anise: Anise seeds are a licorice flavored seed that can kill
the bacteria in your mouth as well as mask the odor. Other seeds
to try include fennel, dill, or cardamom.

- Cloves: Cloves are known as a powerful antiseptic. Make
yourself a clove mouthwash which you can use twice a day. Place 3
whole cloves into two cups of boiling water. Let this mixture
steep for about 20 minutes. Pour the mixture through a strainer
and put the liquid into a jar.

- Lemon: Take a lemon wedge and sprinkle a little bit of salt
on the stop. Suck on the lemon wedge until the juices are gone.
This will help to stop bad breath after you've eaten onions or
garlic.

- Parsley: Try chewing on a few sprigs of parsley. Parsley has
been used for thousands of years in the promotion of good smelling
breath. Mint works just as well as parsley.

- Fennel: There are two ways that you can use fennel to fight
bad breath: (1) chew the leaves slowly so that saliva builds up in
your mouth, or (2) take a fennel capsule (found in health food
stores) and open it up, mixing the contents with baking soda so
that you make a paste. Use this paste to brush your teeth, gums,
and tongue.

Bad Breath Out of Nose

2009-12-17T05:05:00.000-08:00

Halitosis (bad smelling breath) usually comes from the mouth because that’s where it’s produced: bad breath out of nose passages may be sign that something more complicated is going on. Most sources agree that the hydrogen sulfide smell so typical of halitosis is caused by the production of volatile sulfur compounds by bacteria living in the moth. When air is expelled from the mouth, the odor is detected. When air is expelled from the nose, the air comes from the lungs and bypasses the mouth, so it’s unusual for air coming from the nostrils to smell bad.

Bad breath coming thru the nose is more likely to originate in the nose, sinuses, or throat, or even more unusually, from the lungs, lower airways or stomach. The first step is to confirm the existence of bad breath out of nose passages – your sense of smell might be off due to a viral infection or anything else that causes sinus irritation. Are you suffering from dry nose, allergies, a cold, or anything else that might be affecting your sense of smell? Your bad nose breath may be an illusion – have a good friend confirm that it’s real before you overreact.

Bad breath out of nose passages may be caused by a blockage or obstruction in the nasal passages that is preventing normal airflow and drainage. Individuals, especially small children, sometimes push objects into their nostrils that may then become lodged in the airway. Swimmers may inadvertently inhale objects in water if they take in water through the nose. Occasionally undigested food gets lodged in the sinuses when an individual vomits. Any of these things can set up a situation that will result in bad breath coming through the nose.

Bad nose breath can also be a result of infection in the nose or sinuses, or even in the throat or lungs. Infection, however, seldom happens without other symptoms. If the person experiencing bad breath out of nose passages has swelling, redness, heat, or pain in the sinuses, an infection may be brewing, and a doctor should be consulted. Similarly, lung and throat infection typically also cause pain and fever. Bad breath coming thru the nose is an incidental sign of these infections that is distant from the infection itself.

Some medical conditions can result in bad breath out of nose passages; however, the odor noted in these cases is usually different from the typical hydrogen sulfide smell of halitosis. Some malignancies (cancer) of the airways can cause an odor, as can kidney and liver disease, and ketoacidosis (a serious complication of diabetes). Again, though bad breath coming thru the nose is noted, the odor comes from elsewhere. See your doctor if you notice bad nose breath and there is no obvious reason for it, especially if you are feeling at all unwell.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=R._Drysdale

Five Steps To Finding The Right Bad Breath Help

2009-12-17T05:02:00.000-08:00

Finding out that you have bad breath can be a very alarming experience. The first thing you have to do is to relax. Follow these simple steps to get the right bad breath help for you.

Find Out if You Have it

It is true that a lot of people really have bad breath without their knowing it. It is also true though that quite a number of people simply become paranoid and imagine that they do. Find out for sure if you have the condition before looking for bad breath help. You can try licking your tongue or scraping it with a piece of cloth. Smell your wrist or piece of cloth to find out if it smells bad. You can also ask a person who is related and close to you to tell you honestly if you have bad breath. This is the surest way to find out.

Don't Panic

Some people immediately panic when they find out that they have bad breath. A normal reaction would be to become obsessed with brushing, mouth washing, flossing and tongue scraping. Get a hold of yourself. The worst thing you can do is to overdo oral care. Too much aggressive brushing and use of commercial mouthwashes can do more harm than good for you. You can either unintentionally injure your mouth or you can make it drier. A dry mouth is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria that cause bad odor.

Care for Yourself First

Before you look for serious and potentially expensive bad breath help, try helping yourself first. You might just have temporary bad breath that can be solved by proper oral care. You can do the following oral self care practices.

* Brush your teeth at least twice a day
* Gently brush your tongue, gums, teeth and the insides of your cheeks
* Drink a lot of water
* Floss daily
* Change your brush every three months
* Have your teeth cleaned regularly by a dentist
* Clean your dentures and braces thoroughly as instructed by your dentist
* Don't eat too much protein rich and spicy foods

Go to the Dentist

Some people still unfortunately have bad breath even if they carefully and meticulously follow self care tips to prevent bad breath. If this is the case, then you should see a reputable and experienced dentist for bad breath help. The good thing about going to a dentist is that he will be able to find out the real cause of your condition.

If you have a stubborn case of bad breath, he can tell if it's just because of bacterial build up or because of an underlying condition. You may have bad breath because of an existing gum disease or because of a deeper, more serious internal illness. If you have a serious condition beyond the scope of your dentist's expertise, he will be able to refer you to some other experts who may be able to help you.

Product Use

There are some products that can really provide effective bad breath help. You have to be careful though. A lot of commercially sold bad breath products can actually make your condition worse. Watch out for products with alcohol. This can make your mouth drier and worsen bad breath.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cavyl_Stewart

Is Parsley A Bad Breath Solution?

2009-12-17T05:00:00.000-08:00

Bad breath is a common cause for awkwardness for many people especially when they are in close proximity to another person e.g.: going on a date, taking an interview, or being at a wedding. While a small percentage of people suffer from this condition on a regular basis, a larger percentage of people experience it only occasionally.

The condition may be associated with teeth and gum problems or due to some trouble originating from the lungs or the stomach. It may also crop up when the person is suffering from some illness such as cold, upper respiratory tract infections, sore throat, etc. It may also originate if there is drying up of the mouth (xerostomia) or in cases of poor oral hygiene.

If the cause for bad breath is due to some systemic illness or due to teeth and gum problems, there is no remedy to negate the bad breath unless the underlying source is treated. Once the basis for the condition is identified and treated, the bad breath disappears on its own. You can treat these sources with natural remedies, but you need a combination of items to make the proper recipe.

But if the source for the condition is due to poor oral hygiene or due to drying up of the mouth, improving on the hygiene and the use of some age-old home remedies do bring about progress in reducing the condition.

One among such time tested home remedies to temporarily reduce bad breath is the use of parsley. This has been used in various forms for many years and is favored by many people. The leaves of Parsley are rich in chlorophyll and acts as a powerful neutralizer of bad breath. Chlorophyll is an anti-mutagen that acts as a very good deodorizer.

Parsley has been used in various forms to combat bad breath, but the effects are at its best when it is fresh. Parsley is the best antidote for bad breath especially for reducing garlic-odor when some food containing garlic has been consumed.

When dining outside in a restaurant, if a person feels that he/ she is having bad breath the easiest way out is to order a dish that contains Parsley. Chewing on the leaves will give instant relief and avoid embarrassment.

Chewing on parsley sprigs dipped in vinegar also helps combat bad breath. This when chewed and swallowed and helps in improving the digestion. The sprigs of Parsley when swallowed also help in reducing intestinal gases that may further reduce bad breath.

Many breath fresheners that are commercially available contain Parsley as one of its ingredients. The aromatic oils of parsley used in these breath fresheners are ideal in reducing bad breath.

Parsley contained in a capsule was commercially available as a method to combat bad breath. This was marketed with the concept saying that the condition is a problem of the digestive tract and not from the oral cavity. This product was later removed from the market when the company's claims were challenged in the court by other competitors in the field.

Parsley is also used to make a homemade remedy to fight bad breath. It is boiled in water along with some whole or ground cloves and the mixture is then cooled and strained. This strained product of Parsley and cloves is gargled as a mouthwash to help reduce bad breath.

Though many commercial products are available in the market, many people still prefer to use simple, natural and easily available remedies such as Parsley to help them battle killer bad breath. Unfortunately, for those who suffer from chronic bad breath, or halitosis, a simple solution like this will not be sufficient.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Richard_Wilkins

How to Cure Bad Breath Fast by Knowing the Causes

2009-12-17T04:56:00.000-08:00

A health problem that many people may be aware of and embarrassed by is halitosis or bad breath. But there are different reasons and causes for bad breath. By knowing the root cause of your bad breath, you can learn how to cure bad breath easily and effectively.

Sometimes a person may only suffer from morning bad breath which can be easily removed by brushing; or it may due to strong-flavored foods like garlic which has been eaten, which will take its time to go away. But it is the out of the ordinary bad breath that may be a harbinger of some health problem which needs to be taken seriously.

There are quite a few people who are not even conscious that they have bad breath unless it is pointed out to them by somebody else. You probably would not want something like that to occur. If you do not even know that you have bad breath, then you can not and would not do anything about it. How can you find out?

Testing For Bad Breath

There is a simple method that you can do yourself. Just use the innermost part of your tongue to lick your wrist and after a few seconds, smell it. If the smell is not good or normal, it is bad, you will know that you suffer from bad breath. If you know that you have bad breath, you should find out the reason behind it.

Main Reasons For Bad Breath

The most common reason for bad breath is the bacteria which make their home in our mouths. When saliva starts the process of digestion in the mouth, the protein in food is broken down and sometimes foul smelling gases like hydrogen sulfide and methyl mercaptan are produced. These smell like rotten eggs and cabbage.

Also, after food is completely digested, there are chemicals released by the foods that enter your blood stream. These eventually mix with your breath, making it smell bad. You can restrict eating such foods and also undertake a good oral hygiene routine of brushing and flossing.

Morning breath is something that is unavoidable and the reason for this is that saliva production is curtailed during sleep. This is compounded by the fact that there is some invisible food residue that remains along with dead cells shed inside your mouth. These combine to help bacteria multiply, which increases the flow of gas released. That is the main reason why you have morning breath.

This can be gotten rid of by brushing after you wake up. When you eat and drink, saliva is produced again, and the breath becomes better, but you should ideally brush before and after the first meal of the day.

If you have a tendency to get bad breath, you really ought to carry a toothbrush and toothpaste in the very least so that you can brush your teeth more often. If that is not viable then you must at least rinse your mouth well just with water, if not mouthwash, after every meal.

A dry mouth (xerostomia) is another reason for bad breath. Lack of saliva is the common cause for a dry mouth, which causes bad breath, but there are other conditions which can also lead to a dry mouth.

Smoking and drinking can cause a reduction in saliva production. Aging, too, can result in decreased saliva production. You can encourage and improve the production of saliva by sucking on sugar free candy, chewing gum, drinking lots of water and eating high fiber foods. Use a moisturizing mouthwash as well.

Bad breath is an extremely common condition, but with the right remedies and treatments, it is easy to rid yourself of it.

I used to suffer from very bad bad breath. Save yourself time, money and heartaches by visiting my Bad Breath Blog at http://www.treatmentforbadbreath.com/ for easy to apply tips and advice. Discover one thing you need to know when treating your bad breath at my site.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Darren_Wumoult

Bad Breath and High Protein Foods

2009-12-17T04:42:00.000-08:00

Foods that are high in protein can make your bad breath much worse.
This is because some high protein foods cause sulphur compounds to
grow at a very fast rate. And for you this means an environment in
your mouth that is ideal for bacteria to grow and multiply.

There are some foods that contribute more to the production of
sulphur compounds than other foods. These foods come under the
category of "high protein/amino acid foods. Milk, cheese, and
other diary products are at the top of the list when it comes to
high protein foods that you should avoid. If you are lactose
intolerant you'll definitely want to stop eating dairy products
since these foods will be around longer for bacteria to thrive on.

Fish is very high in protein and should be avoided completely for a
time being to see if your bad breath improves. Substitute other
protein foods, such as tofu, so that you're sure to get the amount
of protein that you need each day.

When it comes to acidic foods you'll want to avoid coffee until you
can determine if your bad breath is caused by the foods that you
ingest. Coffee, whether it's regular or decaf, contains large
amounts of acids. It's these acids that help bacteria to reproduce
at a fast rate. Coffee can also leave your mouth with a bitter
taste that can contribute to bad breath.

Reference: Abhi [Health-Whiz]

Cat Illness Symptoms For Anemia, Bad Breath, Cancer and Conjunctivitis

2009-11-20T02:06:00.000-08:00

Health problems can range from something minor to a major life threatening situation, and any sign of illness should be taken seriously. The following are some common health concerns.

What is Anemia? Anemia is caused by a low amount of red blood cells. These cells carry oxygen through the blood and are vital to a cat's health. A serious and sometimes fatal condition, anemia can indicate another illness. Cats with this disorder become oxygen starved and have a decreased appetite, increased respiration and pale gums.

What about bad breath? Bad breath is a common sign of another ailment, which can include diabetes, cancer, tooth decay, or gum disease. If your cat has very bad breath, take him to the vet for a dental exam.

What about cancer symptoms? Cancer is abnormal tissue growth, and if left unchecked, it will spread throughout the body. Although cancer can occur at any age, it is a common cause of death in older cats. Symptoms are growths or lumps on the skin that get bigger, trouble swallowing, lack of appetite, weight loss, excessive thirst, difficulty breathing, lethargy, bad breath, and wounds that do not heal.

What about conjunctivitis? Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the inner eyelid. The lining of the eye may appear pink or red and swollen. Yellow discharge is a common symptom. If your cat has any eye problems, take him to the vet right away.

When your cat reaches eight years of age, start him on a preventive health care program designed for older cats. This includes a complete physical checkup twice a year, including a dental exam. The vet will be able to detect any significant physical changes, look for signs of illness, and make sure that your cat is current on all necessary inoculations.

Ask if your older cat should be started on a special diet. Pet food manufacturers have developed senior formula blends of dry and canned food. Based on your cat's overall health, your vet may recommend adding vitamin or mineral supplements to his food. They will help to boost the immune system as well as help the body absorb nutrients.

If you have any questions about your cat's health care needs as he ages, speak with your vet. She may make recommendations regarding lifestyle changes that could benefit him in his senior years.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_Kramer

Kitchen Cures For Bad Breath

2009-11-20T02:04:00.000-08:00

If you are scared of having bad breath or if you do, you may be embarrassed to go to a dentist and have it checked up. Well, most people would really consider this idea very awkward and the consequence of this is that you would still have halitosis. Sounds bad? But actually, it is not.

The answer to your bad breath can be found where else? But in your own home! There are certain things which you take for granted and you do not even know that it can be a cure for malodorous breath. Chewing mint leaves, parsley, thyme, wintergreen and basil can be a good remedy for foul mouth odors. These herbs which you usually add to food to make it aromatic can do wonders for your mouth. These will make your breath smell good which can increase your confidence when talking to someone.

Drinking tea can also eliminate the growth of bacteria which usually cause bad breath. These have polyphenols which are responsible for eliminating as well as preventing the growth of bacteria in your mouth. So grab your tea bags and prepare your favourite tea, and enjoy fresh breath.

A homemade mouthwash can be made from cloves, put ground cloves in hot water and wait for at least 15 minutes. Gargle the liquid which you have made and this will be an instant remedy for your bad smelling breath.

There are certain things which you may have overlooked in your kitchen and these are your answers to your bad breath. The next time you face someone, you do not need to worry about having bad breath, you can now talk to anyone without even worrying about having foul smelling breath.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeff_M_Ray

Natural Yogurt Beats Bad Breath (Halitosis)

2009-11-20T02:02:00.000-08:00

Sugarless yoghurt could help beat bad breath, tooth decay and gum disease, say scientists.

Japanese researchers found eating the yoghurt reduced levels of hydrogen sulphide - a major cause of bad breath - in 80% of volunteers. The key are active bacteria in yogurt, specifically Lactobacillus Bulgaricus and Streptococcus Thermophilus.

Details were presented at a meeting of the International Association for Dental Research. A total of 24 volunteers who took part in the study were given strict instructions on oral hygiene, diet and medication intake. They spent two weeks avoiding yoghurts and similar foods, like cheese.

Researchers then took saliva and tongue coating samples to measure bacteria levels and odour-causing compounds, including hydrogen sulphide. The volunteers then ate 90 grams of yoghurt a day for six weeks.

At the end of the study, researchers took samples again. They found hydrogen sulphide levels decreased in 80% of participants. Levels of plaque and the gum disease gingivitis were also significantly lower among yoghurt eaters.

Added Bonus

Dr Nigel Carter, chief executive of the British Dental Health Foundation, said: "The foundation has long been drawing people's attention to sugar-free yoghurts as a healthy snack, so it is pleasing to hear that it may have oral health benefits we were previously unaware of". Frequent consumption of sugary snacks is the principal cause of tooth decay, which can cause a great deal of pain and discomfort.

Although this research is still in the early stages there is no doubt that sugar-free yoghurts provide a much healthier alternative to sweets and chocolate, and we would encourage snackers to incorporate them into their diet. One in four people suffer from bad breath regularly, while 19 in 20 are affected by gum disease at some point in their lives.

However, Dr Carter stressed that the best way to beat bad breath was by adopting a good oral health routine. This involves brushing twice-a-day with fluoride toothpaste, cutting down on the frequency of sugary snacks and drinks, flossing daily and visiting a dentist regularly.

Good dental hygiene keeps breath fresh

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bosun_Sogeke

Mouth Infections That Cause Bad Breath

2009-11-20T02:01:00.000-08:00

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.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Allison_Clarke

Bad Breath in Cats

2009-11-20T01:56:00.000-08:00

Cats are just as prone to bad breath as dogs and humans. Bad
breath in felines can indicate a dental problem or it can be
symptom of a more serious medical condition. You'll want to find
out what is causing your cat's bad breath not only so that you can
cure it but in case there is a medical condition that you need to
address.

