Bad Breath Picture

                

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What would a bad breath picture look like? Obviously it's impossible to take a picture of an odor: we can't see a smell. The mention of bad breath, however, does conjure up a mental picture - perhaps a picture of people stepping back or leaning away from someone they're having a conversation with; perhaps a picture of swollen inflamed gums and decaying teeth; perhaps a picture of a sleep-disheveled person gargling with mouthwash in front of the mirror in the morning. It's likely different for everyone.

A bad breath tester would be helpful because many people believe that they have bad breath when they don't, and they often get that impression because people step away from them when they speak. In reality the movement is often involuntary or, at worst, the cause is an odor of garlic or onions, cigarette smoke, or some other transient breath odor. The mental bad breath picture of people moving away when you speak is misleading, and it contributes to a general mentality that everyone's breath smells bad.

In reality, everyone's breath does smell bad - sometimes. For most people it's an occasional thing and not something to worry about. And unfortunately, there's really no such thing as a personal bad breath tester. Some authorities suggest licking your wrist and then smelling that to judge just how bad the bad breath picture is. This may or may not work - if your suspicion that you have bad breath is based on an unpleasant taste in your mouth, perhaps from onions, strong cheese, or dry mouth from a head cold, your nose is unlikely to be able to overcome what your tongue is telling you.

A better bad breath tester is a physician or a good friend. Someone else's nose is a much better judge than your own. Pick someone you trust to give you the true bad breath picture and, preferably, ask them to check on several different occasions so you will know whether the problem is ongoing or transient. This should help you to figure out if it is associated with some thing you are eating or perhaps another personal habit, or if the problem is an ongoing one that requires treatment.

If your bad breath tester is a doctor or a dentist, and the bad breath picture is, well, bad, use the opportunity to discuss possible health causes and the best approach to treatment. If you've used the good nature of a close friend, make an appointment with your doctor or dentist before trying over the counter or mail order products, just to be sure there isn't some important health consideration you've missed.

R. Drysdale is a freelance writer with more than 25 years experience as a health care professional. She is a contributing editor to Bad Breath Picture, a blog dedicated to the treatment of bad breath.

Bad Breath, Seven Tips to Help Eliminate It

                

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Up to 90 percent of all bad breath is believed to originate within the mouth. The intensity or how bad it can be can vary during the day depending on the dryness of the mouth, the foods eaten, smoking and consumption of alcohol.

By some estimates chronic bad breath also known as halitosis, can affect up to 25 percent of the population. It can affect our personal, social, and professional relationships. Perhaps the only relationship it will not affect is that with our dog or cat.

It can lead to embarrassment, stress, and even self esteem problems.

Some types of bad breath are from the food consumed such as garlic, onions, and alcohol.

The cause is in many cases the result of the metabolic activity of some types of oral bacteria as they work on proteins that fail to leave the mouth on completion of a meal. That means the bad breath solution or halitosis cure is within the reach of many afflicted with this problem.

Here are Six Tips to avoid bad breath and work toward better breath.

Eat The Right Foods

When it comes to bad breath, there are two types of food culprits. Foods that help eliminate bad breath and those that contribute to bad breath.

Good food choices would include rough foods that would clean the tongue. Top of the breath freshening list would be apples. An apple is perhaps the simplest bad breath cure when brushing is not possible.

Foods to avoid would include garlic, onions, meats, fish, and cheeses. Protein rich foods are one of the big culprits and if you will be in front of people it might be best to avoid them.

Clean the Tongue

Clean the tongue with a tongue scraper or tongue brush. Use it gently.

Increase Salivation Naturally

Increase salivation by chewing sugarless gum. Saliva has antibacterial properties so the more you create the more you suppress the bacterial growth.

Home remedies include fennel seeds, cinnamon sticks, mastic gum and fresh parsley.

Choose Mouth Wash Carefully

Gargling can reduce morning breath but with a bad side effect. Mouthwashes containing alcohol tend to dry out the mouth which means less saliva. Less saliva promotes bad breath.

