Offensive Smell — Causes and Remedies For Bad Breath

One of the things that can embarrass a person in the middle of having a conversation is the realization of having bad breath. The trouble with bad breath is sometimes, you are not aware of this and by the time you realize it, you’ve already talked to a lot of people. Other than the fact that it is a sign of unhygienic practice, it will make you feel anxious and guarded the whole time. Covering your mouth with a handkerchief might be a quick fix, but it does not treat bad breath. Chewing menthol gums and candies will offer temporary relief as well. You can also opt to use mouthwash and gargles, but the effect fades over a few hours.

Causes

Poor dental hygiene is the most common cause of bad breath. Food particles, bacteria and plaque can stay in between your teeth if you do not practice good dental hygiene. Dental caries can be breeding grounds for bacteria which can make your mouth give out a foul odor. Dentures which are not cleaned properly can cause bad breath as well. Brushing the teeth before sleeping is sometimes taken for granted.

Food and cigarette can contribute as well. Certain foods also add to having bad breath. Strong scents such as garlic, onion and spices can be very offensive to another’s sense of smell. There is a tendency that when the food is digested, the scent is absorbed in the body making your mouth smell a little off. Smoking can cause bad breath as well. It can cause your mouth to dry and the scent stays in your mouth for quite some time. When not cleaned and rinsed properly your mouth will smell like smoke.

Medical conditions that you are already experiencing can cause bad breath too. When you have cold or sinusitis, nasal discharges can drip down your throat and cause mouth odor. Throat infections which are severe can also be a factor for bad breath. Diabetes can also cause your breath to have a fruity odor.

Remedies

Never forget to always brush your teeth every after meal. You can also use floss to remove food particles stuck between your teeth. Use tongue cleaners to scrape off dirt on your tongue. Gargle with mouthwash so you are assured that your breath will smell fresh. Dental caries also contribute to the bad odor that your mouth will give off. Make sure to visit your dentist regularly to have your tooth extracted or be treated with dental filling. Wash and check your dentures regularly.

Drink plenty of water and cut down on alcohol. Water will rinse your mouth of unwanted bacteria and food particles which can accumulate in your mouth. Alcohol has a drying effect, preventing your saliva from helping in getting rid of dirt stuck in your mouth and tongue.

Visit your dentist at least once every six months. It is essential to have your teeth checked regularly for dental caries that are beginning to form so that it can be prevented from spreading. Your dentist can also thoroughly clean your teeth and your dentures.

Having bad breath is not a hopeless condition. With proper hygiene and healthy habits, you can get rid of it and never be conscious when talking to people again.

Sharon Campbell enjoys writing for Uniformhaven.com which sells cherokee scrubs and landau 8335 as well as a host of additional products.

What You Need to Know About Bad Breath

No one likes bad breath and it can definitely be a cause for embarrassment or uncomfortable situations, but there is actually good news about bad breath. Halitosis (another name for bad breath) is often an indicator or warning sign that there could be a problem with either your oral health or your health in general. If you find the reason behind the unpleasant odor instead of ignoring it or covering it up, you could save yourself from a much more serious situation.

Unfortunately, the first reaction that many people have to bad breath is to buy sugary breath mints to ‘fix’ the problem. Since tooth decay is one of the many problems that could be behind bad breath and sugar is one of the main causes for tooth decay, the ‘easy fix’ of a sugary breath mint is only adding to the problem.

One of the first steps to take after discovering that you have bad breath is to look at your daily oral hygiene habits and make sure that you are brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing at least once a day to remove plaque and food debris from your teeth and gums. And don’t forget to brush your tongue as well because the back of the tongue is the perfect breeding ground for halitosis if plaque and food debris are left to collect there and decay. If a buildup of food particles and plaque either on the tongue or gum or in between your teeth is the reason that your breath is unpleasant smelling, the problem will generally disappear after the first good brushing and will not return as long as you consistently brush and floss all of the areas in your mouth. If periodontal disease is the reason for your bad breath, it is an indicator that you have an infection in your gum tissue that is eating away at the foundations that hold your teeth. If the gum disease is not diagnosed and treated, the results could be disastrous to your oral health.

