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"

Tuesday, June 28, 2005

Uncover the REAL Causes of Bad Breath!


Dealing With Bad Breath Product

Uncover the REAL Causes of Bad Breath!

Dr. Harold Katz, founder of the California Breath Clinics, is a worldwide expert on the topics of bad breath, halitosis and dry mouth. His 'Bad Breath Bible' is an easy-to-read guide to help YOU experience fresh breath every day for the rest of your life.

Request your free copy
at: www.therabreath.com/a/2533/ebook.asp



_________________________________



Finally, A Breath Mint That Does What Its Supposed To!


  • Actually Removes Bad Breath and Taste

  • Stops Production of Volatile Sulfur Compounds (VSC's)

  • Stimulates Oxygen-Rich Saliva Flow


by Dr. Harold Katz - Founder, California Breath Clinics



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Since I started the California Breath Clinics in 1994, I have never recommended or endorsed any kind of breath mint. Simply put, there was nothing that I ever found that was truly a breath freshener.

All the "breath candies" that you're used to seeing in the stores (Altoids, Tic-Tacs, Certs, Ice Breakers, etc...) all commit some kind of fatal mistake in the documented science of creating fresh breath. You see, by now the academic halitosis community knows the causes of bad breath.... and we also know the exact conditions that create an oral environment in your mouth that is MORE LIKELY to produce bad breath.

The first Breath Mint that is a REAL Breath Freshener

So wouldn't you think that a 'breath mint' should contain ingredients that make this oral environment less likely to happen? At the very least, there shouldn't be anything in there would make that oral environment WORSE, right?



You can probably see what I'm getting at.... the top breath fresheners on the market ALL contain either sugar (which the bad breath bacteria absolutely feast on), or they contain an artificial flavor designed to cover-up rather than prevent bad breath and taste.

And NONE OF THEM Contain Any Clinically Proven, Breath-Refreshing Ingredients!

My New ZOX mints are the first breath mint designed to remove bad breath instead of mask it!

Now first let me get one thing straight .... if you have chronic halitosis, then DON'T expect a breath mint to make the problem go away (although they are an excellent maintenance device if you are already using the TheraBreath system in the morning and night). My last 10 years have been spent helping people who mostly have had chronic halitosis problems - the type of condition that every time you talk with a person you detect an odor from their breath.


But there is a type of bad breath out there that is common to everyone that I've been largely ignoring for the last 10 years! I refer to this type as situational bad breath. Situational Bad Breath occurs in 99.9% of the world population at one time or another (statistically just about everybody, but my lawyers make me say it like that!). It happens when someone activates a 'trigger' that causes the oral environment in their mouth to become more likely for the anaerobic bacteria to begin creating the volatile sulfur compounds (VSC's) that cause bad breath.

In scientific terms, when your mouth encounters one of these triggers, it creates an oral environment that encourages the anaerobic bacteria to begin extracting sulfur compounds from specific amino acids. One amino acid (Cysteine) turns into Hydrogen Sulfide (the rotten-egg smell), and another amino acid (Methionine) becomes Methyl Mercaptan which smells sort of like dirty socks!

So Let's Take A Real-World Example For A Minute...

You get together with some friends one weekend for bite to eat at a delectable restaurant that serves cheese fondue, with a strawberry daiquiri to cap it off.

You want to make sure you have fresh breath, so after dinner you pop in an Altoid or other such breath candy . . . . STOP!

Although you may have a cinnamon-like taste in your mouth, what you've really just done is made your bad breath problem MUCH worse. Let me explain:

During dinner, you introduced two 'triggers' to your mouth (protein and alcohol) that weren't previously there and made your particular oral environment very eager to begin creating those foul-smelling VSC's.

Then after dinner, by sucking on that mint, you actually gave those bacteria a food source they LOVE (sugar) to help along the VSC production. Yes, it's true you TASTE cinnamon or mint, but that's only a temporary cover up and what people actually SMELL is usually a lot worse!

And Now I've Introduced ZOX - The First Breath Mint To Actually NEUTRALIZE Bad Breath Production!

I created ZOX because I wanted to address the fact that almost all the other 'breath mints' on the market DO NOT take into account the principles of halitosis prevention that I've been studying for the last 10 years! Most of them are created to TASTE GOOD and that's about it. ZOX was created based on the same clinically proven Zinc/Oxygen/Xylitol principles used by the rest of the TheraBreath product line. It is literally bad breath prevention science packed into a roll of breath mints!

First, ZOX have no sugar - your breath mint should NEVER have sugar in it. ZOX uses xylitol which is a natural sweetener and has also been proven to have tremendous anti-decay properties.