Hydrogen peroxide is a common home remedy. It can be dangerous if incorrectly mixed. Be warned that mistaken mixes can cause internal bleeding if swallowed. It can destroy beneficial bacteria and is an irritant to both the eyes, lungs and mucous membranes.

Mouthwashes include both chemical and natural types with varying benefits and risks. Some even include oils that have been found to be effective.

Maintain Proper Hydration

Drink several glasses of water a day to maintain proper hydration. A squeeze of raw lemon juice will help the taste and the body.

Oral Hygiene

Maintain proper oral hygiene. Brushing and flossing is basic. If it is not convenient to brush, an apple can work as an instant breath freshener. There are some products that can be used in the absence of brushing.

Follow any or all of these suggestions for the best breath you can have.

The Seventh Way to Eliminate Bad Breath

How do you eliminate bad breath when it is a coworker or dear friend?

One suggestion that has survived the test of time is to print an article such as this and discreetly leave it for the offender. Perhaps even fold it and type on the words, ?From a Friend.?

Before you leave it anonymously however, think how you would feel if someone did the same to you about some problem. Kindness could mean to be courageous and give it to them personally.

To soften the embarrassment, include a compliment about some outstanding quality or what they do to contribute to everyone?s benefit.

If the person is not aware, they will probably be grateful to know. Be warned, there will be those who will be very embarrassed by the revelation. Use sensitivity before you take this step.

Finally the most important reason for the seventh step. It could save someone their life. Remember the 10% of bad breath that is not from the mouth. Well, it could result from serious health problems.

Your attention to this could potentially save a life.

Jonathan Steele, RN is an artist, webmaster, public speaking coach and teaches public speaking to nurses and doctors.

If you would like to learn more about a related subject, how he remained ten years sore throat free and how you can too then go to http://ezinearticles.com/?A-Sore-Throat-Remedy-in-Zinc-Lozenges?&id=334371

A second related topic, Toothpaste Gum Disease and Public Speaking is covered at http://www.speechmastery.com/toothpaste.html

This article is (c) 2007 Jonathan Steele

 

Dental Health - Causes and Treatment for Bad Breath

                

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The medical name for bad breath is halitosis. Causes can range from poor oral hygiene habits and foods you eat to various other health problems and unhealthy lifestyles.

If you eat foods with strong odors like garlic or onions you basically have to wait until the foods have passed through your body before the odor is completely gone. You can mask it with brushing and mouthwash to cover up the odor temporarily. All food you eat begins the breaking down process in your mouth. As food digests and is absorbed into the bloodstream, it is eventually carried to the lungs and given off in your breath.

Poor dental hygiene habits promote bacteria growth between teeth, around the gums and on the tongue, which causes bad breath. If you don?t brush and floss your teeth daily, the food particles that remain in your mouth begins to promote bacteria growth on teeth, gums and the tongue. If dentures are not properly cleaned, bacteria and food particles can cause bad breath. Other unhealthy lifestyles that include smoking or chewing tobacco-based products can cause bad breath, stain the teeth and irritate gum tissues.

Health problems associated with bad breath include:

? Gum or periodontal disease
? Poorly fitting dental appliances
? Yeast infections of the mouth
? Dental cavities
? Dry mouth (dry mouth may be caused by side effects of medications, salivary gland problems or continuous breathing through the mouth)
? Respiratory tract infections like pneumonia or bronchitis
? Chronic sinus infections
? Postnasal drip
? Diabetes
? Chronic acid reflux
? Liver or kidney problems

Tips on how to prevent or reduce bad breath include:

? Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and brush after you eat
? Always brush your tongue
? Replace toothbrush every 2 to 3 months
? Use floss or interdental cleaner to remove food particles and plaque between your teeth once a day
? Remove dentures at night and clean thoroughly before placing in your mouth the next morning
? See your dentist at least twice a year.
? Stop smoking/chewing tobacco-based products
? Drink lots of water to keep your mouth moist
? Chew cinnamon flavored, sugar free gum (read the food label for the ingredient Xylitol. Studies show Xylitol in sugar free gum can help to destroy the bacteria in your mouth and give you that just brushed clean feeling as well. The flavor ?cinnamon? has also been shown in some studies to be the best flavor to combat against bad breath.
? Mouthwashes you buy over-the-counter generally provide a temporary way to mask unpleasant mouth odor. There are some antiseptic brands of mouth-rinse products that do help kill the germs that cause bad breath. Ask your dentist which product is best for you.