Cats, just as dogs, can develop a build up of tartar around their
teeth. Once your cat has finished eating, food particles will stay
behind in the mouth. When these food particles start to decompose
the mouth will become a good environment for bacteria to grow. It
takes only a few hours for bacteria to turn into plaque. Plaque is
made of a mixture of bacteria, decomposed food, and minerals.

Plaque will give your cat bad breath and will also play a huge role
in poor dental hygiene. If you don't get the plaque under control
your cat may suffer from tooth loss as well as other serious dental
problems such as inflammation and receding gums. These dental
problems can be very painful for your cat.

Bad breath in cats can also be linked to feline leukemia. Your vet
will most likely screen for this disease if there is no indication
of dental problems being the cause of bad breath. If the test
result is negative your vet may take a closer look at something
called "resorptive dental disease". Resorptive dental disease is a
condition which is present deep in the cavities of your cat's
teeth.

The roots of your cats canine teeth will be become exposed,
causing the incisors to fall out for no apparent reason. It is yet
not known if cats with this dental condition are born with soft
teeth or if there are other underlying dental causes. If you cat
has resorptive dental disease bad breath can be an indicating
factor. Eventually the incisors, if they don't fall out, will have
to be extracted so that your cat can lead a healthy and happy life.

Older cats may develop some medical conditions that can affect the
way that their breath smells. This includes kidney and liver
failure. A cat with kidney or liver problem will usually be quite
thin and sickly looking. Your vet will be able to determine if
your cat's bad breath is a symptom of kidney or liver problems. A
cat with these problems will need special care and attention to be
given to their dental hygiene.

Pay attention to your cat's breath so that you can take care of
medical or dental problems before they become too severe.

Article Source: Abhi [Health-Whiz]

Metallic Taste Bad Breath Symptom

2009-11-19T02:59:00.000-08:00

Have you experienced at some point in your life wherein you had bad breath? There’s nothing to be ashamed of if you had, because it’s normal to have one, as long as it’s not chronic. This usually occurs in the morning wherein you have slow saliva production during your sleep. The importance of saliva in our mouth is that it acts as out natural mouthwash that washes away the bacteria and the wastes they produced. In case you had, did you notice any odd taste in your mouth? If you have bad breath (halitosis) condition, it’s likely that it is accompanied by other odd taste in your mouth, like metallic, bitter or sour tastes associated at the rear end of your tongue.

Frequently, most people who smell halitosis won’t describe it as metallic, but those halitosis sufferers might describe it that way if the sense of smell and tastes are a little off. The reason for your taste disorder that relates to bad breath is due to the sulfur compounds produced by the anaerobic bacteria on the rear part of your tongue. The anaerobic bacteria that produce sulfur compounds grow at the back portion of your tongue, is the area susceptible to sour, bitter, and metallic tastes.

Metallic taste bad breath symptom does not actually mean that the air coming from the mouth is bad. It’s just the taste and maybe odor that halitosis sufferer describe. Your doctor is the only one who can tell you if you have the metallic taste bad breath symptom and as to where it is came from.

The causes of your metallic taste bad breath symptom that may create metallic smell bad breath can possibly be from your stomach problems such as heart burn, metal poisoning, other types of poisoning, dental problems, drugs, and pregnancy. Knowing these things, you can now trace your metallic taste bad breath symptom if you have any of the condition mentioned above. Still, it is important for you to consult your doctor for confirmation and advice as to what you can do.

If you think you have a metallic taste bad breath symptom that result to metallic smell breath, you can remedy it with strong breath mints or eating strong flavors that can somehow overcome the unpleasant taste and smell. For temporary relief, you can try lemon cloves or cinnamon. Or, you can put a little amount of baking soda on your dry toothbrush, and then add toothpaste on top of the baking soda and use them to brush your teeth. The baking soda will serve as neutralizer for oral acids and creates a cleaner taste feeling. But, if the problem is due to supplements or medication, you may discontinue taking them or take them at a different time of the day to lessen the effect of metallic taste bad breath symptom.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Milos_Pesic

A Few Words on Bad Breath

2009-11-19T02:49:00.000-08:00

Did it ever cross your mind that your breath might be as stinky as the breath of the person that you met yesterday morning in the bus - while you where heading to your office? He probably didn’t know that he was the reason why you changed seat; if something similar had happened to you, would you recognize that the real reason was your awful breath? Well, it turns out that sometimes we need to learn from the daily lessons that others give us; bad breath is a very good example.

So, let’s talk a little bit about bad breath. What is it? Where does it really come from? Can you do something about it? Answers to questions like the previous ones and many other will be given in the following article.

First things first: Where does bad breath really come from? Some of us believe that it is because we have a bad stomach. Others think that it is because they haven’t eaten something all day long. Well, those can be potential reasons to have a stinky breath but the real reason behind bad breath are those nasty, little monsters inside our mouth, the bacteria!

It is an absolute truth that by the moment you are reading this, there might be millions of bacteria living inside your mouth. Do they all cause a bad breath? Definitely No! Then, what can one do in order to eliminate bad breath? Well, there are a few things you can try; here is a list.

Remember to always brush your teeth after a meal. If what I’m asking is too much for you, try to at least wash your mouth before you go to sleep and after you have woken up.

When brushing your teeth, don’t forget to also clear the back of your tongue. Your tongue can carry a really disgusting odor if you don’t treat it well.

Try to drink more water; it helps both your mouth and your organism.

Practice chewing a sugarless chew gum.

If the above don’t help, you can buy special mouthwashes dedicated to solving this problem. You will easily find them in any pharmacy or supermarket.

If none of the above helps, you should definitely visit your doctor. If a tooth is hurting you, you should visit your dentist. This will not only relief you from the pain but you might also discover that the reason of your bad breath was a bad tooth!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Gibb

How to Eliminate Bad Breath Instantly

2009-11-19T02:47:00.000-08:00

Are you embarrassed by your bad breath problems?

Do you feel people around you avoid you as a result of the ugly smell coming from your mouth?

Well here is a solution that will help you overcome this nagging problem. They will help achieve instant result.

As you may have learnt, there are several factors responsible for halitosis. They are:

1. Diet: yes, there are some foods that causes bad breath. some even exacerbate the problem. To prevent and treat bad breath, avoid foods such as garlic, onion, and curry.

Also, avoid low carb foods. They are responsible for 'ketone breath'

2. Medical disorder: some medical problems like kidney disease, throat infections, and gum infections may also be responsible for bad breath.

3. Dry Mouth: If you experience decrease flow of saliva to your mouth, it may result to foul mouth odor.

Saliva is very important in food digestion and helps in removing food particles from the mouth.

4. Smoking irritates your gum tissue and could also stain your teeth.

How can you get rid of foul mouth odor?

1. If you have a severe case of foul mouth odor, avoid foods such as garlic and curry.

2. Avoid tobacco related products.

3. Engage in good oral hygiene using top oral products. Use good tooth paste and oral rinse.

Make sure the tooth paste you decide to use has sodium flouride.

Avoid over the counter oral products that will make the problem worse.

In conclusion, if you can follow these simple tips, you will be able to eliminate your bad breath fast.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kingsley_Nwamaka

Bad Breath Test - 5 Ways on How to Self Test For Bad Breath

2009-11-19T02:44:00.000-08:00

Do you have bad breath (halitosis)? Frankly, it is quite possible for anyone to have bad breath, yet not be aware of it. The reason for this is due to our body own acclimation whereby our noses filter out the odor that lies in the back of our mouth, making it difficult for a person to detect his or her own mouth odor.

To really know whether if you suffer from bad breath, try the following 5 tests and find out if you have bad mouth odor.

Stand in front of the mirror and stick your tongue out as far as possible. If you notice that the very back of your tongue is whitish, it may be a sign that you have bad mouth odor.

Another easy and convenient test you can do anywhere is to lick the back of your hand, wait for the saliva to dry and then smell it. If you smell a bad odor, you may have bad breath.

To test for halitosis, you can also run a piece of dental floss between your back teeth and then smell the floss. If you can smell an odor from a distance, it would be a good indicator of the level of odors that other people might detect when talking with you.

One quick method that dentists use to test for bad breath that you can also try at home is to wipe the top surface of the tongue with a piece of cotton swab and then smelling the odor on the cotton. If the cotton swab also produce a yellowish stain after you wipe your tongue, it's likely you have a high concentration of volatile sulfuric compounds (VSC), an indicator of chronic bad breath.

If possible, one of the best and most honest ways to test whether if you have bad mouth odor is to ask the opinion of someone close to you or whom you can trust. The truth may be ugly but the answer will definitely be an honest one.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Takashi_Yodruk

Mouth Infections That Cause Bad Breath

2009-11-19T02:35:00.000-08:00

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.

Allison Clarke is an author and natural health enthusiast. This article covers some of her resent research on gum infection and how it relates to gum disease and your body's overall health.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Allison_Clarke

Tonsil Stones and Bad Breath - What Are the Precautions and Cures?

2009-11-16T06:26:00.000-08:00

Why do you have tonsil stones and bad breath when others do not? The truth is that there is no way of telling why you have it or whether you are likely to have it. It does not even equate to good oral hygiene or the way you look after your health.. Why? Because there are people who never take care of themselves and who have terrible oral hygiene but never get the condition. On the other hand, there are those who brush, floss, and use mouth wash religiously in addition to living healthy lifestyles and suffer from bad breath and tonsil stones.

Can you put it down to your genes? You will find enough theories for and against such thinking. Many support the view that it just a matter of maintaining good health and total dental hygiene. Whether it can be conclusively attributed to poor dental hygiene or not, it pays to have excellent dental and oral hygiene.

What the are some of the good dental hygiene habits that you can adopt as basic precautions? These include:

- Regular brushing of your teeth - Twice or more a day..
- Changing toothbrushes after a number of uses.
- Rinsing your mouth after every meal
- Gargling with warm water treated with salt or non-alcohol mouth wash.
- Quick brushing with a toothbrush to help remove surfaced tonsilloliths
- Pressing a finger or cotton swab against the bottom of the tonsil and pushing - upward to remove the tonsil stones
- Cleaning your tongue with a tongue cleaner or scrapper
- Avoding or reducing colas and other sugared drinks
- Consuming more water to prevent mouth dryness and halitosis.
- Chewing on sugar free gums to promote saliva production
- Removing or cutting down the intake of dairy from your diet.. Dairy food leads to the buildup of mucous and calcium. Both are elements of tonsilloliths.
- Drinking less alcohol. Alcoholic beverages will cause your mouth to become very dry and eventually leads to your bad breath.
- Quit smoking

The above will generally be helpful in preventing bad breath and the formation of tonsil stones. But if you have it and wish to permanently get rid of tonsil stones, your best option is through using natural remedies. Surgery or laser treatment is not necessary to get rid of bad breath and tonsil stones. Find out how you can get rid of your tonsil stones and bad breath easily,simply,safely,naturally and permanently.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Azhar_Victor

Flonase Bad Breath Side Effect

2009-11-16T06:24:00.000-08:00

Feeling a bit congested in the nose? Or can’t breathe at all? The reason may be an inflammation of or infection in your sinuses, causing a condition called sinusitis. Other symptoms include coughing, sneezing, feelings of tiredness, aches, and constant low fever.

Because the signs are so much the same as a cold, people with sinusitis often mistake their condition for colds. But later, when the medicines they’ve been taking for treating the symptoms of colds don’t seem to work, they go to the doctor who then examines them and tells them that they have sinusitis.

How does Sinusitis work?

To answer that question, we must first look into what the sinuses are. They are actually hollow cavities within the skull, surrounding the nose. Each of us has four sinuses: the frontal sinuses over the eyes in the brow area, maxillary sinuses inside each cheekbone, ethmoid sinuses just behind the bridge of the nose and between the eyes, and sphenoid sinuses behind the ethmoids in the upper region of the nose and behind the eyes.

These sinuses have a mucus lining that continue on to the nasal passages. The mucus helps keep the air that passes from the nose to the nasal passages clean and clear and dehumidified. When you have a cold, the cause of that is a viral infection in the nasal passages. As a result, more mucus is secreted by the mucus lining as more white blood cells are sent to fight the viruses in the infected area. This leads to swelling of the mucus lining, causing inflammation which then becomes the precursor of sinusitis.

Full-blown sinusitis causes blockage of the nasal passages, obstructing drainage and causing post nasal drips. Because of the blockage, the excess mucus produced is trapped inside the nasal passages where they accumulate and turn foul, leading to bad breath side effect. In addition, the trapped mucus due to sinusitis can become breeding grounds for bacteria that cause bad breath side effect.

The worst thing about this bad breath side effect is that you don’t usually notice it since the infection has caused your sense of smell to become off. This bad breath side effect of sinusitis could very well be an embarrassing situation waiting to happen. Why allow it to happen?

How to treat Sinusitis?

The good news is that bad breath side effect of sinusitis may be treated by simply treating the sinusitis itself. And there are dozens of different over the counter nasal decongestants and antihistamines that will more than do their job of stopping sinusitis. These drugs act by relieving congestion and drying up excess mucus. However, in doing this, some of these drugs may also inadvertently cause bad breath side effect since dryness in the mouth is one of the most frequent causes of bad breath.

Drugs like Flonase are different, however. Flonase, generic name flonase floticasone, is a steroid based prescription nasal spray that treats sinusitis but does not have a bad breath side effect. Flonase has been used by many patients with sinusitis with good results. Using Flonase on a regular basis produces best results since it may take several weeks for the medication to give maximum effect.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Milos_Pesic

Symptoms of Sinus Drainage Bad Breath (Halitosis)

2009-11-16T06:21:00.000-08:00

Hygiene, precision, and fragrance are the incarnation of a modern, civilized individual. Bad breath which is also known as halitosis, in medical terms - can hamper the illustration you are trying to develop. Bad breath might also obstruct you from maintaining social relations with other persons as you might be too uncomfortable to talk to anybody or others are turned off by the unpleasant smell.

Well, the single way to actually solve this trouble is to recognize the cause of bad breath. There are lots of probable reasons due to which bad breath may happen from the foods that you consume to inappropriate oral cleanliness and some primary medical situations, like diabetes, periodontal disease (gum disease), along with others.

Although most probably next to foods and cleanliness, the most general cause related to bad breath is the sinus drainage. Many researchers have revealed that 85 - 90 percent of people suffering with bad breath have this disgusting odor coming from their mouths. Hardly ever have you seen some cases where bad breath comes out of the nose. Whenever this type of case occurs, this situation is in fact caused by sinus drainage bad breath.

When there is a trouble in a sinus bad breathe is caused due to very simple causes, i.e. drainage from the sinus runs to lower position towards the back of the esophagus and onto the last position of the tongue. This drainage is a high resource of protein as it has dead sinus cells that have sloughed off, blood cells, pus cells, and additional molecules formed by the body. These are the best things that oral bacteria prefer to utilize for nutrients. With a balanced and continued food supply from sinus drainage bad breath boosts up with the growing population of bacteria.

The type of bacteria that generally produces sinus drainage bad breath and other bad breath also, are anaerobes, i.e. these bacteria used to live in oxygen free surroundings. They cannot resist noteworthy quantity of oxygen - the back of the tongue is an ideal place for them to conceal. They move down in the tiny channels between tongue papillae and taste buds, and simply wait for food to come to them. When the food comes, they take what they necessitate and generate stinking smelling impulsive sulfur compounds as an unintended consequence of metabolism. Regrettably for the individual with an irritated sinus bad breath is the ultimate consequence.

Sinus drainage bad breath is not just a warning sign of sinusitis, but it is a situation in which the sinuses become unhygienic or swollen. It can happen because of a viral infection, similar to the case of colds, or to allergens, similar to the case of allergies. At times, sinusitis may perhaps be associated to asthma attacks. It doesn't matter what the reason is, sinusitis usually moves in the direction of sinus drainage bad breath.

Whenever a person suffers from sinusitis, the mucus coating of the sinuses happens to be aggravated and begins to generate too much quantity of mucus. A normal person on a regular basis generates mucus to maintain the nasal passages hygienic and clear. On the other hand, when these mucus coatings are aggravated, they go on overdrive and generate excessive mucus, resulting in a general sinusitis symptom called postnasal drip, which consecutively could direct to sinus drainage bad breath.

In addition, the disease causing sinusitis may perhaps also cause swelling of the nasal passages. These nasal passages join the nose via your sinuses to allow air into the lungs. When these nasal passages are swollen, the channel is pointed because of blockage, therefore resulting in accumulation to the complete trouble by blocking the regular drainage of mucus. Thus, the mucus gets ensnared inside these nasal passages and begins to catch the attention of bacteria towards it, which flourishes on dark and wet places.

These bacteria will reproduce, grow in number and excrete waste products which comprises of toxic sulfur compounds resulting in sinus drainage bad breath.

The excellent thing is that curing sinus drainage bad breath is truly no different from curing any other kind of bad breath. A lot of people experience post nasal drip, which basically generates the same kind of sinus bad breath. So, bad breath products that work for normal bad breath will work fine in this case also. Obviously, a product that works by lessening the population of bacterium living at the back of the tongue will be the most successful. Try to find out oral care products that are antibacterial in a number of ways - they may actually eliminate tongue bacteria or they may kill them. Also, it should lend a hand in reducing the smell of your breath and let you to concentrate on lessening the uneasiness of the sinus problem, as a substitute of perturbing about your sinus drainage bad breath.

With the intention of curing sinus drainage bad breath, you may think about medicines generally taken to cure the warning signs of sinusitis. Several well known nasal sprays, antihistamines, and decongestants perform their functions by relieving the swelling and blockage and drying extra mucus.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bosun_Sogeke

Bad Breath in Babies and Young Children

2009-11-16T06:20:00.000-08:00

Bad breath can happen at any age, including during infancy. The biggest trigger of breath odor problems is insufficiently good oral hygiene, but this is unlikely to be the cause in a child. If your baby is suffering from halitosis, there are several possible causes you should consider, which will help you determine how to cure the problem. If none of the triggers below seem to fit your child's situation, make an appointment with their doctor just in case there is an underlying medical cause which needs to be addressed.

