Bad Breath and Acid Reflux

                

>>  Click Here To Know The Symptoms, Causes & Effective Cures For Bad Breath <<

 

Is there a connection between bad breath and acid reflux? Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition where stomach contents return up the esophagus, sometimes all the way to the mouth, causing heartburn and an unpleasant bitter taste. Many professionals and health writers list GERD as a possible cause of bad breath, but few go into any detail about what produces the bad odor. Given that there may be a demonstrable connection, there are a couple of explanations we can consider.

First, symptoms of bad breath and acid reflux often strike after consumption of a large meal. Many foods, though we love to eat them, don't smell too good on the breath afterwards. These include garlic (probably the best known food cause of bad breath), onions, strong cheeses, spicy foods, alcoholic beverages, and a number of other foods. When a recently consumed meal is pushed back up the esophagus, it wouldn't be surprising that an unpleasant smell is produced on the breath.

Secondly, it's no secret that one's stomach contents don't smell too good. The stomach is an acid environment where foods start to break down in preparation for digestive processes in the intestine. If enough time has passed since the food was consumed, stomach contents that return up the esophagus in a case of GERD will have the sharp acidic smell of vomit - an unpleasant odor producing an atypical halitosis and suggesting a link between bad breath and acid reflux.

Thirdly, in cases of chronic GERD, acid stomach liquids repeatedly come in contact with, and burn, the lining of the esophagus. Because the damage recurs frequently, the tissue never has time to heal completely and is thus chronically irritated with continual production of dead tissue. Dead tissue has an unpleasant odor, and when it is present in the esophagus, it's likely to produce an indirect connection between bad breath and acid reflux.

But, the truth is, there doesn't seem to be a really strong correlation between bad breath and acid reflux itself. A relatively low percentage of people with GERD experience chronic halitosis. Instead, researchers recently reported at the 71st Annual Scientific Meeting of the American College of Gastroenterology (2006) that there is an apparent connection between proton pump inhibitors (drugs commonly used to treat GERD), and chronic bad breath. The drugs, it seems, may cause an overgrowth of odor producing bacteria in the mouth - and anaerobic odor producing bacteria in the mouth are by far the most common cause of chronic halitosis.

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 Guide, a blog dedicated to the treatment of bad breath.

Diabetes and Bad Breath

                

>>  Click Here To Know The Symptoms, Causes & Effective Cures For Bad Breath <<

 

There is a commonly held association between diabetes and bad breath; however, the breath odor directly caused by diabetes is not the same as halitosis in the usual sense. Diabetics experience an unusual odor, often described as a sweet or fruity odor, on the breath when they are suffering from ketoacidosis. Ketoacidosis is a severe life threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention.

In an undiagnosed diabetic child bad breath caused by ketoacidosis may be the first sign of serious disease. Ketoacidosis is most often seen in Type I diabetics, individuals whose pancreas does not produce enough insulin to allow their cells to take in glucose for metabolism (also the most common form of childhood diabetes). When cells need energy but cannot get it because of lack of insulin, the body attempts to rectify the situation by breaking down fat instead. The metabolism of fat produces acidic ketones, which build up in the bloodstream making it more and more acidic. The body tries to get rid of some of the ketones by expelling them in the urine and in the breath. This is what gives rise to the association between diabetes and bad breath.

When ketoacidosis is the cause of either adult or child bad breath, the breath odor problem is insignificant compared to the danger posed by the building acidity in the blood. Other symptoms of ketoacidosis include thirst and frequent urination, fatigue, nausea, aching muscles, sleepiness, coma, and rapid breathing. If you have, or suspect you have, diabetes and bad breath is associated with any of these symptoms, seek medical attention urgently.

It's possible, of course that one might have diabetes and bad breath that is not caused by ketoacidosis but arises from some other underlying problem. If ketoacidosis can be ruled out, treat the problem as would any healthy person: consider whether there is any acute or chronic infection that might be causing the trouble. Are you feeling well? Sinusitis, gum disease, throat infection, deep abscesses and malignancies can all cause both adult and child bad breath.

If there is no obvious underlying health problem that needs to be addressed, many of the products on the market today for treating chronic and uncomplicated halitosis are safe and appropriate for those with diabetes and bad breath. Consult your doctor before using anything that might affect your blood sugar levels and, of course, when treating a case of uncomplicated child bad breath, make doubly sure that a chosen breath product is safe for them.

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

How Bad Is Your Breath? 14 Simple Tips For Reducing Mouth Odor.

                

>>  Click Here To Know The Symptoms, Causes & Effective Cures For Bad Breath <<

 

Bad breath, morning breath, breath odor or halitosis are all terms used to describe a noticeably unpleasant odor exhaled on the breath. Halitosis is not a problem by itself, but it can cause concerns in our interpersonal relationships.