In most cases your dentist can find and treat the cause of bad breath. If your dentist determines the odor is due to gum disease you may be referred to a periodontist. A periodontist specializes in treating gum conditions. If the dentist finds your mouth to be healthy you may be referred to a family physician, internist or some other specialist to determine the odor source and an appropriate treatment plan.

Disclaimer: *This article is not meant to diagnose, treat or cure any kind of a health problem. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Always consult with your health care provider about any kind of a health problem and especially before beginning any kind of an exercise routine.

This article is FREE to publish with the resource box. Article written 4-2007.

Author: Connie Limon, Trilogy Field Representative. Visit http://nutritionandhealthhub.com and sign up for a weekly nutrition and health tip. The article collection is available as FREE reprints for your newsletters, websites or blog. Visit http://www.healthylife27.com to purchase an array of superior quality, safe and effective products inspired by nature, informed by science and created to improve the health of people, pets and the planet.

Periodontal Disease and Bad Breath

                

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The link between periodontal disease and bad breath has been recognized for many years - though not all people with bad breath have gum disease, many people with gum disease suffer from bad breath. The connection between the two is bacteria. A whole group of bacteria that live in the mouth are known to break down proteins in their environment and produce volatile sulfur compounds (VSC) that have a very unpleasant smell. The bacteria involved are predominantly anaerobic - they live in environments where there is little or no oxygen - and they are found in gum pockets, in the grooves and crevices on the back of the tongue, and around the tonsillar crypts.

Scientific studies have explored the relationship between the periodontal bacteria that are thought to cause much of the tissue destruction in gum disease, and the presence of breath odor in patients suffering from gum disease. A study by S. Awano and others, "The Relationship between the Presence of Periodontopathogenic Bacteria in Saliva and Halitosis," (International Dental Journal: 2002 Jun;Suppl 3:212-6) looked for four species of bacteria in patients with both periodontal disease and bad breath. Researchers also measured levels of volatile sulfur compounds - hydrogen sulfide and methyl mercaptan. The results indicated that Bacteroides forsythus, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Prevotella intermedia were all associated with VSC production, with B. forsythus being the most significant producer of all.

Other studies investigating the habitats of periodontal bacteria have shown that B. forsythus lives on the lining of the mouth in locations other than infected gum pockets in healthy people as well as those with gum disease, and P. intermedia is frequently found living on the surface of the tongue. Thus, while there is a clear association between periodontal disease and bad breath, there is also good evidence to support the claim that periodontal bacteria can be the source of bad breath, even in the absence of gum disease.

Scientific study of both periodontal disease and bad breath continue to reveal information that is helpful to those who suffer from these conditions. These studies suggest that remedies for bad breath that target periodontal bacteria are likely to bring positive results, and that achieving a permanent change in the bacterial microflora of the mouth might cure bad breath.

R. Drysdale is a freelance writer with more than 25 years experience as a health care professional. She is a contributing editor to Periodontal Disease and Bad Breath at Bad breath Cure, a blog dedicated to the treatment of bad breath.

How To Get Rid Of Bad Breath For Good

                

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In this article I will be talking about things you can do to get rid of bad breath for good. These are quick and easy tips that you can use right now that will eliminate the embarrassment of having bad breath. At the end of this article you will find a link to a site that will show you how to Extinguish Your Bad Breath...In 90 Seconds Flat!

