Let's Talk...from A Distance: Getting Real About Bad Breath

                

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Bad breath isn't something anyone wants to deal with, either in themselves or in someone else. Despite our desires, however, it really is a fact of life at least occasionally. While some people certainly do suffer from chronic bad breath, most of us don't. Along with basic oral hygiene, I've outlined a few ideas below for people suffering from isolated instances.

I should make it clear, however, that if you do follow the basic oral hygiene below and still suffer from chronic bad breath, you should consult your family doctor. Bad breath can actually be a symptom of many serious illnesses and it's something you should have your doctor explore it. This article is geared towards the average person who just needs the occasional freshening up.

If you're not keeping up on your oral hygiene, then you have no right to complain about your bad breath, so let's start there. At bare minimum, you should be brushing your teeth every morning and every evening. You should probably do more than that, but we'll call this the absolute bottom line. Also, when you brush, you should brush over your tongue as well because it can play host and home to all kinds of little nasties.

Once you've taken care of the bottom line, you need to know that many things throughout the day are going to have an effect on your breath. The most effective (albeit anal-retentive) option is to carry a toothbrush and toothpaste with you at all times. This way, after a drink, snack or cigarette, you can fully brush your teeth.

For most of us, however, we prefer a pocket sized option that doesn't require a quick trip to the bathroom. Generally, the options we have under these criteria are gum, mints and mint-strips.

Gum loses its flavor and effect quickly and the actual act of chewing is generally considered unprofessional, at best, and downright rude, at worst. You also have to make sure that you have ready access to a waste basket and regular gum chewing can make you feel bloated, as you take in quite a bit of air while you chew.

Mints are better as they last longer and don't have the same social stigma, but they can often take quite awhile to dissolve. We can shortcut this by biting through them, but this usually leads to a mint-burst that is downright painful. Also, mints tend to be the highest in calories of our three options, which makes them the least healthy.

Mint strips are my choice as they combine the best of both worlds. They work fast, like gum, but dissolve in an instant unlike mints. They are almost free of calories, require no trashcan and tend to last for a long time. The tiny packaging is the final bonus which steers me towards them.

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Facts About Bad Breath

                

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It is always a good idea to consult your doctor if you have any persistent medical or health problem, even something as trivial as bad breath. It helps if you can follow some tips for maintaining general hygiene to see if the problem cannot be cured without a prescription.

Bad breath is mostly a result of bacterial grows in the mouth. There are certain bacteria that grown in dry places. So a dry mouth due to reduced saliva increases saliva growth. Low saliva also means that food is not rinsed out of the mouth.

The production can be affected by various factors. There are some very simple causes related to the environment (the mouth goes dry when we sleep that is why the smell is no powerful in the morning), and more complex reasons like disease and diet. Secretion of saliva reduces with increasing age. Dehydration that can result from heat or alcohol consumption is also a contributing factor. Snoring can also result in dry a mouth giving rise to morning-breath-syndrome.

There are some diseases than can cause, or worsen, a bad breath problem. Most of these diseases come in the form in infections in the respiratory tract.

There are many over the counter and prescription drugs that also cause dehydration or specifically dryness in the mouth and throat. Antihistamines that are taken for relief from allergies usually have this side effect. Other medications include high blood pressure and therapeutic drugs for depression and similar problems. Alcoholic beverages as well as mouthwashes containing alcohol are also suspect in this regard. Most people do not pay attention to alcohol in mouthwashes, assuming this is good, but it is actually bad.

Cigarette (or other forms of tobacco) smoking is another reason for dryness of mouth. Smoking also causes several oral side effects. The precise cause of this is unknown but it is well known that smoking can indirectly result in promoting bad breath. If you have a natural bad breath problem then you can fully expect smoking to magnify the situation.

Though the body's immune system is good at fighting off various infections it is practically powerless against bacterial infections that lead to problems like bad breath. This happens because the bacteria are anaerobic (without oxygen) meaning a lack of oxygen is needed for them to thrive. The function of saliva is to circulate oxygen on the surface of the the mouth, tongue, gums, and throat. When there is no saliva, and hence no oxygen, the bacteria begin to multiply creating sulfurous compounds such as hydrogen sulfide (the same chemical responsible for the smell of rotten eggs).

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Why Do Pets Have Bad Breath?

                

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Pet owners probably agree that their cat or dog may not have the loveliest breath. Imagine how your mouth would smell if you did not brush your teeth for months at a time! Not a pleasant thought, is it? It is important to pay attention to the dental health of our pets, just as we take care of our own teeth, so we can try to prevent gum disease, tooth loss and other health problems.

The main reason that pets have bad breath (halitosis) is because they have gum disease. By age three, at least 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats have some form of gum disease. Just because cats and dogs do not eat a diet filled with sugary or sticky foods, does not mean they would not accumulate tartar. Once food particles and bacteria collect along the gum line, plaque begins to form, in the same way it does on humans. Their owners can remove plaque for their pets. But once this sticky plaque adheres to the teeth, it turns into hard tartar within a week. Only a veterinarian can successfully remove this yellowish-brown tartar from the teeth of your pets.

