Natural Health
| By : Aman | Previous | Next |
| Posted on : 13 Oct, 2008 | Total Views : 483 |
Halitosis (Bad Breath)
What causes bad breath?
Halitosis, commonly referred to as bad breath, is caused by a type of bacteria that resides on the soft tissues in the back of the mouth, mainly on the back of the tongue. These bacteria thrive under a blanket of mucous where they produce putrid sulfur gasses, which cause offensive breath odor. No mouthwash reaches these bacteria, no matter how long or how frequently you rinse, and toothbrushes are of little value in removing them.
Most bad breath (halitosis) comes from something in the mouth. Food sticks between your teeth, around the gums and on your tongue. If you don't brush and floss your teeth every day, this food can rot. The rotten bits of food cause a bad smell in your mouth. Rotten food also helps bacteria to grow in your mouth. These bacteria can cause gum disease, or gingivitis. Gingivitis also causes bad breath.
The things you eat and drink affect your breath. Bad breath may also be a sign of a health problem.
Why doesn't everyone have bad breath?
Some people have substantially more of these odor-causing bacteria than others; no one knows why. But we do know that at least fifty million people in America have some degree of halitosis and suffer the embarrassment of breath malodor.
What can I do to prevent bad breath?
1. Brush your teeth at least 2 times every day, using fluoride toothpaste. Be sure to brush along the gumline, as well as all tooth surfaces. Each time you brush your teeth, use your toothbrush to clean the surface of your tongue.
2. Floss your teeth at least once a day to remove food from between your teeth.
3. Eat more fruits and vegetables every day. Eat less meat.
4. Avoid certain foods that cause you to have bad breath. These foods might include onions, garlic and pastrami. Alcoholic beverages often cause bad breath.
5. Avoid using tobacco products. Any kind of tobacco can cause halitosis.
6. Sometimes a dry mouth has an unpleasant odor. If your mouth is dry, you can suck on sugar-free mints, chew sugar-free gum or drink water.
7. Most mouthwashes do not have a long-lasting effect on bad breath. If you use a mouthwash, swish it around in your mouth for 30 seconds before spitting it out.
8. If you wear removable dentures, take them out at night. Brush the dentures and soak them overnight in a disinfecting solution. Removable braces should also be cleaned. Follow the directions of your dentist.
9. See your dentist twice a year to have your teeth cleaned.
10. If you still have bad breath, see your family doctor to find out what is causing it.
Treatment of halitosis -
1. Tongue cleaning is the very most important aspect when treating 'genuine halitosis'. The tongue harbors bacteria that produce the VSC (Volatile sulfur compounds). Most people when asked say that the tongue has a light color - actually a tongue when cleaned properly has a dark rose color to it. Although a toothbrush is most commonly used to clean the tongue, there are devices specifically designed for this purpose. These devices do a better job of getting to the back of the tongue without triggering the gag reflex as well as 'scrape' the tongue clean. To best achieve getting to the back of the tongue a person should stick the tongue out as far as possible and hold their breath to minimize gagging.
2. Mouthrinses are most often only effective for a short time in reducing malodors. Most often they only mask the odor and do not effectively deal with the VSCs that cause them. There are mouthrinses containing zinc and chlorine compounds that can significantly reduce the VSCs present in the mouth.
3. Proper attention to home oral hygiene
4. Regular thorough professional cleaning appointments are also a great aid in treating halitosis.
Written By : Aman