So the biggest and most important thing you can do the rid your self of bad breath is something that we have heard time and time again, every since we where kids. And that is to brush and floss twice a day. Now I know that seems like common sense but most of the time that will cure your bad breath issues. But if you are too lazy or just can not remember to do this every day than the site I recommend below might be right for you.

Another thing that I do is use mouthwash. There are a lot to choose from, it really does not matter which one you use though. What is important is that you keep the mouth wash for at least 30 to 45 seconds before spitting it out. You need to swish it around and gargle until you feel it tingling. Once it starts tingling you know that its time to spit it out. That is what I do every morning.

So we have just talked about how to get rid of bad breath with two simple tips. There are even simpler ways to get the job done also using ingredients that you have in your house right now. You can easily annihilate bad breath in 3 days using techniques from the Bad Breath Report. Check it out here

Hi my names Steve and if you want even more tips please visit http://www.consumerdeals.info/BadBreath

 

Dental Health and Bad Breath

                

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Poor dental hygiene and periodontal disease can be a source of bad breath. If you don?t brush and floss daily, food particles remain in your mouth, collecting bacteria and emitting hydrogen sulfur vapors. A colorless, sticky film of bacteria (plaque) forms on your teeth.

If not brushed away, plaque can irritate your gums (gingivitis) and cause tooth decay, Eventually, plaque-filled pockets can form between your teeth and gums (periodontitis), worsening this problem and your breath. Dentures that aren?t cleaned regularly or do not fit properly also can harbor odor-causing bacteria and food particles.

If you do not brush and floss daily, particles of food remain in the mouth, collecting bacteria, which can cause bad breath. Food that collects between the teeth, on the tongue and around the gums can rot, leaving an unpleasant odor. Dentures that are not cleaned properly can also harbor odor-causing bacteria and food particles.

One of the warning signs of periodontal (gum) disease is persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth. Periodontal disease is caused by plaque, the sticky, colorless film of bacteria that constantly forms on teeth. The bacteria create toxins that irritate the gums. In the advanced stage of the disease, the gums, bone and other structures that support the teeth become damaged. With regular dental checkups, your dentist can detect and treat periodontal disease early.

Bad breath is also caused by dry mouth (xerostomia), which occurs when the flow of saliva decreases. Saliva is necessary to cleanse the mouth and remove particles that may cause odor. Dry mouth may be caused by various medications, salivary gland problems or continuously breathing through the mouth. If you suffer from dry mouth, your dentist may prescribe an artificial saliva, or suggest you using sugarless candy and increasing your fluid intake.

Eliminating periodontal disease and maintaining good oral health is essential to reducing bad breath. Schedule regular dental visits for a professional cleaning and checkup. If you think you have constant bad breath, keep a log of the foods you eat and make a list of medications you take. Some medications may play a role in creating mouth odors. Let your dentist know if you?ve had any surgery or illness since your last appointment.

Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste to remove food debris and plaque. Brush your tongue, too. Once a day, use floss or an interdental cleaner to clean between teeth. If you wear removal dentures take them at night. Clean them thoroughly before replacing them the next morning.

Mouthwashes are generally cosmetic and do not have a long-lasting effect on bad breath. If you must constantly use a breath freshener to hide unpleasant mouth odor, see your dentist, If you need extra help in controlling plaque, your dentist may recommend using a special antimicrobial mouth rinse. A fluoride mouth rinse, used along with brushing and flossing, can prevent tooth decay.

Regular checkups will allow your dentist to detect any problems such as periodontal disease, a dry mouth or other disorders that may be the cause. Maintaining good oral hygiene, eliminating periodontal disease and scheduling regular professional cleanings are essential to reducing bad breath.

Jim Martinez is a National Sales Director for Ameriplan USA, offering discount dental, prescription, health, vision and chiropractic plans. Get information on Ameriplan discount dental plans and more health related articles.

 

Coffee and Bad Breath- Do I Really Have To Give It Up?

