Bad breath can be embarrassing and it may take some time to be rid of it. It can have a dramatic impact on a person's life as some people will even avoid talking or going out in public because they have bad breath. The following information can be helpful to people who have this issue.
Halitosis can be a sign of some form of periodontal disease or some other medical condition. Therefore, one of the most effective long-term care options is to consult a dentist. If there are any signs of disease, the dentist may advise some surgical or hygiene procedures. The following is some general information that can alleviate a bad breath condition.
Flossing
Most people brush their teeth but all the brushing in the world is not going to help if the problem is at a place where the toothbrush cannot reach. Food particles stuck in between the teeth encourage the growth of bacteria as the food is literally putrefying inside your mouth. The obvious solution for this problem is flossing your teeth.
Cleaning your tongue
The cleaning of the tongue is as important as brushing the teeth and this often gets overlooked. If the tongue is not cleaned it develops a coating over a period of time called biofilm which can cause bad breath. The tongue can be cleaned using a tongue-scraper or you can just brush it with your toothbrush.
Changing your diet
Any high protein diet has a tendency for causing bad breath. Bad breath is usually more common amongst people who have a predominantly non-vegetarian diet. It is good idea to include a lot vegetables and greens and cut down on the meat intake to reduce bad breath. This change is not only an option for bad breath treatment, but may be good for your overall health.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Some common causes of bad breath.
Bad breath is a common health problem which greatly affects the day-to-day activities of so many people. The offensive odor from the mouth can be really unpleasant to those who come in close contact with people who suffer from bad breath. As people suffering from bad breath are slowly isolated from society, it affects all their relationships and can even lead to marital discord. All this can lead to psychological trauma resulting in depression.
Literally speaking all human beings suffer from bad breath some time or the other. Oral cavities contain millions of anaerobic bacteria which act on the protein of food materials and putrefy them. This process results in the formation of offensive gases like hydrogen sulphide etc causing bad odor. So, it is very important that proper oral hygiene is maintained at all times. Even after maintaining cleanliness in the mouth some individuals may suffer from offensive breath due to various medical causes which has to be diagnosed and treated properly.
1) Poor oral hygiene:
Bad breath is common in almost all people in the morning on waking. During sleep there is less production of saliva and the mouth becomes dry. As saliva has got some antibacterial properties, it prevents the multiplication of anaerobic bacteria. Saliva contains oxygen molecules which make the oral cavity aerobic. So the reduction in it's quantity during sleep makes a favorable condition for anaerobic bacteria.
2) Food habits:
The main cause of bad breath is the degradation of proteins by bacteria and hence all food items rich in protein can cause bad breath. Meat, fish, milk products, eggs, cakes and nuts etc can cause bad breath. Some food articles can produce particular type of smell which may be unpleasant. 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. 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.
3) Biofilm:
Biofilm is the formation of a thin sticky coating on the tongue and oral mucosa. This coating is thick on the posterior region of the tongue where millions of gram negative bacteria are seen. This thick coating on the tongue is a breeding ground for bacteria and can cause bad breath. Even a thin biofilm can make anaerobic condition favorable for bacterial proliferation.
4) Dental caries:
This is a destructive process causing decalcification with destruction of enamel and dentine resulting in cavities in the tooth. These are produced mainly by the lactobacilli. Food particles are deposited inside these cavities and are putrefied by the anaerobic bacteria producing bad smell. Normal brushing will not remove the food debris easily and hence they are putrefied completely. Caries are common in school-going children and in those who do not maintain proper oral hygiene. Calcium and vitamin deficiency can also cause a predisposition for dental caries.
5) Gingivitis:
Gum is a mucus membrane with supporting connective tissue covering the tooth. Gingivitis is the inflammation of the gum. Various causes can result in gum tissues getting infected resulting in swelling, pain and discharge of pus. If the condition becomes worse the infection spread towards periodontal area leading to continuous discharge which is called pyorrhea. After brushing the teeth, the simple practice of massaging the gums with the finger tips will keep them healthy.
Literally speaking all human beings suffer from bad breath some time or the other. Oral cavities contain millions of anaerobic bacteria which act on the protein of food materials and putrefy them. This process results in the formation of offensive gases like hydrogen sulphide etc causing bad odor. So, it is very important that proper oral hygiene is maintained at all times. Even after maintaining cleanliness in the mouth some individuals may suffer from offensive breath due to various medical causes which has to be diagnosed and treated properly.
1) Poor oral hygiene:
Bad breath is common in almost all people in the morning on waking. During sleep there is less production of saliva and the mouth becomes dry. As saliva has got some antibacterial properties, it prevents the multiplication of anaerobic bacteria. Saliva contains oxygen molecules which make the oral cavity aerobic. So the reduction in it's quantity during sleep makes a favorable condition for anaerobic bacteria.