If your bad breath still persists after developing and maintaining good oral hygiene habits and getting a dental checkup to ensure that no serious problem exists in your mouth like periodontal disease or even oral cancer, take a look at your diet to see if it could be contributing to the problem. Foods like milk products, meat, garlic, coffee or alcohol on a regular basis can cause bad breath in some people. Your body may simply be telling you that the foods you are eating are not agreeing with your digestive system, so changing your eating habits could be the solution.

Dry mouth (also known as xerostomia) is another factor that can cause bad breath. When saliva in your mouth is decreased due to medications or even the habit of breathing through your mouth instead of your nose, bacteria and plaque are not being ‘rinsed away’ but are instead collecting and decaying, causing any unpleasant odor. Your dentist can help you find a solution to replenish the saliva in your mouth and eliminate the issue.

In general, most of the reasons behind bad breath begin and end in your mouth, but halitosis can also be an indicator of a more serious medical issue such as diabetes, gastrointestinal disturbances or even liver, kidney, sinus or bronchial problems. In other words, bad breath should not be ignored because it could be a plea from your body that it needs help to get back to optimal health.

Once the problem behind your bad breath is dealt with, you can ensure that your mouth stays healthy and your breath stays sweet by eating foods that are good for you, brushing and flossing regularly, visiting your dentist at least twice a year and eliminating any habits or problems that could contribute to xerostomia.

After graduating as a DMD in 1988 Dr. Vito Clarizio started his own practice in Whitestone, NY and has been in private practice here for over 20 years. He is loved by both his patients and his staff. His core staff has been with him since the beginning of the practice. http://whitestonegentledentist.com

Bad Breath the Many Causes and Treatment

Bad breath affects all of us at one time or another, but you have to consider the underlying cause to know whether your bad breath is a simple one time case or if it is indicative of chronic halitosis. Certain foods such as garlic and onions can cause bad breath when consumed. This is due to the fact that after eating these noxious foods they are absorbed into the bloodstream and make their way into the lungs where their odor is eventually expelled. You might think that it’s possible to eliminate bad breath caused by food with gum, brushing, or mouthwash, but the fact of the matter is that the odors produced by these foods will not be eliminated until the food itself is illuminated from your system.

Bad breath can also be caused by underlying medical conditions such as posts nasal drip, diabetes, respiratory tract infection, and chronic bronchitis among others. The best way to determine whether your bad breath is being caused by an underlying medical condition is to consult with your dentist to determine whether the other aspects of your dental hygiene are in order thus eliminating them as a likely candidate for your bad breath.

Tobacco products can cause bad breath and the best way to remedy bad breath caused by smoking is to quit. You can consult with your doctor regarding your smoking habit and how to quit.

Another contributing factor to bad breath is bacteria and food matter that gets caught in the mouth and between teeth. After eating, food matter gets stuck between your teeth that will eventually form bacteria if not removed. Bacteria can also produce bad breath by causing the gum line to rot so you want to take care to remove excess food from your teeth after eating.

Bad breath can also be the result of dry mouth. Dry mouth can occur if you breathe excessively through the mouth. Excessive breathing through the mouth frequently occurs at night time as one sleeps and this can also be a very frequent cause of ‘morning breath’. Dry mouth can also be caused by medication or salivary gland problems. If you are suffering from dry mouth your dentist made recommend that you use artificial saliva, increasing fluid intake, or potentially even trying some of the toothpastes and mouthwashes marketed especially for dry mouth.

Some initial steps that you might take to prevent bad breath include maintaining a high level of oral health and cleanliness. The ADA recommends that you make sure that you brush at least twice a day and floss at least once a day. You want to not only brush your teeth but your tongue as well as bacteria can be concentrated in that area of the mouth. Mouthwash can also be used to help treat bad breath, but typically mouthwash tends to have a superficial effect that will not too much to treat your bad breath in the long run. Most importantly you should schedule routine dental visits for cleanings and routine checkups. Having a dental professional to assess your oral health is perhaps the best tool in your arsenal to prevent bad breath and all other problems associated with oral hygiene.

A leading dental practice in North Carolina practicing Cosmetic Dentistry that is committed to offering high quality dental services and exceptional patient care. Led by a great Raleigh Cosmetic Dentist in NC that offers a wide variety of dental treatments, including expertise in oral care.