                

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It takes a strong willed individual not to be enticed by the seductive aroma of freshly brewed coffee. Even non-coffee drinkers find the smell of delicately roasted Arabica beans quite irresistible. Cast your mind back to the last time you walked by your local coffee house and the scent of your favourite blend wafted up your nostrils.You can?t help but be taken in, but beware fellow coffee lovers this seductive beverage is bad news for your Bad Breath and can make mild bad breath smell 10 times worse!

Scientific research has proven that the cause of Bad Breath in 90% of cases is caused by foul smelling chemical compounds called ?Volatile Sulphur Compounds? that are produced by bacteria that live below the surface of your tongue. These delightful little organisms live in an environment that is quite acidic and they multiple like crazy when their environment become even more acidic.

What?s the connection between having Bad Breath and drinking coffee I hear you ask . Well coffee both caffeinated and decaffeinated are both highly acidic. Each time you have a cup of coffee you are lowering the pH inside your mouth , that is you are making it more acidic. Under acidic conditions the bacteria that produce the foul smelling compounds that give you Bad Breath have a party and multiply very rapidly indeed.

The result being on the one hand you?ve drunk a satisfying cup of coffee and on the other hand you are left with a foul, sour odour in your mouth that breath mints and gum will only cover up for a max of 15 minutes or so.

So the message is simple drinking coffee does contribute to having Bad Breath, if you want to clear up your Bad Breath then begin to limit your consumption and you will see a difference.

There are other popular beverages that are bad news for Bad Breath that you may not be aware of, to find out more visit us at:www.TheFreshBreathSite.com

Having Bad Breath is no laughing matter. It affects millions of people worldwide and is a relatively simple condition to treat once you've identified the cause behind it . Here at TheFreshBreathSite we aim to provide the information to make you fully aware of the causes of Bad Breath and the simple steps you can take overnight to help clear it up.

So feel free to visit us online at : http://www.TheFreshBreathSite.com

Why Tongue Scraping Alone Won't Cure Your Bad Breath

                

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In the continuing battle against Bad Breath Tongue Scrapers are all the rage it seems. Every Fresh Breath kit on the market hails them as their secret weapon. Tongue Scrapers are not a modern invention, did you know that many ancient civilisations routinely used tongue Scrapers as part of their daily cleansing routine?

Scientific research has proven that the cause of Bad Breath in 90% of cases is caused by the foul smelling compounds produced by bacteria that live below the surface of your tongue. Under certain conditions these bacteria thrive and break down proteins very rapidly and produce nasty smelling compounds known as ?Volatile Sulphur Compounds? which cause your breath to smell.

If you look at your tongue in the mirror you will see that there are many fibre-like projections on the surface called ?papillae?. You can liken the papillae to the fibres in a Shagpile carpet . Bacteria do not live on the surface layer of your tongue they live at the base layer of your tongue between the papillae where there is very little oxygen available. The bacteria flourish in acidic environments without oxygen.

When you scrape your tongue you are removing debris such as food particles, mucous and bacteria. The aim is to expose the bottom layer of the tongue where the bacteria are found. This is beneficial for 2 reasons:
1. You are removing the layer of ?junk? that has been shielding the bacteria and allowing them to multiply
2. You are preparing the surface of the tongue to receive a new compound that will dramatically reduce the amount of foul smelling compounds that will be produced in future, and hence clear up your bad breath.

That vital compound is Oxygen, after you?ve scraped your tongue you must deliver oxygen to the bacteria so that the amount of volatile sulphur compounds they produce will be drastically reduced meaning fresher breath for you! So you must rinse your mouth with an Oxygenating Mouthwash after you have scraped your tongue, but beware ?Not All Mouthwashes Are Created Equal !?

Some mouthwashes contain an ingredient that can actually make your breath smell even worse! For more insider Bad Breath Remedies and if you want to learn how to make your own Oxygenating mouthwash at home for a fraction of the price of many commercial mouthwashes then please visit us at : www.TheFreshBreathSite.com

For further information on what compounds to use to reduce your Bad Breath and for easy Bad Breath Home Remedies feel free to visit us at : http://www.TheFreshBreathSite.com

Pet Bad Breath

                

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Bad breath among pets like cats and dog are a very common medical condition. Bad breath is an unpleasant odor coming out of the pet's mouth.