Next, we added zinc gluconate for it's ability to literally put a "straight-jacket" around those 'bad-breath producing' anaerobic bacteria. Zinc Gluconate blocks the receptors on the anaerobic bacteria so that they don't bind with the amino acids. And if they don't bind with the amino acids, then they don't produce VSC's!

ZOX contains no aspartame, no saccharin, and no artificial colors or flavors.

ZOX has been specifically created for the sole purpose of preventing bad breath, and removing metallic tastes, NOT for just covering them up. The longer you keep a ZOX in your mouth, the more volatile sulfur compounds it will neutralize.

Plus, each mint is only 5 calories, so you can have as many as you want.

The bottom line is that all-natural ZOX are the first and only breath mint to neutralize bad breath based on the clinically proven methods practiced by the California Breath Clinics over the past 10 years.

For control of 'occasional' or 'situational' bad breath there is nothing better than ZOX!



All my Best,




-Harold Katz, DDS


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When You Purchase 6 Rolls of ZOX or a Box of ZOX!
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Saturday, May 28, 2005

How To Effectively Clean a White Tongue, the Cause of Bad Breath

Dealing With Bad Breath Article

How To Effectively Clean a White Tongue, the Cause of Bad Breath
By Harold Katz

Have you ever noticed that sometimes you have a white tongue? A white tongue is something that nobody wants to have. Why? A white tongue not only looks abnormal, but if left untreated, it's a strong indication of a bad breath problem.

People who have a white tongue, also known as a geographic tongue, are definitely more likely to experience an abnormally colored tongue. Geographic tongue simply means a tongue that has lots of grooves and fissures in it. These grooves and fissures make an excellent breeding ground for the anaerobic bacteria that cause bad breath and a white tongue. Under certain conditions, a geographic tongue can be white, yellow, even black in color. A geographic tongue can also be coated and sometimes dry and cracked. The way around this problem is simply making sure that your tongue is kept as clean as possible. But...not all tongue cleaning is created equal.

Tongue cleaning or tongue scraping is a process that the majority of people in the United States don't do on a daily basis. Yet, it's one of the most important steps you can take to keep your breath clean and fresh!

MYTHS ABOUT CLEANING A WHITE TONGUE

MYTH #1: You have to scrape hard to clean a white tongue. This is false! You do not need to scrape your tongue so hard that it bleeds. In general, pressing harder does not remove more bacteria. You simply need to press hard enough that the tongue cleaner you're using is pressed flush across the surface of your white tongue. Try not to leave any gaps.

MYTH #2: Tongue Cleaning Alone Prevents Bad Breath. This is also false! Tongue cleaning alone does not kill the bacteria that cause bad breath that are breeding below the surface of a white tongue. It simply removes the gunk on the surface. This gunk (mucus and food debris) is a food source for anaerobic bacteria, the cause of a white tongue.

MYTH #3: You must use a complex, expensive gizmo to successfully clean your tongue. Again false! Really, all you need is a fairly rigid instrument, that you can easily make flush on the surface of your white tongue and cover the largest area possible. Those electronic tongue cleaners you see can be helpful if you have arthritis, difficulty with coordination, or in general have a a tough time performing some simple actions on tongue cleaning, which I'll outline below.

Tongue cleaning is really not that difficult to do, and it's not even very time consuming. That extra minute or two you spend on your tongue per day can reap huge rewards in preventing bad breath. It'll help prevent a white tongue, return it to it's normal color, and most importantly cut down on bad breath.

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS TO SUCCESSFULLY CLEAN A WHITE TONGUE

STEP 1: Starting at the base of your tongue, place a tongue cleaner/scraper flush against your tongue's surface and make slow sweeping strokes from the back to the front. You can start at either side of your tongue and work your way across to the other side. Depending on the tongue cleaner you are using, you might need to make three to four different swaths across your white tongue.

STEP 2: Once the surface debris from your white tongue has been removed, apply a small bead of toothpaste to the head of your tongue cleaner. Make sure your toothpaste does not contain Sodium Lauryl Sulfate because this ingredient will dry out your mouth. I recommend using TheraBreath Oxygenating Toothpaste (http://www.therabreath.com/products.asp?CAT=3&AffID=2533 ).

STEP 3: Gently coat the surface of your tongue (as far back as possible without gagging yourself) with the toothpaste. This allows the toothpaste to penetrate below the surface of your tongue and neutralize those sulfur-producing anaerobic bacteria. Believe it or not, there are more bacteria in the rear of your tongue than in the front!

