Dealing With Bad Breath

Tuesday, October 11, 2005

A Cure For Bad Breath - Will You Seek Professional Help?

"Dealing With Bad Breath" Article

A Cure For Bad Breath - Will You Seek Professional Help?
By Whozylee Aris

Who seeks a cure for bad breath? About 30% of the population feels they never suffer from bad breath, except after eating a meal abundant in onions or garlic. Another 35% suffer from bad breath, but do not seek professional help when over-the-counter products fail. Only 35% of the population is so fed up with their bad breath problem that they seek professional help for a cure.

What? Professional help? Aren’t the only bad breath cures available on the shelves of the local grocery store? Mistakenly, that is what many people believe. When the “fresh breath” toothpastes and “bacteria fighting” mouthwashes fail many people give up and accept their bad breath as a way of life. This can affect a person’s self-esteem and quality of life. The problem is that halitosis creates embarrassment for those who suffer from it, making it a condition people hide from, not openly discuss. Many people who suffer from bad breath bury their heads under the sand, throw in the towel, and suffer.

The first step is not to feel ashamed or embarrassed about bad breath or halitosis and in doing so, you are opening up yourself to communicating about your situation and finding a cure. And you don’t have to spend the money in seeking professional help to find that cure. As more and more people are demanding a cure that works, companies are performing research to develop the products that deliver the cure.

How to Cure Bad Breath?

Since bad breath is caused by excessive oral bacteria, to cure bad breath you must use products that bring the bacteria back to levels that don’t cause bad breath. One way to start the process is to cut off the food source from these bacteria, eliminating factors that lead to bacterial growth, and promote a healthy oral environment. A good start is to lay off the high-protein diets, eliminate dry mouth, cease smoking, stop drinking alcohol and reduce your usage of oral products and foods with alcohol in them.

But most people swear by their high-protein diets, refuse to stop smoking, and enjoy drinking in moderation. Also, if you are diabetic, suffer from sinus problems or take medications that cause dry mouth or bad breath, these suggestions may be a mute point. Which brings us to the question, without making any changes, how can a person cure bad breath. This cannot be done with mouthwashes or mints. These give your mouth a strong taste, which then leads you to believe if your mouth tastes “medicated” or minty, then your breath must smell good. More importantly, technology and medical research on the causes of bad breath have made breath mints and minty mouth washes archaic forms of bad breath cures.

The problem goes back to embarrassment. Despite the new information and product development, people are too embarrassed about their bad breath to seek out new solutions, which is probably why you are reading this article online!

While searching for new products developed using the new research that bacteria causes bad breath, we came across Dr. Katz, who has helped more people in the nation cure their bad breath. A reliable source, we thought, who uses the following products on his patients who want to cure bad breath.

1. AktivOxigen tablets were created based on research performed by leading bacterial experts. By dissolving the ActivOxigen tablets into water you are creating a safe wash that you swallow at night to destroy bad breath on contact and eliminate morning breath.

2. Millions of people suffer from sinus problems, a cause of bad breath. Nasal-Sinus drops in conjunction with the ActivOxigen tablets can cure the bad breath.

3. Did you know that Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) has been proven to be linked to canker sores which also create bath breath? SLS is found in toothpaste and mouthwash as the ingredient that creates foaming. In our research we only came across one group of oral products that claims to fight bad breath and does not contain harmful SLS or Saccharin and that is TheraBreath.

There you have it, the cure for bad breath. You can make permanent changes in your diet and lifestyle for the better, and/or adopt the latest solutions in oral care that do not “cover up” but rather cure bad breath. Either way, remember there is no shame in your condition and do not be afraid to seek help.

Whozylee Aris has created a website on the topic of bad breath. Find the real causes and cures for bad breath by visiting http://www.bad-breath-resource.com. View this article online at http://www.bad-breath-resource.com/article-3-cure-bad-breath.html

Monday, October 10, 2005

Bad Breath Home Remedies That Work!