The main cause of pet bad breath is periodontal disease. The small particles of food that remain on the teeth of a pet for a long time starts to decompose. This decomposed food causes the growth of bacteria and the combination of bacteria, decomposed food and saliva produces plaque. Plaque is a soft yellowish coating on the surface of the tooth which creates bad odor. If unchecked it hardens and becomes tartar. The tartar that builds up on the teeth causes infection, inflammation and redness of the gums. The tartar infects the area where the gum and teeth meet and causes it to bleed separating the tooth from the gums. When the gums recede it breakdowns the structure that holds the teeth in the jaw. This way it creates more space for the bacteria and plaque to accumulate, worsening the situation and triggering bad breath. This tartar accumulation leads to periodontal disease and in severe cases the pet can even loose its teeth.

Another cause of bad breath in pets is sticking of food particles, hair or any external objects in their teeth or under the gums which when mixed with mouth air produces bad odor. In young pets, shedding of the baby teeth for new ones may produce foul smell. Though this is temporary and goes away once the pet develops new teeth. Other causes that lead to bad breath include liver or kidney diseases.

It is important to ensure timely routine checkups and cleanliness of pets to avoid bad breath among pets. Regular brushing of pet's teeth, using mouthwashes and sprays to remove plaque ensures that the tartar does not build up. Diet also plays an important role in dental health and in the removal of bad breath. Crunchy biscuits, chewy treats and medicated bones minimize dental plaques. Removal of tartar from teeth or removal of the infected teeth also treats pet bad breath. Timely visits to a veterinarian is very important to minimize pet bad breath and for the overall health of a pet.

Bad Breath provides detailed information on Bad Breath, Bad Breath Cure, Cause Of Bad Breath, Stop Bad Breath and more. Bad Breath is affiliated with Clear Braces.

Chronic Bad Breath

                

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Bad breath, also known as Halitosis, is an unpleasant smell that emanates from the mouth. Sometimes an individual is completely unaware of the problem until informed by a member of the family or a friend. Suffering from chronic bad breath can be a cause of embarrassment.

Bad breath is caused by the breakdown of protein by bacteria in the mouth. When the bacteria feed on food and breakdown the proteins they produce a byproduct known as volatile sulfur compounds (VSC). Volatile sulfur compounds (VSC) include gases such as hydrogen sulphide and mercaptan mix. When these gases mix with the mouth air, they create unpleasant or bad odor.

Halitosis or chronic bad breath is caused by the kind of food that is eaten. Certain foods like garlic, ginger and onions are absorbed in the bloodstream and passed on to the lungs, from where they are excreted, and because they are strong smelling they cause bad breath.

Periodontal (gum) disease or tooth decay leads to accumulation of sticky, colorless bacteria on the teeth and gums. The bacteria irritate the gums and creates bad odor. Dry mouth or xerostomia is another cause for chronic bad breath. Saliva acts as a natural mouthwash which cleanses the mouth of bacteria that creates bad smell. Prolonged dryness of mouth does not wash the bacteria from the mouth and leads to bad breath.

Alcohol and medications when exhaled through lungs mix with the air in the mouth and creates a foul smell. Poor digestion and stomach ailments have also been noted as a reason of chronic bad breath. Prolonged dieting or fasting is another cause of bad breath. The body begins to breakdown fat and protein when starved for too long and this metabolism produces bad odor.

Other reasons leading to chronic bad breath include throat infections, sinusitis, gastritis, bronchitis, liver and kidney ailments, hormonal changes, stagnation of food in the stomach and poor oral hygiene.

Bad Breath provides detailed information on Bad Breath, Bad Breath Cure, Cause Of Bad Breath, Stop Bad Breath and more. Bad Breath is affiliated with Clear Braces.