STEP 4: Once your tongue is coated, allow the toothpaste to stay on the surface of your tongue as long as you can. Up to 90 seconds is ideal. If you begin to cough, or your gag reflex kicks in, that's okay, just spit whenever you need to.

STEP 5: Ideally, it's best to leave the toothpaste on the surface of your tongue, while you brush your teeth normally.

Following this routine daily gives you the most benefit possible in cleaning a white tongue. This routine will help prevent white tongue, keep your breath fresh, and give a geographic white tongue its best possible chance at maintaining the normal, healthy, pink color that everyone would like to have.

Dr. Harold Katz is the worldwide expert on the topics of bad breath, halitosis, and dry mouth. Searching for a bad breath solution? To receive your FREE copy of his easy-to-read "Bad Breath Bible" visit: http://www.therabreath.com/a/2533/ebook.asp

Thursday, April 28, 2005

Dealing With Bad Breath Quiz: What Causes Your Bad Breath?


"Dealing With Bad Breath" Article


Dealing With Bad Breath Quiz: What Causes Your Bad Breath?
By Whozylee Aris


Dealing with bad breath is annoying, frustrating and embarrassing and if you’re reading this you are looking for some answers. The fact is that different foods and factors cause bad breath in different people, which is why we’ve created a quiz to help people pin point their bad breath triggers.

In the “Dealing with Bad Breath” quiz below, circle the correct answer for each question.

Dealing With Bad Breath Question 1: How often do you eat the following foods?

Onions:

at least once per week

several times per week

daily

Garlic:

at least once per week

several times per week

daily

Cheese:

at least once per week

several times per week

daily

High Protein Foods:

at least once per week

several times per week

daily

Unless you are on a diet, you probably don’t keep a tally of condiments, foods and beverages consumed during the day. That’s all fine and dandy, but certain foods you eat (or over consume) can have adverse affects such as chronic bad breath.

A chronic bad breath home remedy to help ease bad breath after a meal is to chew on the parsley that garnished your plate in a restaurant, or bring a small baggie of herbs like fennel or clove to chew after your meal.

Dealing With Bad Breath Question 2: How often do you consume the following beverages?

Alcohol:

at least once per week

several times per week

daily

Orange Juice:

at least once per week

several times per week

daily

Milk:

at least once per week

several times per week

daily

Soda:

at least once per week

several times per week

daily

That glass of wine each day may be good for your heart, but it could also be the reason you’re dealing with bad breath! Alcohol dries out the mouth making it prime real estate for the bacteria that cause bad breath. Acidic drinks like orange juice, and dairy drinks like milk can also cause bad breath. People dealing with bad breath should cut back on soda as it can rot your teeth and worsen bad breath.

Some chronic bad breath home remedies to help eliminate these problems include drinking plenty of water with lemon after consuming alcohol and rinsing your mouth with water and lime if you drink milk.

Dealing With Bad Breath Question 3: Which of these oral products do you use?

Mouthwash:

at least once per week

several times per week

daily

Breath Mints:

at least once per week

several times per week

daily

Breath Spray:

at least once per week

several times per week

daily

Gum:

at least once per week

several times per week

daily

The products you are using to deal with bad breath, might actually make the problem worse by drying out your mouth. Chronic bad breath home remedies you can use instead of alcohol and sugar based products include rinsing your mouth with salt water, or lemon or lime water and chewing on herbs such as parsley or thyme instead of gum.

According to the Mayo Clinic, people dealing with bad breath only receive temporary relief from mouthwashes, mints and that chronic bad breath home remedies like simply rinsing your mouth with water may be more effective.

Dealing With Bad Breath Question 5: Hydration

How many glasses of water do you drink per day?

8+ glasses

3+ glasses

none

Keeping your mouth hydrated keeps it from drying out. A dry mouth is a haven for the bacteria that cause bad breath. Chronic bad breath home remedies include adding apple cider vinegar, lemon or lime to your water. These ingredients will help cleanse your system while the water hydrates your system.

Dealing With Bad Breath Question 4: Dental Care

Mouthwash:

after every meal

twice per day

once

Floss:

after every meal

twice per day

once

Rinse:

after every meal

twice per day

once

Maybe your dental hygiene isn’t as good as you thought it was. Improper dental care can create a bacteria build up, rotting food between teeth and eventually gum disease, all of which make dealing with bad breath more difficult.

What Causes Your Bad Breath?

In the questionnaire above, answers to the questions further down below may be the reasons you are dealing with bad breath. Examine your answers and try to make changes accordingly. If after making the changes and trying the chronic bad breath home remedies you are still dealing with bad breath, you may want to visit your dentist or doctor to rule out certain conditions like gum disease.

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-9-dealing-with-bad-breath.html