2) Food habits:
The main cause of bad breath is the degradation of proteins by bacteria and hence all food items rich in protein can cause bad breath. Meat, fish, milk products, eggs, cakes and nuts etc can cause bad breath. Some food articles can produce particular type of smell which may be unpleasant. 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. 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.
3) Biofilm:
Biofilm is the formation of a thin sticky coating on the tongue and oral mucosa. This coating is thick on the posterior region of the tongue where millions of gram negative bacteria are seen. This thick coating on the tongue is a breeding ground for bacteria and can cause bad breath. Even a thin biofilm can make anaerobic condition favorable for bacterial proliferation.
4) Dental caries:
This is a destructive process causing decalcification with destruction of enamel and dentine resulting in cavities in the tooth. These are produced mainly by the lactobacilli. Food particles are deposited inside these cavities and are putrefied by the anaerobic bacteria producing bad smell. Normal brushing will not remove the food debris easily and hence they are putrefied completely. Caries are common in school-going children and in those who do not maintain proper oral hygiene. Calcium and vitamin deficiency can also cause a predisposition for dental caries.
5) Gingivitis:
Gum is a mucus membrane with supporting connective tissue covering the tooth. Gingivitis is the inflammation of the gum. Various causes can result in gum tissues getting infected resulting in swelling, pain and discharge of pus. If the condition becomes worse the infection spread towards periodontal area leading to continuous discharge which is called pyorrhea. After brushing the teeth, the simple practice of massaging the gums with the finger tips will keep them healthy.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
4 Tips to cure bad breath
If you are one of the many people who have halitosis, you would already know that it can be an acute source of embarrassment. It can be quite frustrating and time-consuming to find a way to get rid of halitosis when one is suffering from it. Over the next several paragraphs you will find some effective tips for curing or in the least, alleviating your condition.
One of the primary causes of bad breath is that the bacteria in the mouth release volatile sulfur compounds (VSC) when they feed on the leftover food particles in your mouth. These sulfur compounds are very malodorous by nature. Hence, one way to get rid of bad breath is to practice good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing after every meal. This will greatly reduce the amount of food remnants which is the nourishment for the bacteria in your mouth. There might also be some fatty matter, from the food you have eaten, coated on your tongue and so using a tongue scraper to remove it would also be useful.
Another thing which can reduce bad breath is to cut sugar out of your diet. This means that you should not consume any types of gums, mints, or candies that have any sugar in them – a common practice among people suffering from bad breath. The reason for this is that the bacteria in your mouth can use sugar to reproduce and this will increase the production of foul smelling VSCs.
The other thing to consider is to reduce the consumption of anything that contains a high level of acid. Highly acidic foods or drinks are known to make the bacteria in your mouth reproduce at a faster rate which leaves a bitter aftertaste and make your breath foul. Some items that you should avoid till you have the bacterial levels in your mouth under control are caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee, oranges, pineapples, grapefruits, and tomatoes.
It is also a good idea to increase the water intake to at least 8 glasses daily, as a dry mouth is one of the major causes of bad breath. A dry mouth can cause bacteria to reproduce more quickly. If you do not drink enough water, then dry mouth in most likelihood is the reason for the bad breath.
Hopefully the tips given above would help in reducing your bad breath. Please keep in mind that these are general tips and that certain medical conditions can also induce bad breath. So, the best course of action is to try out these tips for a few weeks and if they don't help, please consult a doctor.
One of the primary causes of bad breath is that the bacteria in the mouth release volatile sulfur compounds (VSC) when they feed on the leftover food particles in your mouth. These sulfur compounds are very malodorous by nature. Hence, one way to get rid of bad breath is to practice good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing after every meal. This will greatly reduce the amount of food remnants which is the nourishment for the bacteria in your mouth. There might also be some fatty matter, from the food you have eaten, coated on your tongue and so using a tongue scraper to remove it would also be useful.
Another thing which can reduce bad breath is to cut sugar out of your diet. This means that you should not consume any types of gums, mints, or candies that have any sugar in them – a common practice among people suffering from bad breath. The reason for this is that the bacteria in your mouth can use sugar to reproduce and this will increase the production of foul smelling VSCs.
The other thing to consider is to reduce the consumption of anything that contains a high level of acid. Highly acidic foods or drinks are known to make the bacteria in your mouth reproduce at a faster rate which leaves a bitter aftertaste and make your breath foul. Some items that you should avoid till you have the bacterial levels in your mouth under control are caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee, oranges, pineapples, grapefruits, and tomatoes.
It is also a good idea to increase the water intake to at least 8 glasses daily, as a dry mouth is one of the major causes of bad breath. A dry mouth can cause bacteria to reproduce more quickly. If you do not drink enough water, then dry mouth in most likelihood is the reason for the bad breath.