It is normal for a child to develop a bit of a dry mouth if they are unwell and have become a bit congested. Since saliva helps neutralise mouth odor, a dry mouth can lead to a rise in the level of bacteria, bringing with it an unpleasant odor. If your child is unwell, keeping them hydrated will not only benefit their health but help counteract a halitosis problem. Once they are feeling better you should find their breath normalises too.

A dry mouth can also happen as a result of breathing through the mouth while sleeping, which is a common problem amongst infants. If you think this cause fits your child, see if their breath problem is only in the morning. If it is only 'morning breath', you should not notice an unpleasant odor after they have had their breakfast or first feed of the day. However, if the odor is still noticeable after they have had something to eat or drink you will need to consider another cause of your baby's breath problem.

If your baby has a pacifier, ensure it is regularly sterilised and changed. Repeat exposure to saliva can eventually cause the pacifier to develop a nasty smell and bacteria can enter your baby's mouth. Thumb sucking infants are also more at risk of breath problems due to an increased risk of bacteria entering the mouth. To reduce the likelihood of your baby developing a problem, wash his hands frequently.

For mobile infants, a reason for sudden bad breath might be the presence of a foreign object lodged in their nose. If the parent did not witness the child doing it they may not realise there is a problem till the foreign object causes an infection in the nasal cavity, and the infection causes halitosis. Another sign to look for is if the child's breath seems slightly impaired, as it would be if they had a cold, but there are no obvious signs of illness. Doctors are used to seeing young children who have inserted small items (such as a tiny piece of a toy) into their nose, and once the item has been removed they will be able to prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection.

The final possibility for your baby's bad breath is an allergy, such as sinusitus, or a medical condition such as severe reflux. Once the underlying problem has been identified and treated, halitosis should no longer be a problem.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Leanne_Williams

Bad Breath in Dogs By Abhi [Health-Whiz]

2009-11-16T06:13:00.000-08:00

Bad breath isn't just something that people experience. Having a
pet with bad breath can make your life very uncomfortable. Some of
the common reasons for bad breath in dogs are caused by gum and
tooth problems. However, bad breath in dogs can also be an
indication of other health problems. The important thing to do is
determine why your dog has breath that is less than pleasant.

Dogs will often develop a build up of tartar around their teeth.
After eating, particles of food will remain in your dog's mouth.
These particles will start to decompose and it's this decomposition
that will create a great environment for bacteria to thrive. The
bacteria will then multiply to form plaque. Plaque is a
combination of decomposed foods, minerals, and bacteria. And it's
the plaque that will affect your dog's dental hygiene and cause him
to have bad breath. Plaque is the leading cause of tooth loss for
dogs since it will stick to the bottom of the teeth, causing the
gums to recede and become inflamed.

When your dog is affected by plaque you'll find that he eats less.
During the early stages of plaque disease there will be a yellow or
brown coating on the sides of the teeth particularly around the
large molar teeth. Smaller breeds of dogs seem to have more
problems with plaque than larger breed dogs. Good dental hygiene
is essential for dogs so that plaque doesn't have a chance to
develop. Make sure that your give your dog an annual dental
examine. You'll be saving his teeth as well as avoiding bad breath.

There are other causes of bad breath in dogs besides plaque. When
your dog is shedding his baby teeth you may find that he drools and
has bad breath. This bad breath problem will disappear when all of
the baby teeth have been replaced by adult teeth. During this
stage of your dog's life you can brush his mouth with a solution of
diluted baking soda and water. This will give your dog some relief
from teething pain as well as freshen his breath.

Older dogs may have medical conditions that can affect their
breath. This includes liver and kidney problems. A dog with these
medical problems will be very thin and have a small appetite. Your
vet will be able to determine if your dog's bad breath is a symptom
of organ failure. A dog with organ failure will need special care
to be taken with his teeth. Their teeth will need to be cleaned
and a course of antibiotics administered to be sure that infection
doesn't set in.

What Can I Do to Cover Bad Breath? Remedies to Help You Overcome Bad Breath For Good

2009-11-15T11:30:00.000-08:00

What Can I Do to Cover Bad Breath? Remedies to Help You Overcome Bad Breath For Good
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Casey_Gentles]Casey Gentles

What can I do to cover bad breath? Are you joking? You simply cannot. What you can do is search for remedies that will work for you well. Here we will try to cover this issue and give you choices as to what you can do.

You can make use of natural products containing catchetins, which is found in most green and black tea. Theaflavins are also found in black tea. These substances can greatly help you if you have this condition, which is devastating in the sense that it will affect your social as well as professional life. Stay away from alcohol if you want to alleviate bad breath because it literally dries up your mouth therefore making it conducive for breaking down of food debris. Instead of consuming alcohol, try to drink teas instead.

Also, be careful about the products you are going to utilize believing that they can give you the results you need when in fact they really cannot. Sometimes, sales talk can get you convinced that the particular product will really help.

Mouthwashes are available in any supermarket and drugstores and there are actually a lot of them. Each of them is considered remedy for bad breath and this is quite true because it helps freshen out your mouth or wash away odor-forming bacteria. But, some other products will only cover the condition and will not actually cure. If your goal is only to cover your condition, buying mouthwash is a good way to go. But, as you hide behind the mask of this product, the problem is still there.

For people who only have physiological bad breath, mouthwash is a great remedy because it will kill the odor-causing bacteria and wash out food debris out of your mouth. But, for people who have underlying causes of this condition, it is not really the remedy you are trying to look for even though you only want to cover the smell. Gums and mints will also help if you are only trying to temporarily alleviate the smell.

The combination of baking soda and water could be a great option if you really want the condition to disappear and it works in the long term manner, which will really help you a lot.

Another great option would be to consult your dentist as to what remedy you might want to embark. The dentist will give you options regarding the treatment and cure.

The most important thing about this condition is that it is pretty simple and there are a lot of options for you take and learn in order to totally get rid of the stench from your mouth. You will not have to go through extreme lengths because this is a fairly common condition.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Casey_Gentles http://EzineArticles.com/?What-Can-I-Do-to-Cover-Bad-Breath?-Remedies-to-Help-You-Overcome-Bad-Breath-For-Good&id=3178314

Cure Bad Breath at Home - Tips to Get Rid of Bad Breath to Get a Fresh Smelling Breath at All Times

2009-11-15T11:26:00.000-08:00

Cure Bad Breath at Home - Tips to Get Rid of Bad Breath to Get a Fresh Smelling Breath at All Times
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Casey_Gentles]Casey Gentles

Although a trip to a clinic may be well worth it, most dentists and physicians are still in the dark as to the real nature of halitosis. Before you go for a check up, try to cure bad breath at home and see if it's something that's totally manageable all on your own. Here are some suggestions on how to keep bad breath at bay:

* Never miss out on your breakfast. You need it to start your engine and get your going for the busy day ahead plus, it replaces the foul smell built in your lungs during your sleep. Aside from that, food also cleans the back of your tongue, making your mouth smell more tolerable.

* Brush your teeth and scrape your tongue. This is basic and something you may have heard before. But it wouldn't hurt to remind you especially if you've been slacking off in the mouth cleaning department lately. Don't use the bristles of the toothbrush on your tongue because they will only help spread the bacteria and mucus all over. Instead, use the rough surface that most toothbrushes have or you may also use the lower surface of a teaspoon.

* Gargle mouthwash before going to bed. The mouth's passive activity during sleep builds malodor and gives off bad breath after waking up. Washing your mouth with some cleansing agents before bedtime will help reduce this effect.

* Drink lots of water. Fluids are a great way to cure bad breath at home because it supplies high amounts of saliva needed to wash your mouth all the time.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Casey_Gentles http://EzineArticles.com/?Cure-Bad-Breath-at-Home---Tips-to-Get-Rid-of-Bad-Breath-to-Get-a-Fresh-Smelling-Breath-at-All-Times&id=2625169

Bad Breath - Potential Causes and How to Avoid it Becoming a Problem by By Doug Marecroft

2009-10-30T08:02:00.000-07:00

Chronic bad breath is actually quite a common problem among people. Almost everyone has met, known and maybe even been friends with someone at some point in their lives who has bad breath which you can smell every time they open their mouth. It is both off-putting for the person subjected to that smell, and embarrassing and confidence-sapping for the person with the problem.

There are numerous causes of bad breath however, such as certain medical conditions, habits and diets (as well as other things), and so it is somewhat unfair to attribute a lack of sufficient hygiene as being the sole or even main cause of the problem in all cases.

In the end, a trained doctor or specialist is the best person to seek advice from as to the definitive cause of bad breath, but for many people having to visit the doctor because of such an ailment can be rather embarrassing.

If you happen to be one of those people who suffers from chronic bad breath, and visiting a doctor isn't high on your list of potential solutions for some reason, you may well be able to identify the cause yourself by considering the following factors.

Your diet
Bad breath is one ailment that can be (and is commonly) caused by ones diet. Obviously, smelly foods such as onions and garlic can cause bad breath to persist even after brushing and flossing, since the aromas can be absorbed by bodily tissues and then released over time.

Healthy and fresh foods including greens like lettuce and parsley are particularly good for easing the effects of bad breath, by helping to establish a better balance within your body.
Making sure that any fresh foods you eat have been thoroughly cleaned prior to consumption can also lower the possibility of any unfriendly bacteria spreading in your mouth and throat, resulting in bad breath.

Be conscious of the foods that you consume, because as the old saying goes, "You are what you eat". Whilst not to be taken literally, it is in effect quite true to the extent that what we put inside our bodies greatly effects what our bodies put out in terms of energy, smells and various other things.

Your habits
Your mouth is an ideal environment in which for bad bacteria to survive and multiply, due to it being warm and wet, and so it is imperative that your hygiene regime be consistent and thorough. Brush your teeth (and your tongue) thoroughly at least twice per day, and floss too if possible.

A dry mouth is not a good thing either, however. The moisture in your mouth provided by saliva is integral to establishing a balance and fighting off bad bacteria. On that basis, having a dry mouth can cause smells from bad bacteria to persist and increase too.

In conclusion, the majority of cases of bad breath can be easily rectified with a simple change in dietary or hygiene habits. However, in a small number of cases it is caused by some other medical condition which left untreated will cause the problem to persist no matter what steps one takes to cure the problem at home.

Bad Breath by By Kent Pinkerton

2009-10-30T08:01:00.000-07:00

Halitosis is the medical term used to describe noticeably unpleasant odors that are exhaled during the breathing process. In some cases, bad breath is only prominent while talking.

Most bad breath problems begin in the mouth, and are a result of poor dental hygiene. Persistent bad odor from the mouth is indicative of the presence of bacteria that coat teeth and gums. In order to stop bad breath, one must follow a proper cleaning regimen that includes brushing regularly, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash.

In healthy people, the most common reason for bad breath is food particles stuck to the tongue. Interestingly, it is not the front of the tongue, but the back, that is the source of such bad odor. The back of the tongue, being rough, has innumerable crevices, which are an ideal place for food particles to hide and bacteria to develop. Bad breath can also be indicative of other severe diseases, such as sinus infections, liver and kidney problems, and periodontal disease.

Transient bad breath or temporary bad breath is caused due to stress, hunger, smoking, and poor oral care. Bad breath can cause severe embarrassment, and create social and psychological barriers.

In addition, bad breath can also be caused by improper care of tooth cavities. Cavities are an ideal hiding place for food particles, which collect bacteria over time. Upon decomposing, these food particles release a sulfur compound that results in an unpleasant odor.

A simple test can determine whether a person has bad breath. To test your breath, stick your tongue out as far as possible, and lick your wrist. Wait five seconds and smell. While at the dentist, a simple test conducted by an ‘odor-meter’ can accurately measure sulfur gases and the extent of the halitosis problem. Fortunately, with proper understanding and care, halitosis is curable.

Bad Breath Test - 5 Ways on How to Self Test For Bad Breath By Takashi Yodruk

2009-10-30T07:58:00.000-07:00

Tips to Safely Cleaning Tonsilloliths and Getting Rid of Bad Breath by By Adam C Thomas

2009-10-30T07:56:00.000-07:00

So you realized that your bad breath is linked to Tonsolliloths. Trying to get rid of bad breath can be tough on its own. When you add in a problem like tonsil stones it may seem impossible. Here is a little info on how to safely clean of tonsilloliths and get rid of bad breath for ever.

Tonsilloliths or"tonsil stones are small white or yellow chunks of foul smelling matter that generally is coughed up and spat out or, sometimes, swallowed. If you have ever had bad breath, chances are that these little chunks are the cause of, or at the very least adding to, your bad breath. If you are like most people you keep this fact to yourself and try to brush your teeth, and be honest, maybe even tried to brush the back of your throat. No matter what you do, though, the bad breath seems to persist and the chunks keep popping into your throat.

There are a lot of different ways to treat tonsil stones. I am sure that a doctor can tell you of a very expensive and very painful surgery or procedure that they would be more than happy to charge you for. If you're like most people you don't have the money for the deductible from the insurance, or even insurance itself, to pay for it. Well don't worry too badly about it. there are other ways to deal with these two problems.

I know that bad breath is embarrassing. It seems to do more damage to your ego after you go through life trying everything on the market to clean your teeth and mouth. Can you think how many little boxes of mints you go through in a day to cover it up. Carrying around breath spray or even mouth wash. Even brushing after lunch will more than likely be history when you get these problems fixed.

The best things you can do are eating foods that don't contribute to tonsil stones and cleaning your mouth in such as a way that they get cleaned away. There are tools on the market that are inexpensive and a lot less invasive than the tonsillectomy your doctor had planned. I'm sure you have probably stopped eating garlic and other "stinky" foods. Imagine, not having to chew mints all day long or not having to spit those little chunks out or even worse swallowing them.

Those little chunks that you are spitting out are actually chunks of bacteria and food that get caught in the recesses of you tonsils. Tonsils have a porous shape and capture little bits of food and fluid that you eat and sallow. These tonsil stones then break loose and come out the mouth to be spat or even swallowed down accidentally. Bad breath is bacteria in the mouth that causes a medial condition called Halitosis. Bad breath and tonsilloliths can both be treated easily and very cost effectively if you know how to do it.

You can always go to the doctors office, have your tonsils taken out, be in pain, and solve the problem. Then thousands of dollars later, after the pain and discomfort have subsided, you get relief, Or you can change your diet, clean your throat with the right tools, and enjoy the rest of your life with considerably less bad breath and little to no little yellow tonsil stones. I hope this helped you understand you options and decide between surgery or safely cleaning tonsilloliths and getting rid of bad breath easily and with less pain and discomfort.

No More Bad Breath! Here's a Proven Way to Eliminate Bad Breath Fast With Therabreath Products by By Kingsley Nwamaka

2009-10-30T07:43:00.000-07:00

Do you have bad breath? Are you embarrassed by the bad odor from your mouth? Have you tried countless bad breath products, read books on this mouth problem without any success?
If you answered YES, then please read this article thoroughly. The end of your breath problem is here at last?

Your answer is the Therabreath range of products. Thera breath range of products was developed by the founder of the California Breath Clinic- Dr Harold Katz. He established this facility in 1994 to help his patients overcome this nagging problem. And it has proved to be a winner. No one has been able to match the efficacy and success of Therabreath.

The Therabreath formula comprise of a wide variety of products each targeting an aspect of dental and breath problem. It ranges from a wide variety of dental products like mouth washes and rinses, mints, tongue scrapers, gums, anti bacteria toothpastes and a host of other oral care products.

The TheraBreath Oral Rinses and Toothpastes happens to be the most popular product from this amazing company. A regular use of these products has proven to be the best oral product to combat bad breath, maintaining the health of your gum, eliminating the whitish residue that accumulates on the surface of the tongue and it even goes an extra mile in preventing your teeth from cavities. Therabreath products are not just for eliminating halitosis and other dental problem. They provide excellent and complete oral hygiene.

If your bad breath problem is particularly chronic, use the Plus Toothpaste. It is very potent and effective.

A lot of test has shown that Therabreath products are actually the best oral products in the market. If you are interested in eliminating your bad breathe fast, then go for these products.

The problems of the teeth and Toothache by adrianna smith

2009-10-26T04:47:00.000-07:00

"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder." This is indeed a very true saying. Look beautiful for people who want to see us beautiful. However, this does not mean we do not want beautiful to others. The people we love and those close to us find us always to be beautiful. Whatever we wear, what we do and look however, still seem to be pretty for them. Even in our bad hair days, they find us to be mesmerizing, our presence to be greatness and make us feel good about ourselves. But often, we feel that there are some discrepancies in us and we want to solve these problems.

A major problem that such a lot of us face is discolored, misaligned or broken tooth. Our smile is our strength and a smile can make this question for us. However, due to some dental problem when we try to hide our smile, it definitely acts as a barrier and therefore it is important that instead of hiding the problems, which approached with caution. In this context, herbal remedies are the best way to fight out our glory teeth and toothache problems.

Problems with teeth and gums should not be ignored as they may be symptoms of underlying disease. Bleeding gums can indicate vitamin deficiency. Infections or ulcers in the mouth, if left untreated, can lead to problems in the digestive system.

Halitosis- Halitosis is bad breath, possibly caused by tooth decay, inflamed gums (gingivitis), or digestive disorders.

Herbal Treatment Medicine

Chewing parsley and drinking peppermint tea sweeten the breath and neutralize odors.
Herbal Medicine- There are a number of specific remedies to deal with bad breath, including Nux vomica seeds, when the air smells sour, especially after a stomach, when the breath and perspiration are offensive, and the tongue is yellow and hairy; Pulsatilla after eating fatty foods.

Gingivitis- This is a bacterial infection of the gums caused by a buildup of plaque. Symptoms include ulcers, bleeding gums. Occasionally gingivitis is caused by vitamin deficiency, drugs, or blood disorders. Avoid the condition of cleaning your teeth regularly and flossing.

Treatment- When the gums are found to be spongy and air is bad; gums are red, inflamed, swollen and bleed easily are the roots of teeth exposed. When the gums are swollen, bleeding and ulcers in the mouth and there is also a taste of pus in the mouth.