Bad Breath Picture

                

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What would a bad breath picture look like? Obviously it's impossible to take a picture of an odor: we can't see a smell. The mention of bad breath, however, does conjure up a mental picture - perhaps a picture of people stepping back or leaning away from someone they're having a conversation with; perhaps a picture of swollen inflamed gums and decaying teeth; perhaps a picture of a sleep-disheveled person gargling with mouthwash in front of the mirror in the morning. It's likely different for everyone.

A bad breath tester would be helpful because many people believe that they have bad breath when they don't, and they often get that impression because people step away from them when they speak. In reality the movement is often involuntary or, at worst, the cause is an odor of garlic or onions, cigarette smoke, or some other transient breath odor. The mental bad breath picture of people moving away when you speak is misleading, and it contributes to a general mentality that everyone's breath smells bad.

In reality, everyone's breath does smell bad - sometimes. For most people it's an occasional thing and not something to worry about. And unfortunately, there's really no such thing as a personal bad breath tester. Some authorities suggest licking your wrist and then smelling that to judge just how bad the bad breath picture is. This may or may not work - if your suspicion that you have bad breath is based on an unpleasant taste in your mouth, perhaps from onions, strong cheese, or dry mouth from a head cold, your nose is unlikely to be able to overcome what your tongue is telling you.

A better bad breath tester is a physician or a good friend. Someone else's nose is a much better judge than your own. Pick someone you trust to give you the true bad breath picture and, preferably, ask them to check on several different occasions so you will know whether the problem is ongoing or transient. This should help you to figure out if it is associated with some thing you are eating or perhaps another personal habit, or if the problem is an ongoing one that requires treatment.

If your bad breath tester is a doctor or a dentist, and the bad breath picture is, well, bad, use the opportunity to discuss possible health causes and the best approach to treatment. If you've used the good nature of a close friend, make an appointment with your doctor or dentist before trying over the counter or mail order products, just to be sure there isn't some important health consideration you've missed.

R. Drysdale is a freelance writer with more than 25 years experience as a health care professional. She is a contributing editor to Bad Breath Picture, a blog dedicated to the treatment of bad breath.

 

Bad behavior or bad breath - why is your dog chewing the table leg?

                

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I once knew a man who gave away his border collie because the dog chewed on his furniture while he was at work. The dog's second family discovered the pooch had bleeding gums and two rotten teeth. Their vet removed the two bad teeth and cleaned the rest. While they were prepared to bring in an obedience trainer, they didn't have to because the dog never chewed up anything again.

When a dog that never used to chew things starts chewing, it's a good idea to let a veterinarian rule out physical problems, such as teeth and gum problems. You and I know how awful a tooth ache can be - how we press the side of our face, against the offending tooth to relive pain? Since dogs can't do that, they may chew on something hard, like the leg of a chair, to help relieve the pain. Sometimes there really are medical reasons for bad behavior that dog training isn't going to fix.

Poor oral condition in dogs and cats can lead to heart and kidney disease, as well as painful tooth aches, or gum disease. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, oral disease is the No. 1 health problem diagnosed in dogs and cats! But if you follow the steps below, you'll increase your pet's chances of a lifetime of healthy, pearly whites:

1. At least once a year, make an appointment with your veterinarian for an exam and dental cleaning if necessary and schedule follow-ups if you discover swollen gums.

2. Develop an at-home dental care routine that includes a nutritious diet and yes, regular brushing. While it's best to start when they are young, with patience and persistence on your part, even an older animal can get used to having their teeth brushed and they may even enjoy the extra attention. And nix the table scraps - they cause plaque build up.

If, after devoting attention to your pet's oral health needs, you find the chewing continues, then you have a behavioral problem and you'll want to seek professional help. To learn more, visit http://www.ezniche.com/data/article.php?l=83.

Patricia Collier is owner of FloridaPets.net which offers pet-friendly information to Florida residents and visitors, including where to vacation, play, dine, live and more.

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

                

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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).

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/web/art/L-HTCWT.asp