Bad Breath: Five Causes and Five Cures

                

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Bad Breath: Five Causes and Five Cures

Top Five Causes of Bad Breath

1. A dirty mouth. "Ninety percent of mouth odors come from mouth itself--either from the food you eat or bacteria that's already there," says Dr. Richard H. Price spokesman for American Dental Association. "Mouth odor is like any other body odor--the result of microbes living in the body giving off byproducts." In the mouth, this means bacteria that normally live in the mouth interact with food particles, blood, tissue, etc., to create volatile (i.e., stinky) sulfur compounds. If you don't clean properly, the bacteria build up, and next thing you know--that's not toothpaste on your tongue.

2.A mouth out of balance. Certain mouth conditions can exacerbate bacterial growth and odor, such as gum disease and dry mouth. Gum disease causes bloody gums, creating more elements for those pesky bacteria to putrefy. But it is a dry mouth that is the more common cause of bad breath. Saliva helps flush out the mouth, keeping bacteria moving so they don't settle down and multiply, while drier mouth is a breeding ground for bacteria. In spring and summer, allergy medications can dry you out; in winter, dry heat tends to be the culprit.

3. Stinky foods. If it stinks going in, chances are it's going to stink coming out. The obvious offenders are onions, garlic, alcohol and tobacco. And foods don't only create a stench in the mouth. "Plant oils are absorbed and the byproducts enter your bloodstream so you are actually breathing the odors out via your lungs three to four hours later," says Jeannie Moloo, a registered dietitian and spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association. [Full disclosure: Moloo is the author's cousin.]

4.Not enough carbs. You look great after four weeks on Atkins, so how come you still can't get a date? High-protein, low-carb diets cause your body to burn stored fats for fuel instead of carbs and can lead to a condition called ketosis. "As fat burns, ketones build up in the body, and some are released through breath,"explains Moloo. "Unfortunately ketones don't smell particularly good." And bad breath trumps six-pack abs.

5. Illness.Occasionally, bad breath can be a sign of a more serious illness. The most common systemic causes of bad breath are diabetes or GERD (or gastro esophageal reflux disease). Diabetes can also cause ketosis, and the resulting bad breath is sometimes one of first symptoms that lead to diagnosis. GERD is a backflow of acid from the stomach to the esophagus. Less common but possible are liver or kidney disease--when toxins from these organs are excreted through the lungs, causing bad breath.

Top Five Cures

1.Keep it clean. Gum, breath mints, mouthwash ... these are all helpful stopgaps, but they won't cure bad breath. The way to get rid of bad breath for most of us is to brush, floss and tongue scrape twice a day. Yes, for fresh breath, the key is tongue scraping. "You can brush and floss till the cows come home, but it won't help unless you get way back," says Price of the American Dental Association. A tongue scraper is available at most drugstores. Price swears it helped him when he was suffering from bad breath (not something you want in your dentist, he points out). "Now I smell like a petunia," he says. "For most of us, brushing, flossing and tongue scraping twice a day will control bad breath."

2.Keep it moist. The best way to keep the right saliva balance is to drink plenty of water or liquids. To prevent dry mouth in winter, use a humidifier. If you snore or suffer from postnasal drip, try saline nasal spray to keep nasal passages moist.

3. Watch what you eat. Avoiding the main offenders (onion, garlic, tobacco, coffee, etc.) is the best way to avoid food-related bad breath. Dietitian Moloo also cites research that suggests certain foods can help: "Two cups of tea a day can prevent bad breath for some. The polyphenols, a plant chemical in tea, may prevent growth of bacteria responsible for bad breath." You can also chew parsley, which seems to curb offending smells from other foods and bacteria. And cranberries may eliminate offensive smells and make the bacteria less sticky, which makes plaque is less likely to form. Price says sugarless gums that contain xylotol may kill some bacteria and help reduce plaque.

4.Eat some carbs.Apparently the only way to help the ketosis caused by low-carb diets is ... to eat some carbs. Moloo recommends fruits, vegetables and whole grains over frosted doughnuts.