Thrush- Frogs are small white spots inside the mouth, lips, tongue and gums caused by a fungal infection, Candida. It is more common in young, the elderly and the immunes compromised. Oral steroids, long illnesses and antibiotics may also encourage infestations.

Diet and Nutrition: Starve this fungal infection by temporarily without refined sugars and carbohydrates in the diet. Add garlic, olive oil, yogurt and live with the diet containing acidophilus will help kill the infection.

Herbal remedy for immediate relief, use mouthwash with natural aloe vera, myrrh.
Constitutional treatment is recommended, but specific remedies may include herbal remedies for teeth, to be used at the beginning of an attack, Capsicum, when the spots are hot and painful. When there are cold sores on the lips. When there are ulcers mouths.

Mouth ulcers- These are painful yellowish, round or oval patches inside the mouth. They are often a sign of running over or under stress, but may be caused by injury to the tongue and mouth, or by hot or acidic foods. In some cases, they are caused by food allergies.

Treatment- Herbal Medicine mouthwash containing marigold, myrrh, and thyme are healing, or rub aloe vera gel on the ulcer.

Toothache- Tooth and gum pain, which may extend to the head, usually the result of an abscess, tooth decay, sensitivity, gum disease and sinusitis.

Treatment- Herbal Medicine Rub the oil of clove.

We all want to be in our best present all the time and have that sparkling smile can do wonders and miracles. Our appearance and our confidence when we come to reflect a confident smile and in such cases the attempt to hide our smile is simply a "no-no".

We can end our fight teeth and toothache problems such as chipped or broken teeth, gum pain with the help herbal remedies.

Is Your Gum Bleeding? by Kingsley Nwamaka

2009-10-26T04:36:00.000-07:00

Do you experience occasional gum bleeding when you brush with your favorite tooth brush and toothpaste?

Is the bleeding extreme, enough to make you stop flossing?
If you have continuous gum bleeding, you could be suffering from gingivitis. This is a serious oral disease that need to be fixed fast before it gets worse.

Gum bleeding is a peculiar oral problem that affects millions of men and women all over the globe. Over a long period of time, food particles collect in between spaces between your teeth and the gum. This provides a good breeding ground for bacteria to thrive. If left unchecked, they will begin to multiply causing irritation to your gum.

Brushing your gum at this stage makes this bleeding worse and that is a very perfect condition for these bacteria. The are the same bacteria that are responsible for bad breath.
Gum disease affects many people. Though a majority of the cases can be successfully treated using therabreath product like PerioTherapy formulas.

You need to treat your gum disease before it gets worse. At advanced staged, gum disease treatment is both expensive and very unpleasant.
You need to use very effective product to get the best result. Do not allow you gum disease to get worse.

Therabreath perioTherapy combines the power of CoQ10, Tea Tree Oil, and Dr Katz's patented formulas to combat germs at the gumline and then strengthen your gum tissues.
It took Dr. Katz over 2 decades of research to get formulate this amazing gum product. You need to stop gum disease before it gets messy and dangerous.

Causes of bad breath ? by John Ugoshowa

2009-10-26T04:28:00.000-07:00

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 ]

Chronic Bad Breath-Do You Suffer With It? by Deb Marsden

2009-10-26T04:17:00.000-07:00

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.

Bad Breath Causes - 5 Great Ways To Avoid It by Abhishek Agarwal

2009-10-26T04:00:00.000-07:00

People who suffer from bad breath know the misery of it, and they are willing to do anything to learn how to get rid of bad breath. The good news is that you can easily learn how to get rid of bad breath, given that the condition is not due to a medical condition. You simply need to observe the food that you eat and maintain hygienic oral conditions on a regular basis.

What Causes Bad Breath?

Commonly, food particles get stuck in between your teeth after you have eaten and give rise to bad breath. People who take protein-rich diets are the ones who usually face this problem, and they have to literally struggle to learn how to get rid of bad breath. On the contrary, people who eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables hardly need to bother about learning how to get rid of bad breath. Fresh fruits and vegetables give rise to a fresh and clean breath. No wonder we hardly see vegetarians struggling to learn how to get rid of bad breath.

Five Simple Ways to Get Rid of Bad Breath

An average person can easily learn how to get rid of bad breath, provided he or she is not suffering from a gastric disorder or some other medical condition. The chief agents that cause bad breath are the bacteria that feed on the food sticking to your teeth.

Follow these five simple points that teach you how to get rid of bad breath.

1. First and foremost, invest in a good toothbrush and some floss. This is the best way you can learn how to get rid of bad breath. It is very important that you pay special attention to oral hygiene.
2. Second, learn to brush your tongue in addition to brushing your teeth if you want to get rid of bad breath permanently. The bacteria that love feasting on the food stuck to your teeth also enjoy burrowing into your tongue. Drive them away by regularly brushing your tongue. Now, you are on the way to learning how to get rid of bad breath.

3. Third, fix a convenient schedule for oral hygiene. This practise will get rid of all the bacteria responsible for your bad breath. Brush your teeth after every meal and floss regularly. Using a disinfectant mouthwash will flush out from your mouth all the bacterial culprits that are responsible for your bad breath.

4. Fourth, quit smoking for good because it is the number one cause of bad breath. If you are are smoker, the cigarette smoke will lend a bad smell not only your mouth, but also your clothes and hair. Dental equipment such as toothpaste, floss, and mouthwash might control bad breath in case of smokers; however, they can do nothing about the bad smell arising from a smoker's body. If you want to really get rid of bad breath, seriously consider quitting smoking for good.

5. Fifth, stop drinking alcoholic beverages because they can give you a bad breath. If you are a heavy drinker, your breath will smell of alcohol. Even if you try all methods available under the sun, including the use of mouth fresheners, you will not be successful in getting rid of the smell.

Children And Halitosis, Bad Breath by: Pieternel Van Giersbergen

2009-10-19T09:03:00.000-07:00

Children can have bad breath just as easily as their parents. When the Webmaster of badbreathgone.com asked me to write an article on halitosis (bad breath) and children, my first thought was, “Great, a no brainer!” As an RN and mother who also works in close contact with children in a daycare, I’ve got plenty of good insight into halitosis in our little ones.

When you smell the breath of a healthy child it smells fresh and clean. If it doesn’t, then use this checklist of the most probable causes of the halitosis/bad breath:

1. Dehydration.(which is more common than most people suspect)
2. Overeating and consequent poor digestion.
3. Eating food that promotes yeast/ candida.
4. Incipient or undiagnosed illness/ infection, low immune system.
5. Too much sugar.
6. Dental problems.
7. Not well-rested, too much activity.

As a parent and RN I often try to smell a child’s breath. I can tell you that the children who come to the ER with bronchitis or asthma all have halitosis/ bad breath. Why? Because they have an infection and/or food allergy, and 9 times out of 10 are dehydrated.

So what can parents and caregivers do to give our children sweet smelling breath?

1. Be sure your child drinks enough water - and I mean water - not juices or soda. Juices, and soda particularly, dehydrate your child and load up the system with sugar. And sugar provides an ideal breeding ground for bacteria, viruses and parasite fungus/ yeast and candida.

2. Monitor your child’s eating. Too much food, or food eaten too often, will not digest properly, and will ferment and create toxicity that smells bad.

3. Sugar – again. White sugar increases halitosis, and also nourishes infections and yeast infections/ candida. Cut it down, or better, cut it out if you want fresh breath (and many other benefits besides).

4. Halitosis is a sign that the body needs something. It could be as simple as more water, or perhaps the entire immune system needs a boost. See my article on flu to help boost your child’s immune system.

5. Be sure to have regular dental check-ups. I could say much more about this, but let’s keep it simple. Just follow through and make those appointments.

6. Watch how your child is doing…? Too much activity? Not enough quality rest? Some kind of emotional distress? Imbalances both physical and emotional can “sour” the stomach, turning good food into bad. I’ve found that bad breath can provide great motivation for parents to get closely tuned to their children and really work for their well-being.

Some simple remedies to freshen the mouth are a drop of Oil of Oregano under the tongue or on the toothbrush, and chewing on a clove. While drugstores have whole shelves full of products to sweeten halitosis/ bad breath, many products contain ingredients that I would not myself take. Be careful – if you routinely ingest a small amount of “helpful” toxins, that can really add up as the days run to weeks, months and years.

\

Understand What Causes Bad Breath by: David Drinkall

2009-10-19T09:02:00.000-07:00

Most people suffer from bad breath at some time in their lives. For something so commonplace, bad breath (or halitosis) isn’t fully understood by the medical community.

Though the reasons for bad breath odor are not completely understood, most unpleasant odors are caused by food debris trapped in the mouth. It is really amazing to find as many as 400 different types of bacteria in an average mouth!

Trouble can occur when several dozen of these bacteria are allowed to flourish. Huge numbers can soon build up, or they may become genetically mutated before they reproduce in a large number.

Many species of these bacteria are usually found on the back of the tongue, where they find protection from normal mouth activity. The rough edges of our tongue usually harbor millions of bacteria, which create toxins by digesting debris, dead cells, and other residues. These toxins are harmful because they create a bad odor in the breath.

The chemical reactions – technically called anaerobic respiration -of these bacteria will accumulate residual compounds containing smelly sulfides and ammonia. These undesirable compounds often further mix with the breath to form an aerosol (spray of fine particles) further spreading the bad odor.

Other causes of chronic bad breath may be periodontitis (gum disease), diabetes, kidney failure, sinusitis, tonsilloliths, gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD), and a wide variety of prescription drugs.

But, as you may expect, the majority of bad breath problems begin in the mouth. As we’ve seen, bad breath originating in the mouth can be traced to a sulfur compound produced by bacteria. Dead and dying bacterial cells release this sulfur compound, which gives the breath a bad odor.

In addition, bacterial plaque, debris and food waste accumulate on the back of the tongue. Large amounts of sulfur compounds can be produced in this area, making it a frequent site of origin for bad breath.

Teeth attract bacteria by containing plaque and debris. If not cleaned regularly and thoroughly, this can result in large accumulations of bacteria which result in bad breath.

People who have Periodontitis disease often experience bad breath because of bacteria accumulating in areas that are not cleaned easily, such as deep fissures around teeth.

If your bad breath is originating in your mouth, you will be glad to know that very effective treatment is available.

You can use commercially available breath fresheners or mouth washes for temporary relief from bad breath. However, most of them are just that and act by masking the smell producing layers of tongue, once the effect wears off, the bad breath will resurface with renewed vigor.

Using anti-bacterial mouth rinses may provide you better results in controlling bad breath. Always avoid alcohol containing mouth rinses as alcohol is a drying agent and will worsen the problem sooner or later.

Acute bad breath may be temporarily controlled by using a hydrogen peroxide rinse in your mouth. Hydrogen peroxide at a minute concentration of 1.5% can be taken as an oral antiseptic by gargling 10 ml, for a few minutes.

Never forget to brush your teeth after meals and a regular flossing at least once in a day will remove putrefying food debris from between the teeth, especially at the gum line and rear of the tongue.

Gently cleaning the tongue surface twice daily with a tongue brush, tongue scraper or tongue cleaner will help you keep your tongue and teeth in good shape and health.

Alternatively, you can also use an inverted teaspoon to scrap the surface of your tongue. Tooth brush will not work well in scraping the back of your tongue as the bristles will not reach the back parts of your tongue. Be careful to avoid scraping the V-shaped row of taste buds found at the extreme back of the tongue. Brushing a small amount of antibacterial mouth rinse or tongue gel onto the tongue surface will further inhibit bacterial action.

Since a dry mouth can increase bacterial buildup and cause or worsen bad breath, chewing sugarless gum can help with the production of saliva, and thereby help to reduce bad breath. Some gums, toothpastes, sprays, and gels which combat dry mouth for several hours have recently been marketed over the counter.

Maintain water levels in the body by drinking several glasses of water a day. Adding lemon juice to your water is refreshing and also beneficial. Parsley is a natural breath freshener when chewed slowly, and is easy to grow at home.

Some studies have shown eating yoghurt, drinking green tea, or chewing cinnamon or sugarless cinnamon gum can also reduce bad breath.

Tips In Fighting Bad Breath by: Rachel Gillespe

2009-10-19T09:01:00.000-07:00

Bad breath is an embarrassing situation that many people encounter. One may feel that if they are brushing and flossing there is nothing they can do aside from breath spray and mints to, at best, camouflage the odor. Just as it is true for many medical conditions, it is true for halitosis as well; i.e., one must treat the underlying cause and not just the symptoms.

A proper diet can go a long ways towards nixing bad breath. One may want to add acidophilus to their diet, which can be obtained in yogurt with live cultures. The acidophilus helps the body’s digestive track and fights bacteria imbalances which can lead to unfavorable breath.

Another digestive issue which leads to poor breath is constipation. A diet high in animal proteins causes one to absorb bacteria. These bacteria enter the bloodstream and then the lungs and exit in the form of bad breath. A diet high is fiber, such as vegetables, fruits, brown rice and beans, promotes regular bowel movements which prevents bad breath producing toxins to build up in your system.

One may also want to increase the amount of Vitamin C in their diet. Vitamin C promotes healing and protects gums from cell damage. Poor gum health is also a cause of bad breath. One can get Vitamin C from many sources including cabbage, citrus, and red peppers.

Another tip that is also good for general health, as well all fighting bad breath, is to drink enough water. Drinking eight glasses a day will keep your mouth moist and prevent germs and bacteria from building up due to food particles. Drinking plenty of fluids, once again, also aids in promoting proper bowel functions.

A nature breath freshener is chlorophyll. Parsley is a good source of chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is what gives plants their green appearance so edible green plants are a good alternative to chemical breath fresheners.

Don’t forget to visit the dentist to ensure that bad breath is not the sign of tooth decay or gum disease. Otherwise, following a diet rich in fiber, Vitamin C, acidophilus and plenty of water should nix bad breath.

Halitosis 101! How to Cure Bad Breath with Brushing, Flossing and Tongue Cleaning Techniques!

2009-10-19T08:59:00.000-07:00

Did you know that one and four people suffer from the disease of bad breath… Halitosis?

That is almost 80 million Americans with bad breath! Fortunately, thousands of those sufferers are seeking medical help and naturally treating their bad breath by simply correctly brushing, flossing and cleaning their tongue.

What? I know what you might be thinking. Who doesn't know how to brush their teeth? Unfortunately, millions of people continue to brush, floss and clean with the bad habits passed down from previous generations. As oral hygiene has advanced in recent decades, so has what we know on how to keep your teeth clean and how to keep halitosis in the history books!

Did you know that bad breath comes from bacteria growing in your mouth?

In the most common forms of bad breath, the odor comes from activity of bacteria in the mouth (85%-90%), usually from the back part of the tongue. Simply stated, microorganisms in the mouth break down proteins and produce foul smelling gasses called volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs). These VSCs emit a smell similar to rotten eggs. Because bacteria need an environment free of oxygen, they will live in areas that are difficult to reach such as pockets around the teeth, the grooves in the tongue, and ESPECIALLY on the back of the tongue. The most common cause of bad breath is bacteria on the back part of the tongue. This bacterium lives deep in the tiny grooves of the tongue and digests proteins while producing gasses.

Did you know you can begin treating bad breath today by CORRECTLY brushing, flossing and cleaning your tongue?

The Basics for fighting Halitosis

Brushing and Flossing are the two most crucial elements for defeating bad breath. Since bacteria lives on our teeth and gums, brushing and flossing will remove the bacteria and will decrease production of VSCs which causes halitosis. However, most people do not spend the 2-3 minutes it takes to properly brush all tooth surfaces. In fact, the average person spends less than 1 minute brushing their teeth and spends even less time flossing. NOT flossing your teeth is the equivalent of not washing a third of your body in the shower causing you to have body odor. Flossing is very beneficial and should be practiced daily. Cleaning your tongue is also extremely important. Because many of the odor causing bacteria live in the deep crevices on the tongue, they lay protected from oxygen under mucous, proteins, and food particles. The back of the tongue should be cleaned with a tongue cleaner on a regular basis.

Brushing Tips

1. Place the toothbrush bristles against the gums at a 45-degree angle.

2. Move the brush back and forth gently in short (one tooth wide) strokes. All surfaces of the teeth need to be cleaned: the inner areas (by the tongue), the outside areas (by the cheeks and lips), and the grooved biting surfaces.

3. Turn the brush to use the whole length of it to clean the insides of the upper and lower front teeth.

4. Brush teeth for 2-3 minutes.

Flossing Tips

1. Break off about 15 inches of strong floss and wind most of it around one of your middle fingers. Alternatively, you can tie the two ends of the floss together to form a circle.

2. Wind some of the floss around a finger of the other hand.

3. Hold the floss taunt between your thumbs and forefingers. Guide the floss between your teeth using a gentle back and forth motion. Do not snap the floss between the teeth.

4. After the floss is through the tight area between the two teeth, curve it into a C shape against one tooth. Gently slide it up and down the tooth and under the gum line.

5. Do the same thing for the side of the other tooth.

6. Advance the floss so you use a clean area between each tooth.

7. Remember to floss behind the molars.

Tongue Cleaning Tips

1. Gently brush the tongue with a regular toothbrush dipped in an antibacterial mouthwash.

2. Reach back as far as you can without hurting yourself. At first, you may gag, but practice will decrease this natural urge.

3. Rinse the toothbrush well and repeat a few times until the white coating on the surface of the tongue is removed.

4. Be gentle so the delicate tissues are not damaged.

5. Special tongue cleaning devices may be used. Gently scrape the surface of the tongue according to the manufacturer's directions.

You Are On Your Way!

Ref: Joe Barton

Bad Breath Is Often Caused By Dental Problems

2009-10-19T08:25:00.000-07:00

Bacterial plaque, bad breath and dental problems are all directly linked.

The anaerobic bacteria that live in the mouth cause bad breath or halitosis, dental decay, periodontal disease and gingivitis. Anaerobic means living in the absence of air. These types of bacteria are mostly the ones that cause disease.