Bad Breath? Worry No More

Have you ever tried talking to someone who is wearing urbane scrubs and suddenly the person you are talking with changes his aura? Have you ever tried conversing with others like those who are in landau 8555 and you abruptly shifted your look to the opposite side, gradually took your handkerchief and put it into your mouth? Have you ever smelled you breath? Is it sweet or foul? If foul, then you might be having a bad breath or medically known as halitosis.

Halitosis is a discomforting condition that can happen to anybody at anytime. This is due to numerous factors. The most popular and common reasons of having this predicament can be easily prevented and treated. However, there are definite medical conditions that may develop to bad breath and should be examined immediately by your personal dentist.

Here are some of the common causes that may lead to halitosis and the preventive measures to stop this problem.

First on the list is the food that you take and the process of digestion it has to undergo. Odors from the spices such as garlic, cabbage, onions and others are evident in your exhalation. Foul smelling odors upon exhalation can also be evident as a result of poor digestion that results to constipation and bowel disorders.

Second is the irregular brushing of the teeth and flossing. The mouth has a temperature of 98.6 F and ideally good for food decomposition. Once you forgot to brush or floss your teeth the food particles starts to decay thus causing a bad odor right after you exhale.

Third, dry mouth or xerostomia. It is a condition in which the saliva production is decreased. It causes bad breath because the trapped food particle which supposedly lubricated and cleansed by the saliva is starting to rot.

Cigarette smoking is also in the list. Wonder why and how? Cigarette smoke passes the lungs upon inhalation and goes out to the nose or mouth upon exhalation. It has an effect to your breath since the chemical residues remain in the airways and continued smoking results to gum disease thus causing bad breath.

Certain medical conditions that cause halitosis are ketoacidosis and chronic renal failure. Ketoacidosis is found in diabetic patients and the smell is usually described as fruity-smelling while the chronic renal failure has a fish-smell odor.

After identifying the factors that cause halitosis, it is just but right and proper to find ways and means in preventing the said condition. How to avoid bad breath?

The first and foremost way to help avoid and eliminate bad breath is by brushing your teeth two to three times a day specifically every after meal. Do it in up and down motion and side to side. Don’t forget to also brush the gums and of course the tongue.

For dry mouth or xerostomia, just sip and drink water often most especially during the daytime and every meal. Have a sugar-free gum chewed or sugar-free candy dissolved in the mouth for saliva production.

In cigarette addiction, quitting is the best way to stop bad breath and occurrence of oral illnesses and infections.

The use of mouth rinse which is a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water at 50% concentration each will help eradicate the bacteria.

Lastly, consult your private physician if the bad breath is chronic or serious, the one that does not go away.

Brent McNutt enjoys writing for Uniformhaven.com which sells urbane scrubs and landau 8555 as well as a host of additional products.

Common Dental Diseases: Causes and Treatments

One of the most common health problems encountered by almost all people in different nations is with respect to their oral health. Dental health is often overlooked because of the fact that people tend to think that the mouth does not and will not cause a major problem unlike other organs in the body. This should not be your way of thinking. The mouth is just as important as the rest of your body and it plays one of the most important roles of all- chewing on the food you eat.

Poor oral health often leads to a series of health problems such as bad breath or halitosis, gingivitis, mouth sores, and tooth decay, among others.

Bad Breath

Halitosis or bad breath is a common problem among Americans. There are several causes for bad breath. One of which is poor dental hygiene. When you fail to brush your teeth regularly, food particles get caught in between your teeth. If the food is not taken out or rinsed out for a long period of time, it will start to rot and will eventually produce bad breath-causing bacteria. Another source of foul breath is the food you eat. If you are fond of eating food loaded with cayenne pepper, which is the same thing used in pepper sprays, then the possibility of you having bad breath is greater than ever. Spicy food contains sulfur compound that causes the overproduction of anaerobic bacteria in your mouth. Bad breath can also be an indication of an underlying medical condition which requires your attention. The best thing to do is to visit your dentist and have your mouth examined so that the proper treatment can be provided.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is characterized by an inflammation in the gums which is caused by bacteria. The mouth is a great breeding ground for bacteria because of its moist and hot environment. This is also where food is being dumped and it can leave so many food particles that bacteria need in order to survive. If your immune system is weak, then the more will bacteria thrive inside your mouth. It can eventually cause infection which can range from mild to moderate to severe infections. The best care for gingivitis is to prevent bacteria from forming. Always have your mouth checked by your dentist so he can see if you need to be treated.