5. See your doctor. If tongue scraping and carbo-loading doesn't do the trick, check with your doctor to see if he or she suspects a more serious cause. Diabetes, GERD or other diseases require specific diagnoses and treatments.

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"How I Banished My Bad Breath and Gum Disease For Life!"
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Bad Breath Symptoms and Cure

                

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Until recently, most treatments have been generally unsuccessful in resolving bad breath conditions. Common treatments such as mouthwashes, mints, chewing gums, mouth sprays, and intestinal cleansings otherwise known as colonics, are simply inadequate. There are many websites offering ?magic? breath products. Of course, these are a waste of money. Serious, persistent, chronic bad breath is now very much treatable.

Some bad breath symptoms are sour taste, metallic taste, post nasal drainage, film on tongue, dry mouth, white nodules on the tonsils, and yellow film. Before revealing the cure here are some further explanations:

A White or Yellow Film on the Tongue

This is a very common observation we see in halitosis sufferers. It is caused by the accumulation of bacteria and nasal mucous, and tends to be heaviest in the posterior regions of the tongue. The removal of this film typically does not completely eliminate halitosis for most patients. The reason for this is that the anaerobic bacteria that produce halitosis odors are found through out the entire mouth and in the saliva. If you have longer or larger taste buds (papillae), then you will have a greater potential to trap bacteria in the tongue?s papillae. If you have heavy amounts of these yellow or white films there is a good chance you may have halitosis.

We have found that patients who rapidly build up films on their tongue often have ongoing post nasal (mucous) drainage that they may or may not be aware of. It is important to reduce this drainage using the Hydro Pulse sinus irrigator and the Breath-Ease XL saline powder that is available on our website.

Dry Mouth

Dry mouth is a common symptom with people suffering from halitosis, and it is one of the main causes of halitosis. Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, causes a number of changes to occur in the mouth. First of all, the bacteria become more concentrated in the saliva and they tend to volatilize or evaporate more readily into the air. When this occurs, bad breath will be stronger and more noticeable at greater distances.

Additionally, the pH or acid/base balance of the mouth becomes altered, and this provides an environment that is more conducive to the growth of anaerobic bacteria. Because there is less saliva the flushing or cleansing effect of saliva is reduced. This results in more bacteria and cellular debris accumulating in the oral cavity.

Common causes of xerostomia are aging, insufficient fluid intake, using alcohol based mouth rinses, and numerous medications. Some common medications that can cause drying of the mouth are allergy medications, anti-depressives, blood pressure medications, and diuretics just to name a few. Coffee is considered a diuretic. Some less common causes are radiation treatment to the head and neck areas, patients suffering from Sjogrens Syndrome, diabetes, and other auto-immune diseases.

The first and simplest thing we recommend patients do is be sure that they are consuming at least the recommended daily allowance of water which is eight glasses of water per day. Chewing sugarless gum also helps to increase salivary flow while chewing. Despite numerous products claiming they can eliminate or significantly improve dry mouth conditions, we have only found one product so far that significantly helps the problem. Besides causing halitosis, xerostomia often results in a metallic or bitter taste in the mouth. Without a doubt xerostomia is very difficult to eliminate entirely, but even if a patient?s xerostomia remains we can still effectively treat their halitosis condition.

Dr. Anthony Dailley, DDS, bad breath specialist and halitosis national authority, has successfully treated thousands of patients. Visit http://www.breathcure.com for info on unique treatment kits.

Zinc And Bad Breath

                

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What is the connection between zinc and bad breath? You may have noticed that many mouthwashes and other halitosis remedies on the market contain zinc, even some of the oldest brand names, indicating that we have known for a long time that zinc can help in persistent cases of bad breath. It's true that zinc is an essential trace element known for its role in growth, immunity and healing. It has been incorporated into dietary supplements and skin lotions for many years.