Some dental issue definitions are:

Bad breath - the odor produced by bacteria living off food particles, each other and dying tissue. Bad breath can also be caused by other more serious health issues. An example of this is diabetes that can cause acidosis which in turn causes bad breath.

Dental decay - caused by the acidic excrement from the bacteria. The tooth is literally being dissolved by chronically being bathed in this acid.

Gingivitis - the inflammation of the gums caused by your own body trying to fight off the invasion of the bacteria.

Periodontal disease - (perio = around, and dontal = tooth) the loss of bone and tissue attachment around the tooth. It is caused by a microbial invasion around the tooth by anaerobic bacteria.

Between the teeth, along the gum line and on the surface of the tongue is where the film of plaque grows best. The odors and acids accumulate in these areas. The plaque is produced by the bacteria. Bad breath is caused by not being able to keep the population of bacteria under control. In most cases poor oral hygiene is the culprit. Cleaning teeth twice daily is the minimum requirement for reducing the population of bacteria. However, meticulous cleaning is difficult. Tooth brushing does not access in between teeth and often causes ridges and grooves along the gum line. Oral irrigating does not cut through the sticky greasy barrier the plaque produces.

Alternately, bad breath is caused by infections from dental decay, gingivitis, or periodontal disease. Once again, poor oral hygiene is the biggest reason for these infections. Unknown to most people, is the fact that improper flossing may take an infection from one part of the mouth and spread it to a healthy part. The infections also produce dead tissue, which add to the food feeding frenzy of the bacteria. The gasses from the dead tissue are what you smell.

There are other factors that contribute to the bacteria and odor besides food and infection. Smoking, mouth breathing, alcohol based mouth washes and certain medications increase dry mouth. Reduced saliva in the dry mouth does not allow your mouth to remove the bacteria that cause the odor.

In addition, the bad breath odor may be from sources other than the oral cavity. Some medical conditions cause bad breath. Infections in the lungs, nasal cavity or sinuses can cause odor that is associated with bad breath. Bad breath in diabetics is a rather common occurrence. And finally, less likely, but still possible, bad breath can be associated with certain conditions related to malfunctioning kidneys and some cancers.

Because bad breath is so repugnant to both the individual who has it as well as those in which they come in contact with, it is important to maintain a thorough oral hygiene regimen that includes cleaning the teeth at least twice, if not three times every day.

Ref: P., Piero D.D.S.

5 Secrets For Raising Cavity Free Kids!

2009-09-23T06:48:00.000-07:00

1. Although most babies don't have any teeth until about six months of age, a daily cleaning in infancy will get your child accustomed to the process, and ensure clean and healthy gums when the teeth do start coming in.

2. Your child's first visit to the dentist should be by the age of two or three. Although baby teeth will eventually fall out, they are very important to your child's dental development and oral health. Cavity harbor bacteria which can result in more cavities.

3. You need to help a child under age 6 years old do the brushing. Most children under 6 do not have the manual dexterity to do a "great job" of brushing. One great strategy if you have children who likes to do everything on their own, is to let them do it first on their own, and follow with a mommy or daddy's turn.

4. Make sure your child gets the benefits of the latest in cavity prevention, including fluorides and sealants. Have your dentist apply a sealant to protect the biting surfaces of your children's molars. These are generally applied when the six-year molars come in at age 6 or 7. Sealants are nearly 100 percent effective in preventing cavities on the biting surfaces of the back teeth, which is one of the most cavity-prone areas of the mouth. Sealants cost approximately one-third to one-half the price of a regular filling.

5. Finally, the most important thing to realize is that children learn from the behavior they observe. So, in reality your dental health is just as important as your child's. When was the last time you had your dental check up and/or professional cleaning?

is a practicing dentist in Nobelsville, Indiana and owns Stony Creek Dentistry and Orthodontics, http://www.stonycreekdentistry.com. Dr. Ratliff is a general dentist and practices with his wife Dr. Kathy Ratliff who is a licensed orthodontists in the State of Indiana. Dr. Ratliff specializes in treating patients with dental phobias by offering Sedation Dentistry.

Ref: Dr. Tony Ratliff

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com

Women and Periodontal Health

2009-09-23T06:45:00.000-07:00

Throughout a woman's life, hormonal changes affect tissue throughout the body. Fluctuations in levels occur during puberty, pregnancy and menopause. At these times, the chance of periodontal disease may increase, requiring special care of your oral health.

Pregnancy
Periodontal health should be part of your prenatal care. Any infections during pregnancy, including periodontal infections, can place a baby's health at risk. Research shows that pregnant women with active periodontal disease are more likely to have pre-term deliveries and low-birth weight babies.

Along with many other bodily changes, your gums and teeth are affected during pregnancy. Between the second and eighth month, your gums may also swell, bleed, and become red or tender. Large lumps may appear as a reaction to local irritants. However, these growths are generally painless and not cancerous. They may require professional removal, but usually disappear after pregnancy.

The best way to prevent periodontal infections is to begin with healthy gums and continue to maintain your oral health with proper home care and careful periodontal monitoring.

Oral Contraceptives
Swelling, bleeding, and tenderness of the gums may also occur when you are taking oral contraceptives, which are synthetic hormones.

You should mention any prescriptions you are taking, including oral contraceptives, prior to medical or dental treatment. This will help eliminate the risk of drug interactions, such as antibiotics with oral contraceptives - where the effectiveness of the contraceptive can be lessened.

Menopause
Changes in the look and feel of your mouth may occur if you are menopausal or post-menopausal. They include feeling pain and burning in your gum tissue and salty, peppery, or sour tastes.

Careful oral hygiene at home and professional cleaning may relieve these symptoms. There are also saliva substitutes to treat the effects of "dry mouth."

Ref: Garry J Bloch DMD
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com

Cure For Halitosis - Simple Tips to Get Rid of Bad Breath

2009-09-23T06:44:00.000-07:00

When it is about treating halitosis, sufferers of bad breath can make use of a holistic approach in order to solve the problem. You just can't apply one solution and then look forward to being fully cured. To have the best result, the cure for halitosis process has to consist of adjustments with the daily diet and proper cleaning of the mouth. Here are some tips to help you combat halitosis and start improving your social and personal relationships:

1. Always make sure to regularly clean your mouth

Make it a habit to cleanse your mouth and teeth after eating so that you can remove the bits of food that were stuck between your teeth. These food particles if not removed will feed the bad breath causing bacteria in your mouth. Brush your teeth at least two times per day. Rinse and floss your teeth as well. Take note that flossing is just as vital as brushing when it comes to treating bad breath.

2. Never overlook cleaning your tongue

Most of us usually focus on just brushing and flossing the teeth, and we often overlook brushing the tongue. Make certain to clean your tongue specifically the back part, every time you brush your teeth.

3. Make use of a mouth rinse

Apart from the regular cleansing of the mouth, teeth and tongue, the use of an anti-bacterial mouth rinse is also necessary in order to clean up the sulfur compounds that are causing bad breath. Moreover, a mouth rinse can make your mouth feel instantly fresh and smell good too.

4. Strengthen your gums

Another important cure for halitosis involves taking care of the gums. Brush them regularly using a soft-bristled toothbrush. You can also use a gum gel to massage them, this action will firm up and strengthen them so that they will be not be prone to gum diseases.

5. Visit your dentist for cleaning

Visit your dentists periodically, to have your teeth cleaned and to remove the plaque that have built up. The plaque is one more place that's occupied by bacteria that are waiting to be feed with bits of leftover food particles inside the mouth.

6. Drink plenty of water

The general rule is to drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of water every day in order to wash away the sulfur compounds inside the mouth and to avoid the dryness of the mouth by encouraging the production of more saliva. Usually, a dry mouth will make your mouth more susceptible to bad breath.

7. Rinse frequently

Regular rinsing of the mouth will wash away the sulfur and will lessen the bad breath.

8. Go for plaque-fighting varieties of foods

Certain foods like cranberry and raisins are recognized for combating bacteria. So, eat these foods at least once every day.

9. Avoid fatty and sugary foods

Junk foods and sweet foods are commonly known to bring about plaque and gum diseases. These particular foods work like magnets for bacteria and so they should be avoided.

Finally, if your bad breath stays after doing any of these tips or it has become severe, then it's best to consult a doctor to diagnose what is causing the problem and to find a cure for halitosis as well.

Ref: Derrick Richardson

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com

Things You Should Remember About How to Eliminate Bad Breath

2009-09-23T06:41:00.000-07:00

If you have nothing good to say, keep your mouth shut. Same thing if you have bad breath. This will not only put you in a humiliating situation, but this could also be the reason behind a broken relationship. If you are aware that you may have this condition, you have to take note of the practices on how to eliminate bad breath.

At first, you might not be aware that you have halitosis or bad breath. You might even deny the fact that you have halitosis when somebody tells you that you have bad breath. You may actually not be aware of your own condition but other people can easily detect this odor from other people's mouth. For you to personally know if you have this or not, do a self-test by licking your wrist and let it dry.

This method will introduce you to VCSs or volatile sulfur compounds. These chemicals that give you bad breath are produced by the bacteria in your mouth. The bacteria are anaerobic, which means they could survive in an environment that lacks oxygen. Aside from VCSs, there are still other halitosis-causing factors that might be responsible your condition.

If you are positive that you have halitosis, then it is time to know how to eliminate bad breath. Since you already know that VCSs will be eliminated if there is enough oxygen in your mouth, the proper mouthwash and a special toothbrush that could enhance the amount of oxygen in your mouth is going to be a big help.

Not only the lack of oxygen but also a dry environment is something that can enable bacteria to survive. You have to keep your mouth wet all the time by either drinking a lot of water or by carrying sugar-free gum in your pocket in case you need it. A well-hydrated body and mouth is something that bad breath-causing bacteria do not want to live in if they want to multiply.

Proper oral hygiene also carries as much importance as those aforementioned tips. You have to avoid oral cavities too in order to maintain your fresh breath. Aside from your own home personal dental care, allow your dentist to check your teeth at least twice a year. If necessary, purchase a tongue scraper aside from your traditional floss and toothbrush to remove the food that could possibly get stuck between your teeth or left on your tongue.

Bad breath also occurs oftentimes in the morning when you wake up. That is because your mouth is inactive when you are sleeping. Gargling mouthwash could help you or at least lessen your morning breath.

Furthermore, when you think you have a clogged nose, you have to immediately see your doctor or get yourself a paracetamol to relieve your clogged nose. If you cannot breathe through your nose, breathing through your mouth is your only choice and that could dry out your mouth which could also lead to bad breath.

To completely learn how to eliminate bad breath, you should begin by detecting the possible reason of your halitosis. Once you know it, it would be easy for you to select the best possible remedy.

Ref: Derrick Richardson

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com

Bad Breath Help - What to Do to Control Your Bad Breath Problem

2009-09-23T06:39:00.000-07:00

If you are in dire need of bad breath help, look no further! There are a number of ways that you can get the improvement you are looking for in terms of how your breath affects your life. Improve your confidence and ability to communicate easily and effectively with others by using these easy tips.

1. First of all, try to make your own mouthwash at home, with a simple solution of warm water and baking soda. It may sound crazy, but baking soda will eliminate much of the bacteria in your mouth that causes bad breath. That is different from store-bought mouthwashes, which cover up your bad breath for awhile, but don't always effectively treat the cause. Gargle the solution for a minute, and you will have eliminated a lot of that troublesome bacteria.

2. Secondly, you can use parsley or spearmint for a temporary fix. By chewing on one of these substances, you will immediately freshen your breath, even if you aren't doing a whole lot to eliminate the bacteria that is causing the problem. In conjunction with the other tips, this works well, though.

3. The third tip is to eat smarter. Avoid garlic, onions or other strong-smelling foods, and opt for celery, carrots, and other foods that will not only keep your breath from smelling nasty, but also help to fight plaque and other issues that may go hand in hand with bad breath.

4. Yet another tip is simply to drink more water. A dry mouth will end up producing more bacteria and giving you worse breath (which is why morning breath is so unpleasant), and drinking water will help to rinse your mouth out, especially after eating or snacking. Plus, it is better to drink water than other fluids such as soda, which won't help you out in any way.

5. Finally, don't neglect your oral hygiene routine! It can't be emphasized enough that you should brush not only in the morning and at night, but also after meals and snacks when possible. Doing so will keep your mouth nice and clean...and don't forget to brush your tongue.

Hopefully the bad breath help that you have been looking for is present in these tips. While these ideas are simple ones, they are also part of a very effective overall plan to fight problems such as stinky breath, so make sure that you give them a try.

Ref: Cavyl Stewart
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com

Easy Bad Breath Cures

2009-09-09T03:05:00.000-07:00

It is all down to bacteria that a whole industry has sprung up with the aim of finding bad breath cures. It would be more accurate to say it is a high level of bacteria in the mouth that causes breath to smell bad. Research has shown that the highest level of accumulated bacteria is found on the tongue. Even if you are using a specialty product for getting rid of bad breath it is essential you take the time to brush your teeth, gums, and tongue.

We are all accustomed to brushing with normal toothpaste. Many individuals have found that substituting toothpaste with baking soda twice a week helps to keep down the bacteria that causes bad breath. Whether you brush with toothpaste, baking soda or both the objective is to remove food particles on and between the teeth. If the particles remain they become a means for bacteria to increase rapidly. It is essential to brush and to keep the mouth as clean as possible. This is probably the most basic of the bad breath cures.

All of us who have bad breath will never be caught without mouthwash. However, many of us are still using the wrong kind. It is very important to use a mouthwash that does not contain any alcohol. Alcohol produces a drying effect and a dry mouth smells bad. There are over the counter mouthwashes that don't contain alcohol or you can make our own. It really is easy to crush a few mint or peppermint leaves and steep them for a few minutes in warm water. This is a natural rinse that leaves your mouth feeling and smelling fresh. It is a good idea to keep this solution in a container so that you can use it anytime you need to. Unlike over the counter products this homemade solution tastes good.

Desperate to find bad breath cures? 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!

Ref; Jeff Ray

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com

Getting Rid of Bad Breath - Fight the Smell

2009-09-09T03:02:00.000-07:00

How to get rid of bad breath is something that everyone needs to know at some point, some worse than others. It could be from the food you eat, poor oral hygiene or from an underlining medical condition. What's worse is when you don't know you have bad breath, which can lead to embarrassing situations when talking to people. Some will put up with it but then avoid you whenever they can, others may just make excuses to get away from you. If you are being offered mints or chewing gum at work on a regular basis maybe it's a hint about your smelly breath.

You need to ask friends and family to be honest with you about it, as if is causing problems then you will need to deal with it.

If the cause is the food you eat then try and cut down on it. If you don't want to cut down then drinking water with the meal and then flossing, brushing your teeth, chewing gum or mouth wash will all help control the smell before your breath gets worse.

Oral hygiene is key to getting rid of bad breath and keeping it at bay. It is recommended to brush your teeth twice a day for at least 2 minutes each time. Also find some good quality mouth wash to rinse out your mouth and floss whenever you can. If you do these basics then the food particles and bacteria won't have time to settle in your mouth. Drink water during the day and with meals, it helps with washing the food particles from your mouth.

If you do these things and still have bad breath then a visit to a Doctor to ensure no underlining condition is causing your bad breath. They may also be able to recommend specialist products that will help get rid of your bad breath.

If you need more information related to the bad breath subject check out the following articles - Get Rid of Bad Breath and How to fight bad breath

Ref: Jeff Gooback

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com

Periodic Dental Care Check-Ups

2009-09-09T02:59:00.000-07:00

To have a healthy set of teeth, you've got to take time off to visit the dentist on a regular basis. Most people rely on brushing teeth thrice a day and are very dedicated to their dental floss. This is important but not an option for not visiting the dentist.

Cavities find their way through even though you have been very regular with your brushing. Only professional cleaning tools can help to completely get rid of substances that are present in between your teeth that are the cause of cavities.

You may be even using electronic toothbrushes and waxed dental floss for taking proper care of your teeth but these do not act as a substitute to a healthy dental check-up and hence it is better to be aware of the professional tools that are used by dentists to clean your teeth.

The dentist makes use of professional tools such as a polisher that polishes your teeth to make it smooth. The drill is used to remove decay from your teeth and fill the hole that the decay leaves behind. Dental burs are used in the process of teeth restoration like filling cavities and repairing chips.

Scalers are the tools used for cleaning. They are curved metal hooks which are used to remove plaque and other particles that remain in between your teeth. Scalers sometimes cause pain. It is better to go for a cleaning regularly as this process is painful. The pain depends upon how long it has been since your last cleaning and the amount of plaque accumulated in your teeth.

A sickle probe is used to find pits in your teeth, plaque, tartar and other build-up in your teeth. This tool also checks if your teeth or some parts of your teeth are hard or soft. If your teeth are soft, they are unhealthy.

After your cleaning, the dentist may give you certain medication if he is able to find cavities or other gum diseases.

Periodic dental check-ups also allow the dentists to check if your teeth are in healthy condition or they need to be treated for any dental issue.

Hence, making use of free dental check-ups is the best way to make sure your teeth are healthy and clean. Free dental checkups also provide advice on whether you would need teeth correction or even teeth whitening.

Keep your teeth glowing and cavity free by taking advantage of free dental care for you and your children. It is important to keep children's teeth in good condition so that they will not have tooth problems in the future.

Ref: Anvin Raj V.S

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com

How to Tell If You Have Bad Breath

2009-09-09T02:52:00.000-07:00

Bad breath is very easy to spot when it comes from someone else standing or sitting within range of our sense of smell. But we find it difficult to tell if our own breath is not as fresh as it should be.

Even after cleaning the teeth it can still emit an odour. Very often people think once they have cleaned their teeth, that is the problem solved. The reality is that it often is not.

Among the steps you can take are to ensure your dental hygiene is regular and thorough. That is the first priority, and it includes regular check ups with the dentist, and it also means changing your toothbrush every three to four months.

The most effective way I leaned of detecting the possibility of bad breath coming from me, is to lick the back of your hand. Let it dry then have a sniff. If there is a smell, you know where it is coming from.

Other ways of finding out are to ask someone known to you. You do not have to keep on asking them, just once will do. If you ask first thing in the morning, it could just be dry breath when you wake up. If that is the case, you just need to drink water and there should not be a problem.