We are all familiar with how the consumption of certain foods such as garlic and onions can affect our breath. This occurs because these foods are absorbed into our bloodstream, where they are transferred to our lungs and exhaled. Fortunately, bad breath caused by the foods we eat is only temporary.

The truth is, most breath odor comes from food particles trapped in our mouths. When food remains in the mouth, it becomes a breeding ground for the bacteria that can cause bad breath. Other causes can include poor oral health, improper cleaning of dentures, periodontal disease as well as smoking & tobacco products. Bad breath can also be sign of an underlying medical condition of the stomach, lungs and bloodstream.

Another little known situation that can contribute to halitosis is xerostomia (dry mouth). When our mouth is dry, saliva production decreases, leaving the mouth's natural ability to clean itself impaired. Saliva is the mouth's natural mouthwash, which contains properties that reduces bacteria in the mouth. Alcohol consumption, certain medications, breathing through the mouth instead of the nose or a salivary gland disorder can contribute to having a dry mouth.

Recommendations For Wellness

Brush your teeth and rinse your mouth thoroughly after every meal to remove food particle from the mouth.

When you are brushing your teeth, also brush your tongue. The tongue is covered with thousands of tiny hairs that can trap bacteria.

Have regular check-ups with your dentist to rule out gum disease and to correct any faulty restorations, overhanging fillings or leaking crowns, all of which can trap food in the mouth.

Chew sugarless gum or suck on sugarless lozenges to increase the flow of saliva.

If your mouth is dry, drink plenty of water. Try swooshing it around in your mouth for at least twenty seconds to loosen any food particles the bacteria can feed upon.

Avoid breath mints and mouthwashes that contain alcohol. Instead of helping, they can make things worse. They only temporarily cover the smell and tend to dry the mouth, creating a more favorable environment for bacteria.

Snacking on vegetables such as raw celery or carrots can keep plaque from forming.

If you are going to an important meeting or on a big date, avoid foods that can cause bad breath, such as onions and garlic.

Avoid alcohol and caffeine consumption, which can dry the mouth.

Quit smoking. Tar and nicotine can build up on the surface of the teeth, tongue and cheeks. It can also dry the mouth and inhibit saliva flow.

Chlorophyll is a natural breath freshener and is found in leafy green vegetables like parsley.

A few drops of peppermint or tea tree oil can be applied to the tongue or toothbrush to help freshen the breath. In addition to its refreshing nature, their antibacterial properties will kill the bacteria found in the mouth.

Baking soda has a long history of being used to maintain good oral health and for fighting bad breath.

A mixture of 50% hydrogen peroxide and 50% water can be swooshed around in the mouth and used as a mouthwash. Hydrogen peroxide can kill many of the bacteria that can cause bad breath.

Naturopathic Physician, Dr. Rita Louise, Ph.D. is the author of the books "Avoiding the Cosmic 2x4" and "The Power Within". It is it is her unique gift as a medical intuitive and clairvoyant that illuminates and enlivens her work. Visit http://www.soulhealer.com or call (972) 475-3393 for more information.

Post Nasal Drip and Nasal Sinus Congestion Will Transform a Case of 'Normal' Breath Into Bad Breath and 'Bad' Breath into Horrib

                

>>  Click Here To Know The Symptoms, Causes & Effective Cures For Bad Breath <<

 

Post Nasal Drip and Nasal Sinus Congestion Will Transform a Case of 'Normal' Breath into BAD Breath and 'Bad' Breath into Horrible Breath!

Bad breath is very closely related to post nasal drip, excess mucus, sinus problems, your tonsils, and tonsiloliths.

In my book "The Bad Breath Bible" I discuss how the bacteria which causes bad breath and sour/bitter/metallic tastes are anaerobic, meaning they live without oxygen. The bacteria's goal in life is to break down the proteins in foods that we eat. However, under certain conditions, they will also start to break down the proteins found in post nasal drip.

Therefore, those people who suffer from post nasal drip, sinus problems, and other such ailments are more prone to bad breath and lousy tastes in their mouth. The anaerobic bacteria uses the post nasal drip mucus as a food source and starts to extract sulfur compounds from the amino acids that make up the proteins found in all this excess mucus.

Scientifically, the anaerobic bacteria that cause bad breath "love" the amino acids Cysteine and Methionine. These amino acids are the building blocks of the proteins that are found in post nasal drip, and can even be found in dairy foods. In fact, most people notice that when they drink too much milk or eat too much cheese, they end up with more mucous or phlegm in their throat. This is a natural reaction for many people and unfortunately, ends up causing more bad breath and a lousy taste in your mouth.