Researchers and those who suffer from halitosis have found that a zinc mouthwash can help a lot. The specific link between zinc and bad breath seems to lie in the element's ability to prevent the production of foul smelling compounds that give halitosis its extremely offensive odor - the odor is actually produced by anaerobic bacteria in the mouth (anaerobes are bacteria that live in the absence of oxygen). If you have ever come across organic material that has been decomposing in an airless environment, such as a plastic bag or a very wet heap of rotting vegetation, you know how foul it can smell. What you smell are volatile sulfur compounds - gases produced by the bacteria that are proliferating in the decaying material. Zinc appears to block the production of these gases in anaerobic bacteria, greatly reducing the objectionable odor of halitosis.

Though most people with halitosis probably do not have an actual dietary deficiency of zinc, this is a possibility. Bad breath has been identified as a symptom of zinc deficiency, suggesting that dietary levels of zinc and bad breath, particularly chronic bad breath, may be closely related. Ensuring that you get adequate levels of zinc in the diet might be as effective as using zinc mouthwash if deficiency is a problem. To increase dietary levels of zinc, eat seafood, red meat, dark meat from chicken, kidney beans, lentils, and nuts such as almonds and cashews. You can also take a dietary supplement.

Because you merely rinse the mouth with zinc mouthwash, this will not raise your body's level of zinc. You will need to actually eat foods rich in zinc or take a supplement in order to correct zinc deficiency. It's also useful to know that certain other foods interfere with the absorption of zinc in foods. Notably, these include dairy products and foods high in fiber. Certain medical conditions and drugs also interfere with absorption. If you have any medical conditions or are on any prescription drugs, or if you suspect a link between zinc and bad breath in your particular case, see you doctor to discuss options for correcting the problem.

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

Do you suffer with Bad Breath?

                

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Did you know that if you have bad breath you can very rarely tell that it coming from you - isn't it mortifying to be told that it is you? Do you feel so embarrassed - well - the answer is simple, yes, simple, and it is relatively easy to keep on top of the problem.

Bad breath is known as halitosis and it is mainly caused by leftover food morsels decaying in the mouth, a process that releases sulphur odours. It is absolutely essential that you floss regularly and brush your tongue as well as your teeth.

Some dentists advise that it is not just decaying food bit actually saliva can play a huge role in bad breath. Saliva helps to wash away bacteria in your mouth and if you have a dry mouth this does not happen.

There are various reasons why you may have a dry mouth; they can be because of medications, sporting activities, anxiety and even talking a lot; poorly fitting dentures or fillings can also cause bad breath so regular visits to dentist can overcome this; spicy foods; tobacco; stress; hormonal changes; periodontal diseases and diabetes could also lead to bad breath.

There are alternative remedies that may help you in your quest for nice breath, zinc supplements; parsley and sprouts, even a few drops of thyme; eucalyptus; tea tree or sage mixed in water can be used as a mouthwash.

So there is no excuse for bad breath these days - hope the above is of assistance to you ... happy breath day.

Further information written by Jenny can be found by visiting http://dreaminterpretationsyte.com

Jenny Gill is an international author with an immense range of knowledge and skills in a wide range of areas. Jenny is a mother and a grandmother and devotes a lot of her time supporting the aged in her community.

Tea Tree Oil for Bad Breath

                

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Bad breath is a terrible flaw in anyone's personality. If you have the perfect face, hair, and body, but have bad breath- you are just good to watch. No matter how perfectly good looking you are, if you have "dragon breath", your total physical package will become useless. And what's worse, this problem can lead to low self confidence and self esteem, which can affect your social life and your relationship to other people.

Bad breath is a common problem to adults. Almost everybody has experienced having bad breath at some points in their lives. There are a number of causes of bad breath, but the most common of all are the odor-causing bacterial that live in our mouth. Alcoholic beverages, raw onions and garlic, dental and gum diseases, and poor oral and dental hygiene play a big role in contributing odor in your mouth.