There is no need to ask someone after eating a meal or after drinking. It is better to wait until you have finished your oral hygiene and then ask.

Having asked, you will then know what you need to do next.

Ref: Josh Eldridge

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com

Learning How to Fight Bad Breath

2009-09-09T02:50:00.000-07:00

If you want to fight bad breath, you first need to know what is causing it. For most people, it is the build up of bacteria inside the mouth that causes foul-smelling breath to occur. For some people, bad breath is something that happens every so often, and for other people it's a chronic problem. When you can fight this problem, and win, you can reclaim your life back.

One of the best ways to fight it is to drink more water. Water helps to flush out bacteria and food particles from the mouth. Not only that, but when your mouth is dry that can often be the cause of bad breath to begin with! Hydrate your body and you will be back to smelling fresh in no time.

Avoiding certain types of foods can help you eliminate foul-smelling breath from your life. Foods like onion or garlic can really make a negative impact on how your breath smells, so it is important that you avoid them if you want your breath to continuously smell fresh.

One thing you can do to really help get rid of bad breath is to eat a healthier diet. Bacteria problems in the body can often be caused by a deficiency in certain vitamins and nutrients in the body. You can make sure this doesn't happen to you by making sure that you are always eating a well balanced diet. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables and every other food group if you want to get rid of this problem.

When you can finally fight bad breath and win, it is a wonderful feeling. In no time at all, you will be able to walk into a room without having to worry about what others may think of your breath.

Ref: Jeff Ray
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com

How to Treat Bad Breath When Brushing and Flossing Just Aren't Enough

2009-09-07T08:07:00.000-07:00

When you're brushing and flossing religiously and yet your breath still has the potency to kill flowers or small animals, you know you've got a problem. We learn how to treat bad breath only through conventional means, such as standard oral care and maybe some mouthwash or chewing gum. I, like you, have always felt that the freshness of my breath (or lack thereof) left a lot to be desired. In this article I'm going to shed a little bit of light on how to treat bad breath when brushing and flossing just aren't enough.

Perhaps the worst part about bad breath is that when you have it, it's almost all you can think about, especially in social settings! You probably already know that that's no way to live life. I even tended to worry about how fresh my breath was with a mint in my mouth. Let's face it; as a kid, people were brutally honest. But as an adult, no one wants to hurt your feelings, so you never really "know" what people actually think of your breath.

Unfortunately, what most people are probably thinking is that you don't brush your teeth. Society at large, and even the dental community, seems to have this incorrect assumption that proper brushing and flossing is the only thing that you need to keep your breath fresh. Even my dentist doesn't seem to have the faintest idea of how to treat bad breath!

So, why is it that people like us have to suffer with bad breath, while most people get to brush twice a day (if that) and be worry-free and relaxed?

The truth is that it has nothing at all to do with anything you are doing wrong. Unfortunately, the true cause of bad breath is not just plaque on your teeth. It's a natural bacteria that loves to live in your mouth. This bacteria actually aids in our digestive process, but the problem is that as it breaks down foods, it creates sulfur, which is odorous and the main source of bad breath. The reason that your breath is worse than others is because the climate and geography of your mouth happens to be hospitable to these bacteria, allowing them to reproduce in record numbers at a startling pace.

So, you want to know how to treat bad breath and finally get to feel like yourself in social situations? What you have to do is make your mouth less hospitable to these sulfur producing bacteria on a regular basis. You MUST learn how to maintain a pH balanced environment -- it's the only way to stop these bacteria from ruining your life.

I know that at this point you're probably wishing that you could just brush your teeth and floss every now and then, and go on with your life the way that most people can. But life throws us hurdles, and it's better to jump them as they come up than it is to lag behind. Now that you know how to treat bad breath, all you need is a product that can help you maintain a neutralized environment in your mouth, treating your bad breath for good.

The product that I used to finally get rid of my bad breath is fairly inexpensive and keeps my breath fresh all day for only about 30 seconds of my time. I've written a detailed analysis about what I found while doing some research on it -- I wanted to make sure that it worked not only for me, but for other people as well. What I found while sorting through customer feedback is pretty shocking...

Ref: Jacob Jameson

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com

Fight Against Bad Breath

2009-09-07T07:45:00.000-07:00

There are different kinds of food that you should avoid consuming tremendous amounts of to stay away from getting a bad case of bad breath. Foods high in fat, certain types of meat, sugar rich food, and spices along with dairy products are just some that contribute to unhealthy oral conditions. Food that contains acid will normally produce bacteria in your mouth. When you consume food with a high fat and protein content, they may not digest properly and cause a buildup of bacteria that makes your breath to have a tumulus odor.

Food loaded with sugar poses a threat because it can be a catalyst for bacterial growth especially in your upper throat area. In addition to onion and garlic, spices like curry are some of the leading causes of horrible breath. Remember that the effects are not only present in your oral cavity if taken in extreme amounts, but will circulate to your bloodstream within 24 hours and will be emitted through your pores making you really stinky. Coffee and tea are also culprits of nasty breath because of their high acid content, drinking black tea although carry bacteria fighting elements that will prevent you from getting bad breath.

By consuming food that is rich in antioxidants, you can avoid having bad breath and help your body protect itself against this oral problem. Green leafy vegetables such as broccoli and cabbage, fruits like berries will be helpful in fighting against bacteria buildup that may lead to bad breath.

You can also try food that helps keep you healthy such as yogurt and lactobacillus drinks. Remember to take supplements rich in Zinc and Vitamin B as these vital vitamins and nutrients will protect you from having bad breath, a stable amount of 6 mg of zinc a day should help you get within normal levels of the required zinc in our body. Remember what you put in your body, your diet and lifestyle are great factors that can affect your oral condition and will determine your susceptibility to bad breath.

Ref: Jeff M Ray

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com

Avoid Bad Breath With Good Oral Hygiene

2009-08-12T02:20:00.000-07:00

More often than not bad breath stems from an underlying factor that causes oral conditions to degrade because of something that you put in your mouth. In most cases it's nothing to worry about as diagnosis will indicate the cause of the problem.

Plaque, a nearly invisible film of bacteria that is always present in our oral cavity, is often the causative agent for this kind of breath. Other oral conditions that contribute to having bad breath may be the presence of a cavity or gum disease. On some occasions, this kind of breath may be a symptom instead of the disease. Certain body infections in the upper gastrointestinal tract or your lungs or sometimes a systemic infection can cause bad breath. Or it can be as simple as eating too much curry. The strong odor of food such as garlic and alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream and can be exhaled by the lungs or even excreted through your pores. Taking up the nasty habit of tobacco smoking is another major contributor to not so good breath.

The best way to combat against the effects of bad breath is very simple. Keep your mouth clean at all times. This means that constant brushing and keeping a good oral regimen twice a day with regular flossing will keep the bad bacteria at bay. If you let food trapped between your gum to linger you run the risk of bacterial growth and furthermore, nasty breath.

So many people forget to remember that the oral cavity consist of not only your gum but also your tongue, equipping yourself with a good tongue cleaner will make sure that you keep the bacterial content of your oral cavity at minimal levels, and don't forget to brush your tongue when you brush your teeth.

Ref: Jeff Ray

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeff_M_Ray

Prevent Bad Breath by Stopping it at Source

2009-08-12T02:18:00.000-07:00

On any given day, experts predict that 8 out of every 10 people have detectable bad breath. More than some mere nuisance, bad breath kills:

* Job Interviews
* Opportunities for Advancement
* Big Sales Meetings
* Your Chances for Success with the Opposite Sex

Simply put, bad breath is a very clear signal of poor oral hygiene and/or poor health. Maybe it was caused by the garlic you ate at lunch or perhaps gum disease is the culprit-it does not matter because you will be perceived the same regardless of cause. And the more formal your relationship, the more negatively your bad breath will be perceived.

So what is the ultimate source of bad breath? Unfortunately, its not that simple because halitosis has several potential causes, including:

* Gum Disease
* Diet
* Dehydration (Xerostoma)
* Diabetes
* Sinus Infection
* Tooth Decay

But in the vast majority of cases and more likely than all these causes combined, microscopic bacteria living in your mouth cause halitosis. They are called anaerobic bacteria because they thrive in low oxygen environments. Saliva is the best natural defense your body has against these bacteria because it is rich in oxygen. Unfortunately, dehydration robs the body of saliva.

Now are you ready for the really bad news?

Many of the most popular remedies on the market are made with alcohol and other synthesized ingredients that literally cause dehydration. So they work short term to kill the bacteria but the long-term effects of dehydration lead to even more halitosis problems for hours after initial use.

To truly prevent halitosis and save more than 200 dollars each year on ineffective "remedies" that only mask the problem or possibly make it worse-you need to do these three things:

1. Stop using harsh chemicals or products that only mask the problem
2. Use only all-natural ingredients to control anaerobic bacteria
3. Proper diet

With the right ingredients (that can be found at any grocery store), you can make your very own all-natural mouthwash to control bacteria for about $1 per bottle. Combined with proper diet, this simple yet effective bad breath prevention strategy will cure problems in 95% of the population.

Ref: John Kreps

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jon_Kreps

A Michael Jackson Fan Discovers How to Beat Bad Breath After Listening to "Beat It"

2009-08-12T02:14:00.000-07:00

Tony suffered from chronic bad breath since childhood and throughout the years has endured all kinds of demoralizing abuses due to his foul-smelling breath. He couldn't speak to anyone without worrying constantly about his breath and this made him terribly depressed. His emotional well-being was further deteriorated whenever people offered him breath mints. One day, he thought to himself: I can't take this anymore! I must learn how to beat bad breath once and for all!"

Apparently, Tony is a big fan of Michael Jackson but he hadn't listened to the singer's hits for quite some time. So one day, he decided to listen to Michael Jackson's "Beat It" and the lyrics in the song made Tony even more determined to gain complete control over his depressing condition. Part of the lyrics that really hit home with Tony was this: "You wanna stay alive, better do what you can. So beat it, just beat it"

Thanks to the song, Tony embarked on an intensive breath malodor research. He read all kinds of books, reports, and articles related to halitosis. To his surprise, he discovered that one of the reasons why his problem persists was due to his love of drinking fruit juices like orange and grapefruit!

Although these fruit juices provide many health benefits, their acidic content prohibit halitosis sufferers from consuming them regularly. According to Tony's research, acids are able to multiply bacteria at a fairly quick rate. Since halitosis sufferers possess naturally high levels of anaerobic oral bacteria, they should reduce their intake of citrus beverages.

He also found out that another good way on how to beat bad breath is to decrease consumption of foods that are protein dense. Such foods contain certain amino acids that comprise of sulfur which boost oral bacteria output for smelly waste by-products. When these waste by-products gel with one's breath, halitosis occurs and remains round the clock!

This information was a revelation for Tony; therefore he decided to lessen his beef and chicken consumption each day. Better yet, he actually consumed more vegetables daily and even chewed on fresh parsley and peppermint leaves periodically. Tony was happy to learn that these plants help minimize odorous breath.

When it came to daily oral cleaning, the information that Tony gained from his research made him realized that all this while, his oral hygiene practices were very poor. He seldom flossed, never scrapes his tongue and used alcohol-based mouth washes exclusively.

So Tony made a few changes to his oral hygiene habits. He did such a good job that after a week, he noticed a positive difference in his breath! This is because he scraped his tongue daily and flossed before brushing resulting in his special "bad breath paste" fully penetrating in between his gums and teeth to reduce oral bacteria.

Speaking of paste, Tony's dissatisfaction with commercial oral care products that only masked his odorous breath briefly, led him to use a home made one comprising of natural materials. Tony was extremely happy with the results and he thanked the late Michael Jackson for providing him the strength and determination to find the appropriate methods on how to beat bad breath.

You too can beat bad breath just like Tony! Discover the exact system Tony used to help him get rid of his bad breath. Go to http://www.badbreathsolutionsystem.com right now so you can get relief quickly.

Ref: Sean Agas

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sean_Agas

Curing Bad Breath During a High Protein Diet

2009-08-12T02:12:00.000-07:00

The average person goes through a considerable amount of protein every day, but not enough to generate high levels of bacterial contents in your gastrointestinal tract and produce bad breath. Yet for people who have high protein intake, the possibility of having an unwanted odor when they speak is very high. This is brought about by the inability of the gastric juices in your stomach to process the excessive amounts of protein right away; this brings about bacterial culture and creates an embarrassing situation of stinky meat like breath. When the food intake creates an imbalance the body's normal parameters become skewed which contribute to potential health factors such as the buildup of bacteria.

The blood accumulates a chemical known as a ketone, once a person ingests large amounts of protein. This is the primary cause of bad breath during high intakes of protein. The body produces ketone as a byproduct of breaking down fate where carbohydrates are not present. Ketones are then expelled through perspiration, exhalation and in urine.

The best way to combat bad breath due to a high protein diet is to add some form of carbohydrate in your daily intake of food. Most people think that high amounts of protein is obtained from meat alone, this is a myth. Several vegetables give good amounts of protein and have a good mix of carbohydrates as well. This is a better option to take for building a high protein diet as you run the risk of bad breath to a minimum. This will provision for stored fat to be broken down completely and minimize the accumulation of ketone in the blood. Another important method to avoid bad breath during a high protein diet is to help your body facilitate excretion. Sweating it out and drinking a lot of fluids will considerably lower your ketone levels by diluting your ketone presence in the mouth pores and urine.

Ref: Jeff Ray

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeff_M_Ray

Foods to Prevent Bad Breath

2009-08-12T02:01:00.000-07:00

Bad breath is typically brought about by two things, poor oral hygiene and your overall gastrointestinal condition. This means that this kind of odors come from other places aside from your mouth such as your throat and digestive tract. The reason for this is one common factor though, the buildup of bacteria. Medical practitioners will tell you that if you have bad breath the first thing you need to check is your eating patterns and if you are brushing and flossing after every meal.

Maintaining a balance diet of proteins and carbohydrates with the right amount of fruits and vegetables and a good amount of fluid intake will make sure that your gastrointestinal tract stays healthy. There are specific food choices that you can eat to help your fight against bad bacteria, and avoid bad breath ultimately.

Herbs such as tarragon, rosemary cardamom are easily available in your local supermarket and are known to be one of the best bad breath fighting herbs in town. Studies have shown that chewing on fresh herbs will promote oral health and are good for your digestive system as well.

Live culture products such as yogurt and lactobacillus preparations are not just good for your GI flora but for your breath as well. These good bacteria rich foods reduce the production of hydrogen sulfide in the mouth which is a causative agent for bad breath. This also cuts back on harmful bacteria which can cause other problems such as plaque buildup and gingivitis. Yogurt contributes to your vitamin D intake significantly and helps you gain strong teeth.

Fiber rich fruits and vegetables are very helpful in fighting bad breath. Eating foods that increase your saliva production keep the mouth moist and rinse out bacteria from your oral cavity. Fiber is a good measure to strengthen your teeth's constitution at the same time act as a mechanism to sweep bad bacteria away from your gums and cheek.

By: Jeff M Ray

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeff_M_Ray

How You Can Stop Bad Breath

2009-07-19T08:08:00.000-07:00

Bad Breath is a very unpleasant cause of embarrassment. Medically known as Halitosis it is a very common problem seen in many people. Most of the people with bad breath are unaware of this problem and they tend to be told by their friends/family members or acquaintances.

Causes:

There are many causes of bad breath like hunger, gum diseases, food particles trapped in mouth and hormonal changes. Some foods like garlic and onions contribute to bad breath. The food you take once is absorbed by the bloodstream, gets transferred to the lungs from which it is expelled when you exhale. This bad odour will stay until the food is eliminated from your body and even brushing and flossing will not help much. You should watch what you eat and when you eat.

Sometimes not eating for a long time can also cause bad breath. Dieters may develop unpleasant breath from infrequent eating. Develop the habit of brushing and flossing after every meal as the food particles remain in the mouth collecting bacteria, which can cause bad breath. These particles rot in the mouth leaving an unpleasant odour.

Dry mouth can also cause bad breath. Saliva is very necessary to cleanse your mouth and remove particles that may cause odour. See a dentist immediately if you suffer from dry mouth and increase your fluid intake. Smoking also causes dry mouth and thus bad breath. So if you use tobacco, ask your dentist for tips on kicking the habit.

Tips for Oral hygiene:

Oral hygiene if maintained properly, risks of bad breath are lowered considerably. Some tips get rid of bad breath are:

Maintain a good oral hygiene: It is very essential to reduce bad breath. Go for regular dental check ups and cleaning. Avoid eating food that causes bad odour.keep a check of what you eat and when. Even some medications may play a role in creating mouth odors so you always rinse and gargle after taking such medicines. Let your dentist know if you have had any surgery or illness since your last appointment.

Brush and floss properly: Make it a habit to brush twice daily and never forget to brush before going to bed. Use fluoride toothpaste to remove food debris and plaque. Use dental floss to get rid of any food particles sticking between your teeth or gums.

Tongue cleaning: Use a tongue cleaner always to remove food particles from the cervices on the tongue.

Fluid intake: Increase your fluid intake to get rid of dryness of mouth. Drink at least 10 glasses of water everyday.

Dental checkup: Never miss your appointment with the dentist. Go for regular check up as it is very essential to keep oral diseases away.

Ref: Jeffrey Meier
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com

A Natural Cure For Bad Breath - Natural Ways to Banish Halitosis and Have Fresh Smelling Breath

2009-07-19T08:03:00.000-07:00

Having someone tell you that you have an awful breath can extremely hurt your self-esteem. But you know what, the challenge couldn't get any better than that. If you notice people shying away from you and avoiding you like plague, ask someone whom you can trust if it has something to do about your breath. If that person says yes, then go and start a mouth cleaning habit that could turn the tides and make them want to kiss you.

* Take time to brush your teeth at least three times a day. When it comes to mouth hygiene, nothing beats the same old brushing of the teeth. It is a natural cure for bad breath that is often taken for granted. If you've got an awfully busy day ahead, then at least take time to rinse your mouth with clean water.