Tooth Decay

Tooth decay can be used interchangeably with cavities. It is actually the process that results in the formation of a cavity. Tooth decay is also caused by bacteria which live inside your mouth. When mixed with food residues, bacteria cause plaque which is normally being formed on your teeth. As the bacteria eat the food, it creates acids in the process. These acids are the ones which attack your tooth. If they continue to attack your tooth for a long period of time, your tooth enamel becomes weak, resulting to tooth decay.

In order to avoid oral diseases, visit your dentist regularly. Brush your teeth on a regular basis and don’t forget to floss as well so you can be sure that food particles are taken out in between your teeth and gums. Have yourself medically checked up so you can determine if there are other illnesses which might need your attention.

Annabelle Lehoux is martial arts instructor and the co-founder of Self Defense Products Depot which offers high quality of products such as taser, hidden safe, personal alarm and pepper spray for your personal safety. To learn more on how these products can protect you, please visit http://www.self-defense-products-depot.com/

Take Care Of Your Teeth

When you meet new people, what are the first two things that you notice about them? The answer is their smile and teeth. Healthy teeth can tell you a lot about one’s personality. When you choose not to take care of your teeth, you pay the price with rotten teeth and bad breath and this can have a negative effect on your life as well as the people that you are around.

It is a known fact that people who take excellent care of their teeth tend to be successful and flourish in their careers. Not all people take care of their teeth in the same way, but what matters in the end is that the healthier your teeth are, the better you look to other people.

Healthy teeth are also much better to chew your food properly. In order for a person to have good digestion, the food must be chewed right or it will be much harder to digest and it could lead to other problems. Also, a person with healthy teeth can speak much clearer and this gives them added confidence.

People who have bad teeth usually do not like to speak in public and they tend to shy away from people and not communicate very much with them. Although some inherit bad teeth from their genetics, there are ways for dentists and orthodontists to reshape and improve crooked, ugly teeth.

Another important reason to take care of your teeth is that it prevents plaque formation from forming which is described as a clear film that sticks to the surface of your teeth . You might ask,” What is so bad about this”? Well, the fact is that this film is very sticky and like a magnet it attracts bacteria that sticks to it.

Bacteria that are sugary sweet are attracted to the sugar that is stuck on your teeth like ants attracted to your picnic. When you eat candies or other sweets the sugary substance left in your mouth breaks down the sugar into acid.

This acid is responsible for eating away the enamel that is on your teeth and this leads to holes in your teeth which are referred to as cavities. If you have too much plaque, it can also cause a disease called gingivitis which is a gum disease that will cause your gums to be red, sore and swollen.

One of the first indicators of gingivitis is easy bleeding around the gums, even when you gently brush your teeth. Taking the best care possible of your teeth is the best prevention for cavities and gum disease.

Poor dental care can also result in terrible tooth aches. If you have experienced one of these like a lot of us, then you know what I am talking about. These aches can make it very difficult to eat and to be around other people.

You need to brush properly everyday in order to prevent bacteria from forming. Brush at least twice a day and stick to it as this will prevent the plaque from building up on your teeth which will eventually lead to cavities. I hope that you found this information useful and if you would like more information, please check out my eating healthy web site where you will find some great information on how to live a long and healthy life.

I am a 54 year old retired mill worker from Maine. I am happily married with 3 wonderful boys. My main interests are my family and God . I own a eating healthy web site with great tips and information designed to help you live a long healthy life.
http://eatinghealthyhub.com

The Good News About Bad Breath

Bad breath or halitosis is unpleasant, embarrassing and can negatively impact the way people around you respond. So what is the good news in that? The good news about bad breath is that it is your body’s way of telling you that there is something going on that it doesn’t like. It can be as simple as microbial deposits on your tongue (especially the back of your tongue) where particles of food have collected under a bacterial coating and are decaying, leaving a bad odor in their wake. Simply brushing your tongue can often take care of the unpleasant odor.

However, some of the reasons behind bad breath can be more serious. For instance, xerostomia (dry mouth) occurs when there is a decrease of saliva in your mouth because saliva plays an important role in cleansing your mouth of particles that cause odor. Salivary gland problems, consistently breathing through your mouth or even medications can be the reason for the xerostomia. If dry mouth is the cause of your bad breath, your dentist can help by prescribing artificial salvia or other suggestions that can help minimize the condition. Bad breath is also one of the indicators of periodontal or gum disease which is caused when bacteria attack the tissues around your teeth often resulting in gum irritation and infections.