To be able to maintain fresh-smelling breath, you have to first and foremost practice proper oral and dental hygiene. Brushing your teeth and tongue in the morning, evening and every after meal can lessen the chance of plaque build up in your teeth, which can cause bad breath. Flossing is also a brilliant way in keeping your teeth and gums healthy. There are also several home remedies for bad breath, like gargling lukewarm water with salt, baking soda, or juice of half a lemon before bedtime can help bad breath.

When it comes to herbal remedies for bad breath, chewing anise, parsley, mint, or cloves can promote saliva production. Using tea tree oil for bad breath can help relieve the problem. Tea tree oil is derived form the tea tree leaves. Tea tree oil for bad breath remedy is very useful because it contains antiseptic compounds that make it a strong disinfectant. Use toothpaste with tea tree oil or add a few drops of tea tree oil on your toothbrush alone or on your toothpaste. It has a strong aromatic flavor which can keep your mouth fresh-smelling. You may want to use mouthwash with tea tree oil for bad breath to help cure gum disease that might be one of the causes of your breath problem. Some even soak their dental floss to tea tree oil and find it effective.

Tea tree oil is very helpful in the issue of bad breath. If you are one of those who suffer from bad breath, don't wait until you are avoided by friends or other people that you may encounter for that is very painful. It's going to feel like you are stabbed on your chest. Use tea tree oil for bad breath cure. A few drops on your toothpaste or toothbrush is all it takes.

Milos Pesic is a successful webmaster and owner of  Bad Breath Blog. Visit now to <span>find out all you wanted to know about Bad Breath, Gum Disease and other dental problems.

The top six factors that cause bad breath

                

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Bad breath is something that most people suffer from at one time or another, the good news is there is usually a cure to get rid of this embarrassing problem. The key though is to find the cause and treat it accordingly.

The top six factors for causing bad breath are as follows.

: Bacteria build up on the tongue The major cause of bad breath is a build up of bacteria on the back of the tongue and on the under layers. This can be easily treated with a combination of tools such as oral tongue cleaners and good oral cleaning regime.

: Bad teeth Rotting teeth are an obvious cause of halitosis. If this is indeed the cause then swift dental treatment can erase bad breath overnight. Removing or treating a rotting tooth can cure the problem instantly as once the rotting part of the tooth has been identified the source of the problem will have been removed.

: Food Spicy food is a great culprit and many people are shocked because they think that bad breath caused by such food is limited to the day after consuming the foods in question. The fact is spicy food can cause bad breath for two to three days after a meal and this is why people think the cause lies elsewhere.

: Smoking This is an obvious cause of bad breath and there is not a breath treatment on the market that can combat this area of halitosis. Nicotine literally oozes from every part of your body, inside and out, so the smart way of combating this it to kick the habit.

: Tonsil stones Tonsils can hold a mass of bacteria and also tonsil stones, The combination of both is enough to set loose a mass of foul smelling odours that no amount of teeth or tongue cleaning can cure. The good news is these stones can easily be dissolved and the bacteria obliterated.

: illness It is very rare for an internal illness to cause bad breath but this is an area that should certainly be looked into. If all other methods of breath freshening have failed a doctor should obviously be consulted in order to find out the underlying cause.

The good news is that with good information then 99% of all bad breath cases can be cured. In order to find out the best form of treatment you need to obtain detailed information and find out what the cures are, Most cures can easily be obtained online and in complete confidence.

The free Swift bad breath blasting report can be found at http://atdentist.com/badbreath

Home Care to Reduce Bad Breath

                

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The demand for remedy of halitosis is increasing manifold as the awareness of halitosis among masses is growing day by day. The options for treating halitosis are also growing surprisingly with the increase in its awareness. Market is flooded with a number of products with various claims of eliminating the bad breath problem.

Bad breath can be quite embarrassing at any given point of time. Bad breath is caused by the presence of oral bacteria. However, there are other causes of bad breath too, like onions, garlic, smoking, dryness of the mouth, and gum disease. More people suffer from xerostomia, which is, basically, dryness in the mouth. It occurs during sleep or if you have been speaking for a longer time. The saliva is a special kind of mouth moisture that kills oral bacteria.