* Play close attention to your tongue. Food residues remain in the tongue like they do in between your teeth. Run the toothbrush several times on top and below the tongue as well as the sides. A cute, clean tongue would increase the possibility of you having some tongue wagging session with your girlfriend later on.

* Always keep some mint-flavored gum handy. They are not a natural cure for bad breath but they temporarily keep it at bay. Chew a gum every hour to make sure your breath is topnotch all day long. It is especially helpful if you have a scheduled meeting with your boss, or a client, or a date.

Ref: Casey Gentles
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com

10 Main Causes Of Bad Breath

2009-07-19T07:58:00.000-07:00

Bad breath is a health problem which greately affects the daytoday activities Somany people. Offenssive the smell of the mouth is unpleasent to those who come in close contact with poor ventilation. The problem has been doubled by psychological trauma of depression. People who suffer from this problem will be isolated from society. This may even lead to marital discord.

Literally speaking all humans are badbreathres. Oral cavity contains millions of anaerobic bacteria such as Actinomyces and Fusobacterium, which acts on the proteins of food and materials putrifies them. This process leads to the formation of offenssive gases such as hydrogen sulfide, methyl mescaptan, cadaverine, skatol, etc. putrescine cause odor. If oral hygiene is not maintained properly all the victims of bad breath. Most of us control this by regular brushing, tongue cleaning and gargling. Even after cleaning the mouth some individuals suffer from offenssive smell due to various causes to be diagnosed and treated properly.

Some of the causes of bad breath.

1) Poor oral hygiene:

If oral hygiene is not maintained properly the mouth becomes the seat of millions of bacteria that produce gas offenssive degrading junk food. Bad breath is severe in those who do not brush their teeth regularly and clean the mouth after every meal. Between meal snacks sockets can also produce bad breath because of improper cleaning. Badbreath is common in almost all people in the morning. During sleep there is less saliva production. Saliva has antibacterial properties that help keep the mouth clean. Saliva conainer molecules of oxygen that is required to make oral cavity aerobic. Therefore, reducing the amount of sleep is a condition favorable for anaerobic bacteria.

2) dietary habits:

The main cause of bad smell is due to the degradation of proteins by bacteria and hence all food products rich in protein promotes bad breath. Meat, fish, dairy products, eggs, cakes, nuts, pear, etc. can cause bad breath. Some foods May produce a certain kind of smell that can be unpleasent. Raw onion can produce a characteristic smell. It is said that an apple a day keeps the doctor away, a raw onion a days takes away from everyone. Eating peanuts can also produce bad odors. However, if the cleaning is done a good smell can be reduced, whatever the nature of food. Irregularity at the time of food can also cause bad breath. Small food taken between meals can also produce bad odors.

3) biofilm:

There is formation of a thin sticky coating called biofilm on the tongue and oral mucosa. This layer is thick, the posterior surface of the tongue, where millions of gram negative bacteriae. The thickness of coating on the tongue is always associated with badbreath. Even a thin biofilm can make anaerobic conditions for bacterial growth.

4) Dental caries:

It is a destructive process that causes destruction of the decalcification of the enamel and dentin of the tooth causing cavitisation. These products are manufactured mainly by the lactobacilli. The food particles are deposited in these cavities and putrified by anaerobic bacteria producing bad smell. Normal brushing will not remove the remains of food that is easily putrified completely. Caries are common in schools, children and those who do maintain oral hygiene. Lack of calcium and vitamin can also predispose caries.

5) Gingivitis:

Gum is a mucous membrane with supporting connective tissue covering the tooth with the borders of the mandible. The main function is the protection of rubber. Gingivitis is the inflammation of the gums. Due to various causes of infection of gum tissue resulting in swelling, pain and discharge. If the condition worsens the spread of infection in the area of continuous discharge Peridontal called pyorrhea. Sometimes, the infection produces a profound 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 retraction of the gums of the teeth a gap is developed which will lodge food particles and cause bad breath.

7) deposits of plaque and tartar, plaque and tartar is deposited mainly in the spaces between the teeth and gums. This will provide shelter for the food debris and bacteria that cause bad breath.

8) and ulcerative lesions of coatings:

Almost all ulcerative lesions of the mouth are associated with bad breath. These injuries can be caused by bacteria, viruses, food allergies or due to autoimmune disorders. Apthous ulcer is more common in ulcerative lesions. Others are herpes, fungal infections, Vincent angina, infectious mononucleosis, scarlet fever, diphtheria, drugs, etc.. Cancerous ulcers produce severe bad breath. All fungal infections produce white coating (candidiasis). Leucoplakia is a thick white patch on the lining of the mouth and tongue. Is considered a precancerous condition. Offenssive breath is associated with these conditions.

9) Diseases of salivary glands:

Saliva is very useful for providing oxygen to all parts of the oral cavity. Even a thin layer called biofilm can provide an anaerobic condition in the mouth. Saliva can wet these layers and a condition that is unfavorable for aerobic bacteria. Any condition that reduces the production of saliva can increase bacterial activity. Sometimes salivary duct is obstructed by stones or tumors.Cancer the salivary gland is associated with offenssive smell. In suppurative parotitis purulant dischrge in the mouth causes bad breath.

10) Tonsillitis:

A pair of tonsils are lymphoid tissue located in the side wall of the oropharynx. Inflammation of the tonsils is called tonsillitis. Bad breath is seen in both acute and chronic tonsillitis. Angina or peritonsillar abscess can also cause bad breath.

Ref: Ali Khan

Easy Bad Breath Treatments

2009-07-19T07:52:00.000-07:00

If you are suffering from bad breath, it can be really hard to deal with social situations that require you to be in a crowded room, or even stand close to another person. Luckily, you can use some really easy breath treatments in order to help minimize the foul-smelling breath. Below are some of the easiest and fastest treatments that you can use.

Chewing gum is a wonderful way to get rid of foul smell. Make sure that the gum is sugar free, and that it's really minty. Nothing cures this problem quite like some powerfully minty and fresh gum. Chew a piece before you go and talk up close with someone, or even while you are in a room with other people and you will find that nobody is giving you disgusted looks because of your bad breath.

Mints are another wonderfully easy cure for this problem, and are used similar to gum except you suck on them instead of chewing them. Use a mint any time you are going to have to be close up with someone, enough so that they will smell your breath when you talk.

Brushing your teeth is one of the most important things you can do if you really want to cure foul-smelling breath. Make sure you always brush your teeth thoroughly, and don't forget to floss and use mouth wash as well. This is going to help kill a lot of the bacteria in your mouth which causes bad breath.

When you are able to find bad breath treatments that work well for you, and keep your breath smelling fresh, nothing is better. Use one of the methods above, and you will certainly be able to say goodbye to your bad breath, and the embarrassment that goes along with it.

Reference: Jeff Ray
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com

Curry Leaves for Bad Breath

2009-07-19T07:47:00.000-07:00

Natural remedies for common ailments are more and more popular-one that many people haven't heard of is the use of curry leaves for bad breath. The people of India grow the curry tree, Murraya koenigii, because the leaves are used to flavor traditional dishes; however, they have also known for many years that putting a few of the fresh leaves in the mouth and holding them there for several minutes can have a remarkably positive effect on the breath.

Murraya koenigii health benefits don't stop there. Apparently scientists are studying the extract of the leaves as a natural medicine against high cholesterol and high blood sugar, suggesting that it may have great potential in Western countries where many people suffer from high cholesterol and type 2 diabetes. The extract contains healthy antioxidants as well, and root bark of the plant is used in some conditions as a pain reliever. It seems that curry leaves for bad breath is only the beginning.

Curry leaves are considered a green vegetable in India. It's known that they contain vitamins and minerals, which explain some Murraya koenigii health benefits. They also contain essential oils, zinc, and chlorophyll, all of which have been used in commercial remedies for oral malodor. It's very likely that, like many plants, this one produces some antibacterial compounds and using curry leaves for bad breath may result in a reduction of oral odor-producing bacteria.

Of course, even natural remedies with a long history of use must eventually be properly studied to determine their usefulness, potential toxicity, and how they work. Scientific study has not yet illuminated the secrets behind Murraya koenigii health benefits; however, we can be fairly sure the substance is not toxic because of its long and widespread use as an edible culinary plant. Fresh curry leaves for bad breath will be difficult to obtain in regions where the tree is not grown, however, dried leaves are available in many Asian shops and even these may have some beneficial properties. Further investigation will reveal whether this plant has a future in the arsenal of weapons against oral malodor.

Reference: R. Drysdale

Do Tonsil Stones Cause Bad Breath?

2009-07-08T08:18:00.000-07:00

Yes tonsil stones cause bad breath. In fact, such stones which are also referred to as tonsilloliths medically, are the main cause of bad breath or halitosis. Bad breath to put it mildly, is repulsive. The problem is that most people are not aware of the real cause of their bad breath. Bad breath is usually attributed to poor oral hygiene, eating the wrong types of food,sluggish digestion, mouth ulcers and other stomach disorders. Being unaware of the real or root cause,many who suffer from bad breath are unable to cure it. The solution is in tonsil stones treatment.

To make matters even worse, many people who have these stones do not even know that they have it! They get a sensation that there is something stuck at the back of their throat and think nothing more of it. In a way they are right. There is something at the back of their throat but it cannot be easily dislodged. This is because what appears to be "stuck" are actually small but stubborn clusters of calcareous matter which form at the rear of the mouth. Most people know it as tonsils.

What do these stones look like? They appear as yellowish-white globs, throat blobs and throat ulcers. They are so foul smelling that the term "your breath stinks" could not be more fitting when used to describe the bad breath of someone who has it. Shocking reality which may help a person with bad breath seek a remedy which is in tonsil stones treatment.

What are the options available for tonsil stones treatment? There are several. Essentially, treatment can be broadly categorized as self-treatment including the use of natural methods or substances and the other is surgical or longer term laser treatment. This again depends on the size of the calcified matter. Self tonsil stones treatment includes warm water and salt gargles, brushing to remove surfaced stones and extra care over oral hygiene. Regular cleaning of the tongue with a tongue cleaner, increased intake of water and chewing sugar free gum are additionally helpful.

The other option for tonsil stones treatment which is surgical,needs very careful consideration. All surgical procedures carry a risk. Do you want to take it? What about the removal of an organ? Is it good or bad? Are the tonsils there for a reason? The debate on this subject is ongoing. However,why would you want to take this unnecessary risk when there is a simpler, safer, all natural,affordable and effective tonsil stones treatment that is readily available?

Reference: Azhar Victor
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com

Bad Breath Is Often Caused By Dental Problems

2009-07-06T08:50:00.000-07:00

What Is Periodontology?

2009-06-29T06:45:00.000-07:00

What Is Periodontology?

Periodontology is an entire branch of dentistry dedicated to studying the gums and bone surrounding the teeth, researching new techniques for treating periodontal diseases, saving teeth, and replacing lost teeth with dental implants.

What is Periodontal Disease?
The term "periodontal" stems from two Greek words: "perio" meaning "around" and "dontal" meaning "tooth." Thus, periodontal disease is a progressive, usually painless disease of the gums caused by bacterial infections which attack the gums, bone and ligaments around the teeth. It can occur at any age, but occurs in greatest number after age 35. Currently, it is responsible for 70% of adult tooth loss. Most individuals are unaware of the presence of periodontal disease until they recognize one ore more of the following warning signs.

Warning Signs of Periodontal Disease
bleeding gums (when brushing or flossing)
bad breath
red, swollen or tender gums
loose teeth
pus that appears between the teeth and gums when the gums are pressed
change in bite
change in fit of dentures
receding gum line which has pulled away from the teeth

Causes of Periodontal Disease
The primary cause of gum disease is the buildup of bacterial plaque which hardens into a rough deposit called calculus (tartar) if it is not periodically removed. Toxins are produced by the bacteria in the plaque, and over time, these irritate the gums, making them red, swollen, sore and more prone to bleeding. While these are early symptoms of periodontal disease, as it progresses, more damage is done to supporting tissues around the teeth. As the gum is weakened, it begins to pull away from the teeth, and pockets are often formed which provide more space for plaque to fill. Ultimately, the disease can infect the bone if it is not brought under control and treated, resulting in loosening of the teeth and eventual tooth loss.

Types of Periodontal Disease

Gingivitis and Periodontitis
The two most common types of periodontal disease are gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis occurs earliest, affecting only the gum tissue. It is the mildest form and is still reversible. Periodontitis, on the other hand, is more advanced, affecting the gums, bone and other supporting structures around the teeth in many cases. Teeth become loose and eventually will fall out or necessitate removal. This stage requires more complex intervention and often surgical procedures.

Different Treatment Methods Exist
Depending on the type and extent of periodontal disease that a patient presents with, different treatment methods can be applied.

To begin with, the periodontist will conduct a thorough examination of the patient's gums, teeth and mouth. Key elements that the periodontist will look for include color and firmness of the gums, checking if teeth are loose and the extent of gum tissue loss which has occurred. The teeth are usually cleaned thoroughly, involving the removal of tartar deposits and plaque which often buildup and attack beneath the gumline. Frequently at this time, tooth roots are planed in order to provide a smooth root surface so that gum tissue may subsequently heal and allow successful reattachment to the tooth. In other cases, the patient's bite (occlusion) may require some adjustment.

Since periodontal diseases are caused by bacterial infections which attack the gums, bone and ligaments, antibiotics or antimicrobial irrigation with mouth rinses and other chemical agents may be indicated to control and prevent further growth and spread of bacteria.

More advanced stages of periodontal disease may necessitate surgical intervention. Here, the goals are to remove the calculus (tartar) from any deep pockets around the teeth, reduce the pockets, smooth any root surfaces and reshape gum tissue so it will be easier to keep clean. Each individual case will be different. However, several common treatment procedures include:

Scaling and Root planning - Scaling involves the removal of the calculus (tartar) deposits around the teeth. Root planning involves smoothing the surfaces of the roots so that gum tissue can successfully reattach to the tooth.
Curettage - Curettage is the removal of infected soft tissue lining the pocket.
Gingivectomy - Gingivectomy is the surgical removal of the actual pockets which have become infected.

Flap Surgery - Flap Surgery involves the creation of a gum flap which allows access to the tooth root in order to remove the calculus, plaque and infected soft tissue. The gum is then surgically secured back in place.
Bone Grafting - In advanced stages of periodontitis, infection can progress all the way to the bone and surrounding fibers. However, there is hope in many cases for partial regeneration through the surgical insertion of a bone graft (either the patient's bone or artificial bone) which enables new tissue to grow.
Gingival Grafting - In cases where gum tissue has been extensively lost around the tooth root, a gingival graft which is taken from healthy tissue in the mouth may be utilized.

Non-Surgical Treatment
Treatment methods depend upon the type of disease and how far the condition has progressed. In some instances, non-surgical periodontal treatment may be the initial step. If successful after re-evaluation by a periodontist, this form of treatment may be an end point to periodontal therapy. A thorough cleaning which may include scaling will remove calculus deposits beneath the gumline. To aid in the healing process, tooth roots may be planed. planning smooths the root surface so the gum tissue may heal next to the tooth. In some cases, the occlusion (bite) also may require adjustment. When deep pockets between teeth and gums (4 to 6 mm or greater) are present, it is difficult for dentists to thoroughly remove plaque and tartar. Patients can seldom, if ever, keep these pockets clean and free of plaque. Consequently, surgery may ultimately be needed to restore periodontal health.

Risk Factors for Periodontal Disease
Several factors may put an individual at increased risk for developing or increasing the rate of progression of periodontal disease. The following risk factors should be discussed with the periodontist in order to determine a means of achieving the best oral health and hygiene.

Smoking and chewing tobacco
Poor diet, especially one high in sugar
Poorly fitting dentures or bridges, misaligned teeth, defective fillings
Grinding or clenching the teeth
Pregnancy or use of oral contraceptives
Medications: steroids, cancer therapy drugs, some calcium channel blockers, some anti-epilepsy
Drugs (consult your dentist/periodontist)
Systemic diseases such as HIV or diabetes
Can Periodontal Disease Be Prevented?

The good news to this question is that there are steps that can be taken to prevent periodontal disease! While more than half of adults over 35 have the early stages of periodontal disease, and while 3 out of 4 of these adults eventually are affected, the numbers do not have to be so high. Even if caught in the early stages, the possibility for gum disease reversal is good. For healthy gums and a healthy smile, keep in mind the following preventative steps:

Thoroughly brush and floss your teeth daily.
Avoid high sugar products and processed "junk food" and eat a balanced diet.
Note early signs of gum disease including red, puffy or bleeding gums.
Schedule regular checkups with your dentist twice a year for a cleaning and oral examination.

Source: www.capitolperiodontal.net/periodontology.html

Control Morning Breath

2009-06-23T05:09:00.000-07:00

Traditional ways to control morning breath involve oral hygiene routines and the use of commercial products upon waking. You open your eyes, yawn, swallow, and run your tongue around the inside of your mouth. Then you head for the bathroom to brush, rinse, and gargle. All this is indeed helpful: you get the saliva running again, physically remove odor producing bacteria that have multiplied overnight, and inhibit the remainder with antibacterial compounds in the products that you use.

New halitosis research, however, suggests that we can adopt daily routines that will have us waking up with less of a problem. Some products are more effective than others as preventative measures and some approaches appear to control morning breath before it happens. Researchers in South America have studied the effects of mouthwash containing chlorine dioxide, and the effects of using a toothpaste with added flavor, to see if these products reduce the amount of volatile sulfur compounds present in the mouth after sleep.

Chlorine dioxide is believed to both break down volatile sulfur compounds by reacting with them chemically, and kill the bacteria that produce these compounds through oxidation. New halitosis research has supported the claims about sulfur compounds, and a number of studies are now looking at the antibacterial activity, as well as comparing the effectiveness of chlorine dioxide to control morning breath against that of other products. The Brazilian study found that mouthwash containing chlorine dioxide (used three times daily) is more effective than mouthwash without it.

The idea of added flavor in toothpaste being used to control morning breath relies on the belief that oral malodor after sleep results from a decrease in saliva production. Less saliva allows odor producing bacteria to proliferate through the night. Because enjoyable flavors induce salivation, adding flavors to a dental hygiene routine should keep saliva flowing at an increased rate and therefore cut down the numbers of bacteria being produced in the mouth.