If you still have your tonsils, you may be harboring a higher number of the bacteria which can lead to an "interesting" and very often misunderstood phenomenon, called TONSILOLITHS. Literally translated, they are "tonsil stones" produced by the conglomeration of post nasal drip mucus draining down the back of the throat, and the volatile sulfur compounds created by the bacteria. These bacteria easily end up in the "nooks and crannies" of the tonsils every time one swallows. I can't tell you how many stories I've heard from my patients who asked their dentist what these objects were, and more often than not the answer was 'food particles'. This couldn't be further from the truth!

What can you do if you suffer from post nasal drip, excess mucus, and sinus congestion? There are essentially only a few different routes that you can take:

1. Use medication and or drugs to dry up the sinuses and prevent post nasal drip mucus buildup - all the while being careful to avoid a dry mouth, a likely side-effect of virtually all antihistamines. Dry mouth is the most common initiator of bad breath because it mimics an anaerobic environment, perfect for the "bugs" to pump out volatile sulfur compounds. You should be careful about using any antihistamine too frequently - many are habit forming!

2. Use TheraBreath Nasal Sinus Formula. I recommend squeezing 3-4 drops into each nostril and then lightly inhaling to move the potent formula through the sinuses twice daily. Most people can finally experience that fresh breath and taste feeling after the formula effectively eliminates the production of sulfur compounds created by the reaction of post nasal drip and the anaerobic sulfur producing bacteria.

3. For chronic post nasal drip and sinus problems, many patients will find relief by using the HydroPulse. This is an amazingly effective nasal-sinus irrigator, designed by an Ear Nose & Throat specialist to flush the sinuses. It works even better when you add just 2-3 drops of AktivOxigen serum into the trough before each use.

4. Minimize the amount of post nasal drip in your throat and sinuses, and eliminate the #1 side effect of excess mucus (bad breath!) by using oxygenating oral care products, such as TheraBreath, TheraBreath PLUS, AktivOxigen, PerioTherapy, and TheraBrite.

Medication and drugs MAY help prevent post nasal drip, but at what cost?

There are dozens of different over-the counter nasal decongestants and antihistamines you can use to help relieve congestion and dry up post nasal drip symptoms. Some of them are very good at what they claim but mostly they are TOO GOOD! They create an extremely dry mouth, which exacerbates bad breath. Even in cases where the dry mouth side effect is minimal, when you stop taking that medication the problem comes back, and almost always with a vengeance! This is because in some cases, your body will actually develop a resistance to any antihistamines or nasal decongestants, especially nasal sprays. You must be careful, because many sprays are habit forming - but NOT TheraBreath formulas!

Suffice it to say, using over-the-counter nasal decongestants and antihistamines should NOT be an option that you pursue. Instead, I suggest using a nasal-irrigator such as the HydroPulse to flush your sinuses free from post nasal drip mucus.

Nasal irrigation is probably the most effective method of eliminating post nasal drip and helping to control sinus infections. The HydroPulse Sinus Irrigator is an FDA registered device supported by over 37 published medical reports. The unique pulsatile irrigation of the HydroPulse helps to restore ciliary function and relieve post nasal drip. A short period of regular use can stimulate the cilia, which are the tiny hair-like fibers in the nasal sinus passages, to restore their natural protective "sweeping & cleansing" action. When you feel a sinus condition come on, or feel that you have persistent post nasal drip and excess mucus, consistent daily use for 10 days should result in a clearing of the condition. For best results, I recommend a combination of this easy-to-use home instrument with an oxygenating solution such as AktivOxigen serum.

Tips on how to stop bad breath associated with post nasal drip:

For people who don't really have sinus problems, just "off and on" or seasonal post nasal drip, then an alternative (and better) solution might be to minimize the amount of excess mucus in the back of the throat and more importantly to make sure you neutralize the odor caused by this excess mucus.

There are three key formulas that most of my patients find extremely effective at neutralizing the odor caused by post nasal drip:

1. Nasal Sinus Drops - which are highly effective at cleaning the sinuses (a very hard to reach area) of the volatile sulfur compounds that cause bad breath.

2. AktivOxigen Tablets - which can be added to an unflavored oral rinse that you can actually swallow. The solution gets deeper down in the throat than just regular rinsing, and will actually help break down post nasal drip congestion and excess mucus in the throat.

3. Extinguisher Spray - an extremely popular nozzle applicator spray that is very efficient in reaching the back of the throat and tonsils. These are common problem areas for people who suffer from post nasal drip and excess mucus in the throat.

I've been here for the last 10 years to help patients prevent bad breath, sinus congestion, and lousy tastes, and I'll be here for many more years to come.

Dr. Harold Katz, founder of the California Breath Clinics, is a worldwide expert on the topics of bad breath.. To receive your FREE copy of his easy-to-read "Bad Breath Bible" visit: www.therabreath.com/web/art/pnd.asp.