You can use commercially available breath fresheners or mouth washes for temporary relief from bad breath. However, most of them are temporary and act by masking the smell producing layers of tongue, once the effect wears off, the bad breath will resurface with renewed vigor.

Using anti-bacterial mouth rinses may provide you better results in controlling bad breath. Always avoid alcohol containing mouth rinses as alcohol is a drying agent and will worsen the problem sooner or later.

Evidence suggests the most effective products are generally unavailable in drugstores and usually found on the internet pharmacies.

Top of the brand home breath tests and antibacterial rinses, toothpastes, gums, mints, and tongue gels are always costlier like any premium product; but unlike the well-known inexpensive brand names, they can really control your problem to a marked degree.

However, you need to be extra cautious in finding remedies on internet as there are chances of you getting ripped off for a higher price or you may not simply find the right medication. In such cases, you will have to do trial and error exercises to find the best pharmacy. Never forget to brush your teeth after meals and a regular flossing at least once in a day will remove putrefying food debris from between the teeth, especially at the gum line and posterior of the tongue.

Gently cleaning the tongue surface twice daily with a tongue brush, tongue scraper or tongue cleaner will help you keep your tongue and teeth in good shape and health.

It is always prudent to go for the permanent solution of the problem rather selecting a short-term measure. It is already discussed that some temporary solution offering products may aggravate the problem instead curing them. Thus always say a no to the temporary solution and go for a remedy, which eliminates the problem from its root forever.

Visit our site for more tips on fighting halitosis from understanding halitosis causes to finding bad breath remedy

Strategies To Minimize Chronic Bad Breath

                

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Bad breath simply comes and goes for some people. Perhaps we only wake up with bad breath in the morning. Or eating certain foods, like onion or pizza. These are more obvious triggers for bad breath. But the bacteria that release the volatile sulfur compounds of bad breath find a great breeding ground in tongues that are coated or lined with cracks. Mucous and phlegm also contain proteins, and these bacteria exist to break down proteins. So if you suffer from phlegmatic nasal conditions, there's a good chance there is an associated increase in bad breath.

However, despite any existing conditions like fissured tongues or excess phlegm, that are more difficult to change, there are things we can avoid to minimize bad breath occurring.

What makes bad breath worse?

* A dry mouth:

Saliva keeps bad breath at bay because it is rich in oxygen. The bacteria that lead to symptoms of bad breath are anaerobic bacteria, meaning they live in an environment that does not have oxygen. When you have a dry mouth you're creating an environment that is more similar to their 'home', one that has little oxygen. So the bacteria thrive, and so does bad breath.

This is a problem for people who sleep with their mouths open, in particular. Breathing through your mouth all night dries out your mouth so you wake up with less-than-pleasant morning breath.

* Certain foods that are high in protein like meat, and for those who are lactose intolerant, dairy:

If you don't digest dairy products well, the bacteria have more of a chance to digest the proteins in milk and produce the volatile sulfur compounds that result in bad breath.

* Not flossing:

Similarly, if you don't floss after a meal, especially if you've eaten meat, the bacteria in your mouth have ample time to break down the meat proteins stuck between your teeth.

* Acidic foods and drinks like coffee:

Acidic foods and drinks create an environment in which bacteria will multiply faster

* Alcohol:

Even if its in a mouthwash, alcohol will dry your mouth out, and then you have all the bad breath problems associated with a dry mouth

* Sugar:

Sugar is food for bacteria. Enough said!! And this is why even mint flavored sugar products won't make your breath smell any better.

* Toothpaste containing SLS, or sodium laureth sulfate:

SLS is a harsh chemical that damages the lining of the mouth, albeit on a microscopic level. In the lab, SLS is used to destabilize membranes, and make protein and fats soluble. That's why it has a 'soapy' or foaming effect. Because it is a soap, it has a drying effect in your mouth. This of course leads to bad breath. It has also been linked to canker sores, and many people who suffer from these have found relief by switching to a toothpaste that doesn't contain SLS.