"Dealing With Bad Breath" Article

Bad Breath Home Remedies That Work!
By Whozylee Aris


Bad breath home remedies do exist! Everyone gets bad breath, but not everyone wants to use strong smelling chemicals or chemical pastes to fight bad breath. When I use a store bought mouth wash it stings during the process and afterwards I’m left with my mouth open, waiting for the pain to go away, all the while salivating all over the floor. Not a pretty sight. While searching for alternative methods I quickly learned there are many bad breath home remedies which have been used for thousands of years. Store bought washes are convenient, yes, but bad breath home remedies are less expensive, natural, and do work. And they’re easy to use or make. Who knew that some alternatives are as easy as opening your refrigerator, or examining your plate at a restaurant? The following list is just a few of the proven home remedies to fight bad breath I’ve discovered.

Top Seven Bad Breath Home Remedies

Bad breath home remedy #1: Herbs

Instead of toting around breath mints to fight bad breath after a meal, carry a tin or baggie of herbs such as mint (the real one), thyme, fennel, cinnamon, anise, or cloves. Chew any of these after meals to fight bad breath.

Bad Breath home remedy #2: Baking soda

You know baking soda as an ingredient in recipes, however it is also used in laundry and refrigerators to combat odor. Use it orally to fight bad breath. Simply add some to your toothbrush, add a little water, scrub and rinse.

Bad breath home remedy #3: Salt water

Rinse your mouth out with warm water and salt. This is also a remedy used to help get rid of a sore throat.

Bad breath home remedy #4: Lemon or lime water

Rinse your mouth out and gargle some lemon or lime juice mixed with warm water

Bad breath home remedy #5: Essential oils

Essential oils are plant extracts which means you’re getting a strong concentration of the plant’s benefits. Many essential oils have qualities that can fight bad breath. One home remedy is to add a few drops of tea tree oil to your toothpaste before brushing.

For mouth wash, add one drop of Myrrh oil to warm water.

Bad breath home remedy #6: parsley or mint

When parsley or mint is used as a garnish, there is a reason for that. It is also meant to be eaten to help fight bad breath from odorous meals. This bad breath home remedy has been used for thousands of years.

Bad breath home remedy #7: Apple cider vinegar

For such an odd smelling liquid, vinegar has many uses and can help cure quite a few ailments. Add a little bit of apple cider vinegar to your water and drink it at least once per day.

Three Common Products that Don’t Fight Bad Breath

So, what doesn’t work to fight bad breath? In 2002 The American Academy of Periodontology surveyed members about the least effective bad breath home remedies used by their patients. Below are the top three least effective methods.

Ineffective bad breath home remedies #1: Overusing mouthwash

This can actually make your bad breath worse by contributing to a dry mouth.

Ineffective bad breath home remedies #2: Breath mints

This method of fighting bad breath only masks the problem and can contribute to tooth decay which also creates bad breath.

Ineffective bad breath home remedies #3: Chewing gum

Chewing gum, like breath mints, is not good for fighting bad breath since it only hides the smell. A better alternative to gum is water as a method of avoiding dry mouth.

If you are looking for a way to fight bad breath that is inexpensive and inoffensive, give some of these bad breath home remedies a try. You have nothing to lose, but that bad breath.

Whozylee Aris has created a website on the topic of bad breath. Find the real causes and cures for bad breath by visiting http://www.bad-breath-resource.com. View this article online at http://www.bad-breath-resource.com/article-4-bad-breath-home-remedies.html

Wednesday, October 05, 2005

Bad Breath: Frequently Asked Questions

"Dealing With Bad Breath" Article

Bad Breath: Frequently Asked Questions
By Dion Kramer


Overview

Bad breath is an awful condition that can cause us to feel self conscious when talking with others. So serious is this condition that it can create social and psychological impediments which affect our relationships. Many sufferers of bad breath are unaware. Others rely on items such as mints and mouthwashes that only assist temporarily.