Hopefully the tips given above would help in reducing your bad breath. Please keep in mind that these are general tips and that certain medical conditions can also induce bad breath. So, the best course of action is to try out these tips for a few weeks and if they don't help, please consult a doctor.
How to manage bad breath
Though bad breath is one of the most common problems worldwide, people hesitate to talk openly on the subject. In fact, one can say this has become a social issue as it can create problems in relationships with those around us. There are many reasons which can lead to bad breath but fortunately, these are easy to detect.
Whatever the reasons for the bad breath, one of the first remedies that is always considered is a mouthwash. The problem with mouthwash is that it cannot be used as a long time solution or as a cure for the underlying cause. The composition of a mouthwash contains a considerable amount of alcohol and consequently, it is not recommended at all for children as they usually tend to swallow it.
Indeed, mouthwash kills bacteria and provides a short-term relief by leaving your mouth fresh smelling, the bacteria in the mouth will recover quite quickly and the bad breath will reappear. Also, long-term use of mouthwash causes irritation to the gums and palate of the mouth. In some rare cases it can also cause various types of malignancies (risk is even greater if people who use mouthwash often, smoke or consume alcoholic beverages).
So what is the solution? Here is a first recommendation - put a few drops of peppermint oil (available in drugstores) in a glass of water and thoroughly gargle your mouth and throat. The remedy is not only recommended as a quick solution when you need to go to a meeting or to socialize but is also good as a long term habit to prevent bad breath. This has all the benefits of a mouthwash without any of its ill effects.
Whatever the reasons for the bad breath, one of the first remedies that is always considered is a mouthwash. The problem with mouthwash is that it cannot be used as a long time solution or as a cure for the underlying cause. The composition of a mouthwash contains a considerable amount of alcohol and consequently, it is not recommended at all for children as they usually tend to swallow it.
Indeed, mouthwash kills bacteria and provides a short-term relief by leaving your mouth fresh smelling, the bacteria in the mouth will recover quite quickly and the bad breath will reappear. Also, long-term use of mouthwash causes irritation to the gums and palate of the mouth. In some rare cases it can also cause various types of malignancies (risk is even greater if people who use mouthwash often, smoke or consume alcoholic beverages).
So what is the solution? Here is a first recommendation - put a few drops of peppermint oil (available in drugstores) in a glass of water and thoroughly gargle your mouth and throat. The remedy is not only recommended as a quick solution when you need to go to a meeting or to socialize but is also good as a long term habit to prevent bad breath. This has all the benefits of a mouthwash without any of its ill effects.
Saturday, September 29, 2007
How to Get Rid of Bad Breath
Most people who suffer from bad breath are aware and very conscious about it. They will do anything to get rid of bad breath for good. As long as it is not due to a medical condition, it is not very difficult to learn how to get rid of bad breath by following a simple regimen of oral hygiene. Most of the short-term remedies like mints and mouth sprays may actually aggravate the problem in the long run. What you need to do is to watch what you eat and make sure that you maintain a healthy and regular oral hygiene routine.
Common Causes of Bad Breath
One of the commonest causes of bad breath is a dry mouth. This can be caused because of certain types of foods, carbonated beverages like colas, alcohol and smoking. People who drink coffee frequently also have a sour, metallic odor to their breath, which is caused due to the acidic nature of coffee. The other frequent cause is the breeding of bacteria in the leftover food that get stuck in between your teeth while eating. This is especially true for people whose diet is rich in protein because the bacteria in the mouth decompose them into sulfur compounds, which are by nature very malodorous. The same is true for onions and garlic as their chemical composition also consists of a number of sulfur compounds.
How to Get Rid of Bad Breath With Natural Remedies
People who eat a diet that includes a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables are less likely to need to learn how to get rid of bad breath as this type of diet is conducive to fresh and clean breath. Some of the simple, natural remedies that can help you get rid of bad breath are listed below:
- The first thing to consider before you do anything else is to make sure that you're cleaning you mouth thoroughly, not just your teeth but also your gums and tongue. If you don’t already have one, it would be a good idea to invest in a tongue scraper so that the bacteria that coat the tongue can be fully removed. Another important thing to remember is to floss your teeth at least once a day, as toothbrushes do not remove the debris stuck in between your teeth. Finally, massaging your gums with your fingertips after brushing would prevent gum infections, which can also cause bad breath.
- If you’ve had strong smelling food, gargling your mouth with baking soda mixed with warm water would help in neutralizing the bad breath.
- Ginger and clove are proven East Indian remedies for bad breath and oral hygiene because of their antibacterial properties. Clove oil is also used in treating dental cavities because it also has mild anesthetic properties. To prepare a mouthwash take a small piece of ginger and a few cloves and boil them in water.
- Tea tree oil is also antibacterial in nature and can be used as a mouth wash to treat bad breath.
- The most neglected of all the bad breath remedies is the consumption of lots of water.
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