References:
1. www.therabreath.comYou don't have to live with bad breath. For your guide to bad breath treatments, click here: http://www.vitaminstohealth.com/bad-breath-cause.html

Bad Breath and Gingivitis

                

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 by: David Snape

Does this sound familiar to you? My dentist and hygienist mentioned that I had irritated gums as they cleaned my teeth. This is a symptom of gingivitis.

Gingivitis can be a stepping stone to major problems in the mouth and gum line. It can lead to periodontal disease, which is a much more serious problem with the potential for actual bone loss.

Halitosis (bad breath) could be related to a gingivitis infection as both are caused by bacteria. Red, swollen and/or bleeding gums characterize gingivitis. These symptoms are most evident upon flossing and sometimes from brushing.

Bacteria cause gingivitis. And bacteria are considered to be responsible for bad breath.

Sometimes, I could even see the bloodstains that the hygienist quietly wiped away with a towel. It was embarrassing enough to know that I wasn't controlling my gingivitis problem, but to know that she was actually trying not to make a big deal out of it was troubling.

I knew my dentist was concerned because she gave me a bottle of alcohol based mouthwash to try and mentioned that she wanted to see how I looked next time. I don't like using it; there is too much alcohol and the taste is not very pleasant. Alcohol may also dry the mucous membranes in the mouth.

The Problem

Bacteria can stick to your teeth and secrete acid onto them contributing to cavity formation. They can also infect the gums, particularly around the gum line, causing gingivitis. This can manifest initially as bleeding and irritated gums.

Having a lot of uncontrolled bacteria multiplying in the mouth may also lead to bad breath, but there is a natural and normal amount of bacteria in the mouth, and you will never completely get rid of them all, nor would you want to.

Theory has it that it is actually the anaerobic bacteria that live in the tongue and throat that produce sulfur that in turn produce hard to get rid of bad breath. These anaerobes create VSCs or volatile sulfur compounds. One type is the familiar rotten egg smell. There are other odors coming from VSCs as well. These sulfur-producing bacteria may feed on certain foods, like coffee, alcohol and meats.

A gingivitis problem can offer a way for bacteria to easily enter your blood stream and that can lead to additional problems. Systemic infections could come from this. Gingivitis can be something that makes your gums bleed easily in a mild case or it can be the root of deep gum recession, leading to bone loss in the worse case scenarios. (Periodontal disease)

Loss of gum line can be discouraging. A friend of mind once described the process as, getting long in the tooth". Sometimes, people experience this problem by brushing too hard. TIP: Using a soft bristled toothbrush with the type of motion that your hygienist recommends may help prevent eroded gum lines.

Treatment and Prevention

Had you ever heard of under-the-gum cleanings? This could be part of the protocol your dentist might invoke, should you develop periodontal disease. If you know people that have had an under-the-gum cleaning; they may tell you that it is not very pleasant.

Your dentist can deal with this problem in a variety of ways. However, prevention probably is the best option. Include good flossing and brushing habits - see your dentist for details. And you could add a non-alcohol based mouthwash alternative to your regimen.

I'm currently using a special toothbrush that uses vibration to clean the teeth. This device does a better job than a regular toothbrush in keeping my teeth clean. It does take a little while to get used to because of the vibration. It makes many, many vibrations per second. This helps to give it such wonderful cleaning abilities.

Don't feel sad if you have excellent oral health habits but you still have bad breath. This is common and many people experience this same situation. Oral health products that don't contain sodium lauryl sulfates or artificial flavors that can still kill the bacteria that cause bad breath without using harsh alcohol or tough chemicals may be helpful.

I am not a dentist. This article is for information purposes only. This article is not meant for diagnosis, treatment or prevention nor is it meant to give advice. If you have or suspect you have gingivitis, periodontal disease or any other dental problems, visit your dentist for a consultation.

David Snape is a health, fitness and well-being enthusiast. He maintains a site: http://tobeinformed.com on the same theme.

david@tobeinformed.com

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