New halitosis research coming out of Brazil indicates that the use of flavored toothpaste (three times a day) resulted in lower levels of volatile sulfur compounds compared with non-flavored products.

Reference: R. Drysdale

Bad Breath In Children

2009-06-18T07:30:00.000-07:00

There are specific reasons that there may be problem of bad breath in children. There are several factors which may influence the production of bad breath, and some of these are particularly likely to be found in children.

Depending on their age, children can have a habit of putting things up their noses, which may become lodged and lead to bad breath. It's not unusual for children to poke small objects into their mouths and noses. If there is a suspicion of this, it is probably best to allow a doctor to probe and remove the foreign object. There may be an indicator of this activity if there is a discharge from the nose. It's also been reported that small swallowed objects can become lodged in the passages and cause bad breath.

The habit of oral hygiene needs to be instilled in children while they are growing up. It's fairly well established that children are not necessarily fastidious in keeping their teeth and mouths clean, and the presence of old food may provide a good breeding ground for the bacteria that cause decomposition and smelly breath. Children should always be encouraged and taught to maintain the highest standards of oral hygiene, as this is a habit that they will carry with them through their lives.

When considering a case of chronic bad breath in children, the usual factors that create the problem in adults should not be ignored. These would include dry mouth, which creates an environment conducive to the bacteria flourishing. While it should be expected that children would not be so prone to bad breath from chewing tobacco, or from drinking alcohol, they are more prone to diseases that affect the saliva glands, and to getting respiratory or throat and mouth infections. These in themselves may cause direct odor, and they will also aggravate the problem by causing mouth breathing and drying out.

Post nasal drip is a particular problem found in young children which can cause bad breath. The bacteria causing the smelly breath tend to be at home on the back of the tongue, and this is exactly where the nasal drip concentrates. The nasal drip itself is a chemical compound that is reported from research to act as a fuel to the bacteria. It contains protein made up of amino acids that are broken down to hydrogen sulfide and other smells.

If it appears that your child has a persistent bad breath problem, it would be wise to consult your physician for assistance in diagnosing and curing the issue.

Reference: Peter Stewart

Source: http://www.isnare.com

Looking For a Bad Breath Remedy?

2009-06-15T09:04:00.000-07:00

There are millions of people who suffer from terrible breath every day. It is often a battle between your breath and hundreds of dollars of gum, mouthwashes, toothbrushes, and various mints. The worst part is that for many people, there is no sign of the bad breath ending. Finding a bad breath remedy is often as easy as cleansing your tongue on a regular basis. Most people only focus on their teeth while they are going through their regular oral hygiene routine. The tongue is often very neglected.

The truth is, our tongues are very porous so they hold on to a lot of bacteria that cause bad breath. By using a tongue scraper, you can get a lot of that bacteria off, leaving your tongue clean so that you can eliminate terrible breath totally. Unfortunately, you have to scrape from the very back of your tongue, which is where your gag reflex is located. At first, you may gag a few times as you are scraping but eventually you will get over it.

If you wear dentures, then disinfecting them overnight on a regular basis is highly important, and can often take away your terrible breath completely. Chewing gum is also very effective when you are trying to get rid of bad breath. It helps to replenish the moisture in your mouth. A dry mouth is a breeding ground for bacteria which makes your mouth much worse off, and your breath will show for it.

A great bad breath remedy is not difficult to find. You just have to look, and keep your mouth and body in good health. You will notice a big difference in how your breath smells. It is a terrible thing to deal with whether you are the one with the problem, or the one who has to smell it.

About the Author: Jeff Ray runs the informational website Bad--Breath.Net as an online resource for those who need a bad breath remedy. You can get rid of bad breath -- check out the site to learn more about a certain bad breath remedy now!

Reference: Jeff Ray
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com

Bad Breath and How To Deal With It

2009-06-12T04:35:00.000-07:00

Bad breath, do you even know if you suffer from it? If you do not look after your teeth and gums then you probably do. The only trouble is other people may realise before you do.

The medical term for bad breath is Halitosis, and everybody at some time or another has or will suffer from it, whether it be as mentioned, because of poor dental hygiene or have eaten a particular foodstuff such as onions and garlic. Generally a bad breath problem relating to these types of foods, if you have a good regular teeth care routine, will clear up without a need for treatment due to your body breaking it down and removing it naturally.

If you do neglect your teeth and gums, bacteria will build up inside your mouth, left untreated then it is likely you will have bad breath and therefore you will need to do something about it. Having a dry mouth either through exercise, lack of fluid, stress can also contribute to having bad breath.

There are many products on the market which say they help eliminate a bad breath problem, such as mouthwashes, sprays, chewing gums and mint sweets. These merely mask the odour, not cure it. First of all visit your dentist to get his opinion, after all he is the professional and will tell you what is best for your teeth and gums. When he checks your mouth he will be able to tell you if the odour is because of your dental health or another factor has contributed to it. If it is a dental issue he/she can either treat it or advise you of another method. If not dental related they could refer you to your GP. Bad breath can signal other health issues, so it does need to be taken seriously.

But at the end of the day looking after your teeth is the key, to eliminate the threat of bad breath, brush your teeth after eating foods such as meat, spicy foods, fish, cheese, garlic and onions. In general you should brush your teeth twice a day, floss regularly and use a good mouthwash. Of course no one intentionally wants to have bad breath, if you do it can affect your self confidence and can be very embarrassing. But it should not be, look after your teeth and gums.

For more advice and information on how to look after your teeth and gums visit

Reference: Samuel James

9 Useful Home Remedies for Bad Breath

2009-06-09T01:00:00.000-07:00

This article is dedicated to the best Home Remedies for Bad Breath. First of all let me tell you what is Bad Breath?

Bad breath is the general name for the medical condition known as halitosis (means ha-luh-toe-sus). Bad breath often happens after eating strongly flavoured foods, such as onions and garlic. Bad breath that’s of oral cavity source can be traced to a sulfur compound produced by bacteria.

Bad breath sufferers should feel confident to seek treatment because of the high achievement rate in managing the problem. It is obvious from this that there is no one easy bad breath cure, but, entertainingly, bad breath remedies used by our grandparents are still very popular and often work fairly well, usually by reducing the amount of bacteria in the mouth.

Bad breath can cause obscurity in both your private and professional lives. Bad breath can be very uncomfortable, but it is a general condition that affects millions of people. Bad breath can usually be eradicated with good dental hygiene. Bad breath is common and occasionally occurs in even the youngest children.

Bad breath causes

Bad breath can be linked with food, poor dental hygiene, tobacco use and certain medical situations. Bad breath can have systemic or oral basis. Poor oral hygiene leads to bad breath because when you leave food particles in you mouth, these pieces of food can rot and begin to smell. Sometimes sinus troubles, and seldom liver or kidney problems, can cause bad breath. Smoking is also a main cause of bad breath. Mouthwash only gets rid of bad breath momentarily.

A person's mouth can be a home for hundreds of dissimilar varieties of bacteria. And on going in our mouths at all times is a steady battle for living space between the types of bacteria which do generate misuse products that cause bad breath and those that don't. And it is the precise balance between the relative numbers of these kinds of bacteria that will finally determine the quality of a person's breath.

Here is a list of some best Home Remedies for Bad Breath

Home Remedies for Bad Breath

1) Successful Home Remedy for Bad Breath is avocado, which is far superior to any mouth lotion or remedies for this state. It efficiently removes intestinal putrefaction which is one of the most significant causes of bad breath.

2) Unripe guava is helpful in halitosis. It is a good source of tannic, malic, oxalic, and phosphoric acids as well as calcium, oxalate, and manganese. Chewing it is a great tonic for the teeth and gums. It assists cure bleeding from gums and stops bad breath. Chewing tender leaves of guava tree also end bleeding from gums and bad breath.

3) Parsley is a precious Home Remedy for Bad Breath. Two cups of water should be boiled and a number of sprigs of parsley coarsely cut should be steeped in this water along with two or three whole cloves or a quarter teaspoon of ground cloves. This mixture should be stirred infrequently while cooling. It should then be strained and used as a mouthwash or gargle numerous times a day.

4) Chew a mint or some gum for bad bad breath cure. Like mouthwash, a breath mint or mint gum is just a cover-up, good for a short talk, a short ride in a compact car, or a very short date.

5) Spice is good. Many herbs and spices you keep in your kitchen are natural breath enhancers. Hold a tiny plastic bag of cloves, fennel, or anise seeds to chew after odorous meals.

6) Chew up peppermint or carnation for superior breath smell.

7) Consume one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar before each meal.

8) To lose the bad breath consume pumpkin every day

9) Effective Home Remedy for Bad Breath is to dissolve baking soda in water and wash the tongue with this.

Reference: Dr. John Anne
http://www.natural-homeremedies.org

CONTROLLING BODY ODOUR.

2009-06-09T00:49:00.000-07:00

Body odour (B.O.) is unpleasant smell from the body. It is irritating and repulsive and it can make people spiteful towards the bearer. It is caused by excretions and bacterial action on secreted body fluids and it is especially a problem in tropical areas where bacterial action can be rapid. Refinement is not a privilege of rich and educated people. It does require some effort but it is not necessarily expensive. Everybody – from cleaner and market woman to university professor and business magnate, young and old, illiterate and educated, rich and poor – can enjoy personal refinement without much cost.

Refinement helps us to have good relationships with others. When we lack refinement, it can bring out the worst in people (though a virtuous person would show tolerance and kindness towards everyone in spite of people’s lack of refinement).

Within the family, starting from husband and wife, romance disappears, fun diminishes and tempers set in when partners cannot enjoy each other’s company and closeness. The family’s physical and mental health can be affected by lack of care in controlling odours. We need to take care of our bodies as well as our environments. The body areas of concern are the scalp (for black women), the mouth; the armpits, the genital areas, and the feet. These areas typically harbour moisture from sweat and small but mighty microbes that thrive in such moisture. The microbes include bacteria and fungi and we need to learn how to not give them a chance. Personal habits, cleanliness of our environment including the air, and using medical remedies are all important for controlling body odour.

Habits include regular “cures” such as manicure and pedicure, teeth flossing, hair dressing and daily grooming. Generally, prevention is better than cure. Dirt should be removed not covered up. Spraying perfume to cover smell is not hygienic. The effort should be to keep bacterial and fungal action under control. Washing oneself well and then enhancing freshness with perfume makes us pleasant. Too much perfume can distract or disturb others. In the tropics, bathing twice daily is common habit. Changing clothes, especially undergarments after each use instead of repeating them before washing is important.

Black women with permed hair sometimes insist on keeping a style till it wears out. This may be too many days during which sweat and bacterial and fungal action can accumulate odour. Women therefore need to have alternative ways of presenting their hair, styling, washing and packing, as well as effectively using head-ties, attachments, and wigs alternatively with hair styling. Thus they can maintain beauty without compromising hygiene.

Teeth may be brushed several times a day with freshening paste: early in the morning to regain freshness, after major meals to limit plaque build-up, and before going to bed to minimize bacterial action during sleep. The tongue accumulates layers of food debris and should be brushed also. The back of the tongue is a hideout for microbes and should be reached by the brush. Occasional gargling with 1:10 dilution of 3 per cent hydrogen peroxide (sold in pharmacies) also keeps the stubborn bacterial flora of this region low. Hydrogen peroxide is for external use and should not be swallowed. If accidentally swallowed drink excess water and see your doctor. The between-teeth areas are also bacterial havens and can be reached with tooth picks and dental floss regularly. Bacteria hide well in between the molar teeth which may receive less attention than the front teeth during brushing. Care should be taken to brush the molar teeth well. During the day, drinking small amounts of water every couple of hours helps to flow off bacteria which will pass into the stomach and be destroyed by stomach acid. Mouth odor that accumulated during silent work may thus be reduced. Talking every now and then rather than keeping the mouth shut for hours and singing occasionally helps to vent the lungs, throat, and mouth, clearing odour.

Bacteria love the warm and moist areas of the arm pits. Keeping the hair cleared or low is helpful. Washing with soap may not be adequate. These areas may need regular gentle scrubbing to remove dead skin and bacteria around the hair follicles. After bathing, if the armpits are rubbed with a few drops of 50-70 per cent alcohol (sold in pharmacies) or “spirit” they can remain fresh for most of the day, even with heavy sweating. Sweat alone is usually odourless. It is bacterial action that fouls it. Alcohol kills the bacteria and therefore your sweat stays odorless without enough bacteria to foul it.

Bacteria also love the warm and moist genital areas. These areas are too sensitive to alcohol. The feminine clefts should be accessed during bathing and washed with soap. Scrubbing of the female delicate skin can lead to damage. Scrubbing is helpful in removing dead skin and cleaving bacteria from the anal and scrotal regions. A little disinfectant in bathing water is helpful for antibacterial protection of the genital areas. For most parts of the body keeping bacteria low also keeps fungi off as fungi are often opportunists, capitalizing on areas where bacteria have invaded and lowered the body barriers.

Underwear should be changed as needed and in the tropics, cotton material (rather than synthetics) is useful for good body ventilation and for easily soaking up sweat and allowing it to be evaporated. Underwear should not be repeated before washing. These habits limit our vulnerability to genital disease-causing organisms that can be picked up in public facilities. Even the air in these places can be loaded with microbial pores. There is no real danger if we have hygienic habits because these microbes won’t have a chance to thrive on our bodies.

The feet need daily scrubbing. The nails need occasional pedicure to remove dirt, bacteria, and fungus under the nails and around the nails. Occasionally (once a month) the feet should be soaked in water with added disinfectant for 10-30 minutes. This soaking kills bacteria hiding in areas not reached by daily scrubbing. It also softens callous skin and this can be removed by gentle scrapping. If this is not done, the microbes react with sweat and dead skin and create a pungent odour. Shoes should be aired when taken off. The inside of shoes should be cleaned regularly with a damp soapy cloth and followed by disinfectant. Avoid transferring dirt and bacteria from the exterior to the interior of shoes when the shoes are cleaned. Different cleaning cloths should be used for the outside and the inside. Shoes can also be conditioned by placing them under the hot sun after cleaning. Avoid wearing closed shoes all the time in the tropics. Alternate covered shoes with ventilated footwear.

Finally, the home environment if not well cleaned and disinfected, can habour bacteria, fungi, and other micro beings which cover the surfaces we touch, and their spores which fill the air that we breathe.

These means for good health are accessible to all because they are easy and inexpensive. They are helpful for people with mild B.O. as well as those with strong B.O. caused by genetic or medical problems. Within the family, members can help each other’s manicure and pedicure, shaving, hair styling, washing etc. These health habits unite spouses and siblings and enhance affections and produce improved relationship relationships. The result is better physical and mental well being for all members of the family.

Theresa Adebola John (The Nation Saturday, May 30, 2009)
PhD, MHPE

Bad Breath is More Common Than We Think

2009-05-29T04:16:00.000-07:00

Bad breath is as frustrating to the person breathing as it is to the people experiencing it. But what causes it and why do some people seem to be prone to it than others? Even more would like to know how to totally eradicate it. These are important questions because many of those who suffer from bad breath state that it affects their overall confidence and standing in society especially when around other people.

Bad breath can be quite embarrassing. One of the reasons this is the case is because the people around will not tell you that you have bad breath yet they will in time totally avoid you. Thus people, who suffer from it, or what is medically called Halitosis, develop self-esteem issues since they lack friends.

Bad breath is caused by bacteria accumulating inside the mouth especially under the tongue. Without a total change in lifestyle, bad breath can plague someone for life and cause untold damage to their public image. Sometime people think that eradicating it a matter of simply brushing their teeth every day but they quickly learn that there are other remedies that can work better.

Halitosis as we mentioned is caused by a multiplication of microorganisms and/or yeast inside the mouth especially under the tongue. The odor stems from the fumes which are generated by their metabolisms. One thing we would like to point out is that someone who continuously suffers from bad breath should consult their dentist since there could be an infection present. But for most whose condition cannot be described as serious, there are easy remedies which if applied consistently can halt halitosis.

One of the best remedies is to use the good old brushing and mouthwash. These are cheap and easily available over the counter. Most mouthwashes today have a antibacterial qualities that kill the microbes which cause halitosis. Tooth brushes which have been recommended by a dentist can also control halitosis.

Another remedy is to drink lots of water. Sometimes the cause of bad breath is dehydration. It is recommended that if you suffer from bad breath you should try drinking at least 10 glasses of water a day and see whether you experience any difference.

You may also want to try a change of diet. Spicy diets have also been known to be major reasons for bad breath especially if one does not brush their teeth adequately after eating. Trying diets rich in veggies with lots of fluids can help combat halitosis.

Reference:Irene James

Learn How to Cure Bad Breath

2009-05-29T03:57:00.000-07:00

Bad breath can be tough to cure. However, there are simple techniques that you can use to learn how to cure bad breath at the source. Bacteria in the mouth is what causes bad breath, so getting rid of that bacteria is the first step to curing your bad breath.

Every time you eat, it is important to brush your teeth right after. Food is what causes a lot of the bacteria in your mouth, so before it grows or spreads it is important to get rid of it. This way, you don't give the bacteria a chance to stink up your breath.

Clean your mouth thoroughly. Start off by brushing your teeth for a full five minutes. Make sure that you get every single tooth front and back. Don't forget the molars at the very back of your teeth. Follow that up with flossing. Floss in between each and every tooth to make sure that you have them all cleaned out. You may also want to use a tongue scraper. If you have ever noticed a white film on your tongue, this is bacteria. Remove it with a tongue scraper so that you can prevent bacteria from forming. Finally, use mouth wash. Slosh it around your entire mouth for at least thirty seconds.

When you are done with this process, your mouth will be as clean as possible and with no bacteria to foul up your breath, your breath will smell great.

Finding out how to cure bad breath is quite simple. As long as you follow a strict regimen of good oral hygiene you will freshen your breath and help keep it that way. You will never have to worry about opening your mouth in a room full of people again.

Reference: Jeff Ray