Other reasons your pet may have bad breath are: (1) Eating smelly foods; (2) Diabetes; (3) Respiratory diseases; (4) Tonsillitis; (5) Gastrointestinal problems; and (6) Bacterial or viral infections.

If the tartar is not removed, the gums of your pet will begin to redden and swell with the first stage of gum disease (gingivitis) and you will notice their less-than-sweet breath. Your pet may also have problems chewing hard food, paw at their mouth or even seem depressed. If any of these symptoms appear, it is time to take action!

If nothing is done to relieve the symptoms of gingivitis, the health of your pets could deteriorate quickly. Their gums may pull away from the teeth, leaving pockets where bacteria can thrive. This can lead to tooth loss or abscesses. In some situations, the bacteria may enter the bloodstream, causing infections in heart valves, liver and kidneys.

Establishing a regular dental care program. Take your pet to the veterinarian. Upon examination, a vet may determine that teeth of your pets need to be cleaned. It is normal for cats and dogs to have cleanings once a year, some older pets may need twice yearly cleanings. Talk to your vet about the procedure and what is best for your pet.

Daily home care is required for your pets. One of the best ways to avoid bad breath and gum disease is to clean the teeth of the pets daily. You may think that your pet will never put up with having their teeth cleaned, but your pet can be trained to sit still long enough for it! Your vet can give you tips. Do not use your own toothpaste on your pet (as it could cause stomach problems). Special toothbrushes and toothpaste are available for pets. Talk to your vet to see which one they recommend.

Adequate nutrition helps. There are pet foods that are specifically aimed at reducing the risk of dental diseases. Avoid giving your pets sweet treats. Your cat may love ice-cream, and your dog may look forward to drinking the leftover milk in your cereal bowl, but the sugary satisfaction will harm their teeth!

Any abnormalities in the appearance or personality of your cat or dog should be reported to the vet. The problems may include: (1) Bad breath; (2) Swollen, red gums; (3) Tartar or lesions along the gum line; (4) Pain or bleeding when touching the gums; (5) Discolored teeth; (6) Bumps around or in the mouth; and (7) Losing weight, disinterest in food, or in activity.

The bottom line is this: You brush your teeth at least twice every day, and therefore, your pet should have his teeth cleaned every day too. He may not have minty-fresh breath, but at least you will be doing everything you can to keeping your pet healthy.

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Bad Breath, Halitosis And Home Remedies

                

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When the Webmaster of www.breathbadgone.com asked me to write an article on halitosis (bad breath) I was thrilled. Strange, you say, that I should be enthused about the subject of halitosis (bad breath)? As an RN for over 25 years I have smelled many, many kinds of breath/ halitosis, and found that breath is a wonderful diagnostic tool. It can tell me how sick the patient is, and sometimes even what they have. I once worked with a wonderful doctor in the emergency room, who asked me what I smelled in the breath of a particular patient. We both felt we smelled a candida/yeast infection, and sure enough, that?s just what it turned out to be! Bad breath/ halitosis is always a sign that something else is going on, and I?d like to share with you a few interesting cases and general principles in this regard.

I have a friend who is a sensitive person. We were sitting at a table and I asked him how his day was. He said OK, but his breath was bad and his stomach seemed upset. After I asked a few more questions he finally let on he that he?d had an argument with his employer. As he was telling his story he drank the big glass of water I had given him. And as soon as he?d unburdened his feelings and the water was gone? so was his bad breath/ halitosis. The moral of this story? dehydration and emotional issues can both affect our breath.

Many patients who come to the emergency room have bad breath. Simply giving them fluids (water or salt water intravenously) not only helps their primary condition, but the bad breath as well. You don?t have to be in the Sahara desert to get dehydrated. Everyone needs to drink abundant water each day.

Small babies do not have bad breath/ halitosis when they are healthy. Bad breath (halitosis) is a sign that something is wrong and needs attention. Healthy toddlers don?t have bad breath either, so when babies, toddlers or growing children develop bad breath, the following factors usually play a role: dehydration, stress, wrong foods, bad digestion and poor dental health.

Indeed, these are the same top causes of bad breath in adults, followed by digestive problems and infections, for which one should seek medical help. A great remedy for infections of all kinds, whether viral/ bacterial/ parasite and candida, or yeast, is Oil of Oregano. Oil of Oregano is an all-natural remedy that is as strong as pharmaceutical antibiotics, but with no side effects. It is also a great first aid remedy to have on hand.

I could go on and on about the distinct varieties of bad breath smells among those who drink alcohol, who smoke, who have diabetes, internal bleeding, liver diseases, or cancer. But I will spare you the unsavory details. The point is to focus on clean breath, and to heal the underlying causes of bad breath, which will give you better health and more enjoyment of your life. By welcoming bad breath/ halitosis as an opportunity to take preventive measures, you will be doing yourself a world of good.

May your breath be sweet!

Pieternel van Giersbergen

? 2005 Pieternel van Giersbergen. www.pieternel.com

Pieternel has been an R.N for over 25 years. She develops natural products for preventive health and is an expert on natural health issues. This article was written for www.badbreathgone.com

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

                

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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.