Or halitosis could be a sign of a more serious medical condition such as gastrointestinal disturbances, liver or kidney ailments, diabetes, chronic sinusitis or chronic bronchitis. Then again, unpleasant odors from your mouth could be the result of the choices you are making when it comes to what you are eating, or if you are smoking or your daily oral hygiene habits. Your dentist or Periodontist is the best person to help you identify the cause, and if it is because of an oral condition, he or she will develop a treatment plan to help you combat the condition. If your dentist determines that your mouth is healthy and your oral hygiene practices are good, you may be referred to a doctor to further investigate the possible cause. Let your dentist or Periodontist know if you are taking any over-the-counter or prescribed medications because they could be contributing to your breath problems.

Developing and maintaining good oral hygiene is the first step in eliminating halitosis that is being caused from the foods you eat or other conditions that exist in your mouth. Brushing your teeth, gums and tongue at least twice a day (once in the morning and once at night before going to bed), plus using floss or an interdental cleaner to clean between your teeth once a day will remove any plaque or food debris that is present. If you wear dentures, remove them before going to bed and thoroughly clean them each morning.

Using sugary breath mints can actually contribute to tooth decay which contributes to bad breath, and cosmetic mouthwashes typically do not have a long-lasting effect. Your dentist can recommend a special antimicrobial mouth rinse or a fluoride mouth rinse that can work with your brushing and flossing routine to help prevent tooth decay and keep your mouth healthy and fresh smelling. If you identify a bad breath problem, the good news is that by working with your dentist or Periodontist you will be able to find the cause behind your halitosis and be able to bring your mouth and body back to being healthy and your breath back to smelling sweet.

Dr. Anasinski completed her residency in Periodontics at Northwestern University and is Assistant Clinical Professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago. She holds many prestigious positions such as Delegate to the Illinois State Dental Society. periodonticsofniles

All Natural Bad Breath Remedies Can Put a Stop to Your Embarrassment

When you’re suffering from bad breath that never seems to go away, I’m sure it’s really frustrating to look at an ad for the latest flavor of mouthwash, toothpaste or breath mint that claims their product will give you the freshest breath you’ve ever seen. Yet, every time you try out one of these bad breath remedies, it always ends up in disappointment.

You Know Why?

It’s because most of the products that are commercially made, and sold by big companies, aren’t really designed to be anything more than an artificially flavored mask to cover up odors. That’s all they are, no matter what they say. And, this is fine for someone who has a mild case of halitosis (the fancy name for bad breath).

I mean, everybody suffers from morning breath, which is taken care of easily by brushing your teeth and swishing with some minty flavored mouthwash. But, some odors are just too tough for these off-the-shelf products. I’m sure you probably know this by now. You start out pretty good in the early morning, but by noon, your breath is causing you problems again.

Maybe you’re one of those people who has to constantly walk around with breath mints, or a pack of gum handy – because at least these temporarily cover that foul odor when you’re in a pinch. Because, I’m sure you just can’t bare it when people you’re around a lot get that funky look on their face.

It’s either that look, or they put their hand up to their nose (trying to pretend it’s not because of you), or they take a couple of steps back to avoid getting too close to you in conversation. Sure, everybody (including you) pretends they don’t know what’s happening. But, in reality, you all know exactly what’s going on in these moments.

They’re reacting to your bad breath.

And, I know you hate it when this happens. Let’s face it – you’re really embarrassed about your breath. Maybe it’s even causing you to shy away from some social interactions. This is sad because you’re trying your best to cope and make your breath problem go away, but you’re still finding that difficult to do.

Well, the first thing to do in changing your situation is to acknowledge the extent of the problem. Meaning, your breath issues are at a serious level and shouldn’t be taken too lightly. Bad breath can be caused by medical conditions like: acid reflux, cancer, or sinus infections. It can also be caused by smoking or simply getting food stuck behind dentures.

One thing is for sure, when the odor is really strong, it’s being caused by something more than just food odors stemming from your last meal. So, you can’t sit back and take your situation casually like most people do who watch those commercials. They don’t have chronic bad breath issues – but, unfortunately, you do. So, make up your mind right now that you’re going to tackle this problem head on.