Thankfully bad breath can in some cases be improved with proper oral hygiene. It is recommended that you visit a dentist in the event that proper oral hygiene does not provide an adequate solution. A dentist can ascertain the cause of your bad breath and advise you on a course of action to end the bad breath. You should comforted by the high rate of success achieved by dentists in managing or eliminating bad breath.

Do I suffer from bad breath?

It is very difficult to tell on your own. Efforts to yield results by cupping your hands over your mouth and smelling your own breath will be ineffective. The most effective method used to determine whether you have bad breath is to ask someone as bad breath becomes apparent when we are talking.

What causes bad breath?

There are several causes of bad breath.

1. Food is the most well known cause of bad breath. Bad breath can be a result of foods containing particular oils such as onions and garlic. Other foods including some vegetables and spices can contribute to bad breath. Another source of bad breath arises when food left in your mouth that is caught between your teeth or stuck to your teeth begins to breakdown.

2. A lack of dental hygiene can be a reason for bad breath. Food particles left within your mouth will emit an odor in the event you do not brush and floss effectively. Plaque will form on your teeth and fill pockets between your teeth affecting your gums. The result will be gum disease and bad breath. It is imperative that proper dental hygiene is maintained.

3. A dry mouth can result in bad breath. This is because dead cells congregating on your tongue, gums and cheeks breakdown and emit an odor. Most people would be familiar with this occurrence as it is the reason for having bad breath when we awake in the morning. Dry mouth can be made worse as a result of smoking, issues with your salivary glands and various medications.

4. Smoking will adversely affect your breath. Smoking dries the mouth resulting in bad breath. Gum disease which causes bad breath is also more prevalent in smokers.

5. Dieting can also be a source of bad breath. The breakdown of body chemicals during dieting can result in bad breath. This bad breath is sometimes described as smelling ‘fruity’.

6. Bad breath can be associated with certain illnesses and conditions. These include diabetes, kidney failure, chronic lung infections and lung abscesses, and chronic reflux of stomach acids from your stomach. Hiatal hernia can also be a source of bad breath.

7. Sinus infections can also result in bad breath. This is because a nasal discharge from your sinuses into the back of your throat can cause bad breath. A throat infection such as tonsillitis, strep throat and mononucleosis can also be the reason for bad breath. Other culprits include some upper respiratory infections and bronchitis due to the coughing up of odorous sputum. Canker sores when in the company of gum disease can also be a source of bad breath.

What can be done about bad breath?

Maintaining good oral hygiene is a critical factor in preventing bad breath. You should brush twice a day using fluoride toothpaste. And clean between your teeth daily with dental floss ensuring to also brush your tongue. Refrain from wearing your dentures at night and clean them well before replacing them the following morning.

Visits to the dentist for a check-up will ensure any issues that cause bad breath may be detected and treated. It is also advisable to receive regular dental cleanings.

How do I find a dentist who treats bad breath?

Identifying the source of your bad breath can be done by a visit to the dentist. A treatment plan can then be developed to manage or eliminate your unpleasant breath.

How is bad breath treated?

Bad breath is generally caused by a problem within the mouth so it is very likely that a dentist can assist you with your problem. It is advisable not to disguise your bad breath when visiting a dentist. This way the dentist can assess the full extent of the problem.

Your dentist will first ascertain whether the source of your bad breath is within your mouth and then propose a treatment plan. You may be referred to a periodontist in the event that you are suffering from gum disease. It may be necessary to visit other health professionals if no oral cause can be identified by the dentist.

How can I help myself?

1. Brush your teeth after you eat. Keep a toothbrush at work to brush after eating.

2. Brush your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush and change your toothbrush every three to four months.

3. Brush your tongue. This will remove dead cells, bacteria and food debris. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush your tongue with at least 5 to 15 strokes.