Now, I’ll go ahead and give you a couple of natural remedies for bad breath that nature has blessed us all with. These won’t really be a surprise to you, because it’s common knowledge that they are effective in eliminating breath odor.

Mint Leaves

Parsley

Both of these items are frequently used in cooking and various over-the-counter preparations. And, while you knew this in the back of your mind, you probably never thought about using them, in their more natural state, to create your own bad breath cures at home.

Nature has a way of providing us with simple answers to certain problems. And now, I think you have an idea of how simple it can be to get rid of your bad breath by using natural remedies.

You don’t have to keep suffering from bad breath. If you can mix together two simple all natural ingredients, you can wipe out your bad breath problem in just 30 seconds. Go here now: http://naturalbadbreathcure.blogspot.com

Should I use mouthwash to control bad breath?

 

Commercial mouthwash available in your drug store, usually contain a formulation consisting of flavor, alcohol, and antibacterial agent.

Several types of mouthwash have been shown to reduce malodor in clinical trials, including 0.2% chlorhexidine mouth rinses and Listerine.

There is a possibility that if the cause of you bad breath is because of bacteria in your mouth, that using a good mouth wash you could control the bad breath. You should use a mouth wash if possible to take good care of your teeth and gums, since with the brushing we are only cleaning 30% of our teeth and gums, a powerful mouth wash would get ride of the hidden bacteria in the gums and tongue that sometimes can cause bad breath.

Practical tips for young children and spouses with bad odor

Children should brush their teeth properly at least twice a day using clean brush motions. In case of small babies, you can also use clean cotton swabs or a piece of cloth.

Check for bad odor every day and in case of any problems, contact your dentist immediately. A nightly gargle with Sodium chloride solution may help reduce teeth infection.

Spouses: A case of bad mouth can create a difficult situation in any marriage. Bad breath can ruin personal relationship as someone with an acute sense of personal hygiene will never tolerate a spouse with bad mouth. Especially true during times of personal intimacy!

A bad smelling mouth must be sorted as soon as possible

Is it possible to prevent bad breath by cleaning your teeth properly?

 

Proper brushing (several minutes every time, making sure to stroke properly, massage the gums and get everywhere), flossing (or a similar method of cleaning between adjacent teeth and gums), and periodic visits to the hygienist are of prime importance in having fresh breath.

Although if there are other stomach problems, or intestinal problems is possible that you might still have a bad breath, but obviously it will increase if you don’t brush your teeth after every meal, use a proper mouth wash and floss.

So, no matter what the problem is you should always keep the best possible care of your mouth and teeth, it will certainly help you reducing the halitosis problem, if not to solve it completely.

Most common herbals to reduce bad breath are:

1. Parsley (Petroselinum sativum): It has been used to correct bad breath traditionally to minimize odors associated with garlic and onion intake. Eat fresh as dried parsley is not effective.

2. Sage (Salvia officinalis): It is used for sore throat and gingivitis; it dries excess secretion such as mucus from sinus infection.

3.Thyme (Thymus vulgarus): It used as a mouth rinse to kill fungus, bacteria and virus, strong antiseptic, good for colds and flu.

4. Clove (Eugenia aromaticum): It is good for bad breath caused by rotting food in mouth, used in old time mouth wash and powders, herb can be drying.

5. Myrrh (Commiphora molmol): It is used for bad breath, infections of mouth, teeth, throat and sinus, long history of use for gum disease and toothache.

6. Echinacea, Purple Coneflower or Snake root (E. angustifolia, E. purpurea, E. pallida, and E. tennessiensi): This herb besides helping to boost the immune system also increases salivation, and act as a mouth rinse. It has been used for sore throat and gingivitis.

7. Wild Indigo (Baptisia tinctora): It is good for sore throat, mouth and gum abscess, good mouthwash and stimulates immune system.

8. Spilanthes, Toothache plant (Spilanthes oleracea): This herb is antifungal and antibacterial, it good for thrush, pyorrhea, gingivitis and toothache.

9. Frankincense (Boswellia carterii): This herb is antibacterial, used topically for sores, increases circulation, used for toothache.

10. Goldenseal, Oregon Grape and Barberry are good topical lotions for mouth rinse and sore throat infections.

11. Chew some cardamom seeds to sweeten your breath. The aromatic flavor in cardamom is a breath freshener.

12. Add 1 lemon juice with some sugar and salt to a glass of water and drink it often.

13. Parsley is a great food to neutralizer. Its leaves are rich in chlorophyll, nature’s own deodorizer. Chew some leaves for fresh breath.

14. Tea made from Fenugreek (methi) seeds is also beneficial in bad breath and bad odor.

15. Mix three parts of peppermint leaves with two parts of water. Grind in blender until solution is thick. Gargle one cup of the solution everyday for one week. Each day your breath will get better. Make fresh concoction every other day.

16. A cleaned colon will often alleviate bad breath.

17. Chew some chlorophyll rich leaves such as parsley.

18. Eating natural supplements of calcium, C vitamins, B-complex and myrrh everyday will help you reduce bad breath

19. To merely cover odor, chew cloves, drink peppermint tea, eat parsley, take chlorophyll, or gargle with barberry tea.

20. Chew food well and drink water between meals to aid in digestion.

21. Take acidophilus or chew uemboshi plums to improve intestinal health.

22. Chewing a very green Guava fruit will help you reduce the intensity of bad breath.

Making your own mouthwash in your home

 

Here are some simple home made mouth wash:

The basic commercial mouthwash may contain up to about 2% of flavor like clove oil or mint, up to 2% of a surfactant to dissolve the flavor and to provide foaming, up to 2% humectants and/or thickener, 25% alcohol, and active ingredients.

Ingredients reported to have an effect in controlling odor include zinc chloride (usually around 0.2%), quaternary ammonium compounds (for example, cetylpyridinium chloride up to 0.05%) and certain combinations of essential oils. The most effective antibacterial agent present in mouthwashes is probably chlorhexidine.

Chlorhexidine containing mouthwashes are good for initial diagnosis and therapy, as well as for post surgery treatment, but are not advised for every day use. Although some investigators have reported sodium bicarbonate reduces bad breath, it is usually ineffective.

How important is flossing the teeth?

 

It is important to use floss properly, following professional instruction. Remember to floss around the ends of the teeth at the ends of each row.

A clean mouth would be a more difficult environment for the bacteria of the bad breath to survive, so flossing you teeth every day will help you keeping your teeth clean and the bacteria away.

Children would probably have problems flossing, since it requires a delicate control of the fingers they don’t have yet. One of the great advantages of using floss is that you can smell the floss directly following each passage between the teeth, and clean the smelly areas more diligently

How effective are sprays and breath mints?

 

Sprays and regular mint candies are considered to be relatively ineffective in combating bad breath. Don’t be fooled by the burning sensation – it is your own cells in pain, not the bacteria.

Although mints and chewing gum can give you a fresh sensation in your mouth, if you are truly suffering bad breath and halitosis the smell will still be there. The mints and chewing gums have them for your pure pleasure. To attack the bad breath you will have to attack the bacteria in your mouth, brush your teeth after every meal, use mouth wash as well and follow doctor recommendations if the normal remedies are not effective.

Don’t forget that breath mints could have added sugar and damage your teeth, be careful with what you chew and put in your mouth,  the sugars in some sweets and chewing gums might only serve as food for bacteria, a complete mouth hygiene is the best always.

Causes of Bad Breath

 

The majority of bad breath problems begin in the mouth.

• Bad breath that is of mouth origin can be traced to a sulfur compound produced by bacteria. Dead and dying bacterial cells release this sulfur compound, which gives the breath a bad odor.

• Bacterial plaque, debris and food waste accumulate on the back of the tongue. The tongue’s surface is extremely rough and bacteria can reside easily in the cracks and crevices.
• Large amounts of sulfur compounds can be produced in this area, making it a frequent site of origin for bad breath.

• The tooth attracts bacteria containing plaque, debris and if not cleaned regularly and thoroughly, this can result in large accumulations of bacteria which result in bad breath.

• People who have Periodontitis disease often experience bad breath because of bacteria accumulating in areas that are not cleaned easily, such as deep fissures around teeth.

Fortunately, treatment is very effective for people who have bad breath of mouth origin.

Other reasons for bad breath are:

• Sinus or respiratory infections

• Diabetes related acetone smell

• Fishy odor in case of kidney disease

• Liver problems

• Digestive disorders

• Dieting and fasting related foul odors