4. Floss at least once a day. This will remove food particles and plaque from between your teeth.

5. Use a mouthwash recommended by your dentist or pharmacist before going to sleep.

6. Consume plenty of water to keep your mouth moist. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking on sugarless candy also stimulates saliva which washes away food particles and bacteria. Resist coffee, soft drinks or alcohol.

7. Clean your bridge or denture thoroughly at least once a day or as directed by your dentist.

8. Visit your dentist at least twice a year to have your teeth or dentures examined and cleaned.

Will mouthwash help with bad breath?

Mouthwashes are only a temporary measure in the fight against bad breath. The alcohol contained in mouthwash dries your mouth which will leads to bad breath. The ideal time to use mouthwash is when going to sleep as the bacteria in your mouth that causes bad breath will be eliminated while you sleep. Your dentist or pharmacist should be able to recommend a suitable mouthwash.

Will sugarless gum help with bad breath?

Bad breath can be assisted by chewing sugarless gum as it encourages saliva flow. Sulfur particles that cause bad breath are dissolved by saliva. Saliva also cleanses the teeth of bacteria and food particles.

Can talking a lot during the day cause bad breath?

Talking excessively can dry your mouth and stimulate bacteria that causes bad breath. The solution is to drink water consistently or place a drop of lemon on your tongue. This will keep you mouth moist and encourage the flow of saliva.

Can my menstrual period cause bad breath?

Women may experience bad breath during their menstrual cycle. The gums become more accommodating for bacteria causing bad breath during this time. Capillaries running through the gums sometimes burst releasing a little blood into the gums. An unpleasant odor is produced as a result of bacteria feeding on this blood.

Dion Kramer is co-founder and managing director of NobleHealth. NobleHealth is a dental plan for the people of Brisbane, Australia. It entitles members to 15% to 55% off their dental fees. Dion Kramer began writing about oral health to assist members of NobleHealth. Dion Kramer collaborates with NobleHealth dentists Brisbane so his writings are topical and up-to-date. You can visit the website to learn more about NobleHealth and each NobleHealth dentist Brisbane http://www.noblehealth.com.au

Sunday, October 02, 2005

Is Bad Breath a Sure Sign of Gum Disease?

"Dealing With Bad Breath" Article


Is Bad Breath a Sure Sign of Gum Disease?
By Blake Kritzberg


The answer is no! While bad breath is a possible sign of gum disease, other common causes crop up as well. For example, tonsil stones can cause bad breath. Tonsil stones are created when decaying food debris collects in the crevices of the tonsils and becomes compacted into what are referred to as "stones." You can have bad breath from tonsil stones without having any gum disease at all.

Post-nasal drip can also cause bad breath, as the discharged mucous provides a rich food for the anaerobic bacteria that cause bad breath, helping them to multiply rapidly. Again, this sort of bad breath isn't by itself a sign of gum disease.

However, the most common cause of bad breath is a lack of adequate oral hygiene. Improper brushing and flossing, or simply too little of it, can leave large amounts of plaque still stuck to and growing on your teeth and gums. If this growth is allowed to continue unchecked, the anaerobic bacteria has the opportunity to burrow down beneath the gum line, where they form unwelcome pockets of bacterial colonies, ones that are devilishly hard to reach and clean without the help of specialized tools.

Anaerobic bacteria give off a smell much like sulfur, and it's exactly that smell that's most closely associated with bad breath. Occasional bad breath may merely be a signal that it's time to brush again, but persistent or chronic bad breath can be an early warning sign of gum disease.

If you have chronic bad breath as well as tender or inflamed gums, there's a good chance that you are experiencing some level of gum disease. It's important to see your dentist as soon as possible to seek treatment, not only for social reasons, but your overall state of health.

About the Author

Blake Kritzberg is proprietor of CuresForBadBreath.com. Stop by to learn more about bad breath cures and home remedies for halitosis.

The Bad Breath Report

"If You Have 3 Minutes A Day, Then Here's How To Cure Your Bad Breath Quickly And Easily... Even If Everything Else You Have Tried Has Failed"