The Truth About Halitosis, Bad Breath Answers
Bad breath is a disease that causes an unpleasant odor when the breath comes out. This is an uncommon disease, accounting for 40% of the population. The disease is not dangerous to the patient, but it has a significant impact on daily life. People with this condition often lose confidence and confusion when communicating.
Nature - truth at a glance:
Unpleasant breath is caused by a combination of volatile sulfur compounds called VSC such as H2S (Hydro Sulfide - stench), CH3SH (Methyl Mercaptan - the pungent odor of garlic) and CH3CH3 (Dimethyl Sulfide)….
An image of the popular and quick way to eliminate bad breath:
When the "beneficial" bacteria come into contact with these amino acids, the halitosis and "lousy-tasting" sulfur compounds are released from the back of the tongue and throat. These halitosis compounds are often scientifically referred to as Volatile Sulfur Compounds (VSC's), where volatile means vaporous and effervescent.
Because my original degree is in Bacteriology, let me explain a very important fact about these "bugs". First of all they are not infectious. Everyone in the world has the same group of bacteria in their mouth. You cannot "catch" halitosis from someone, even through kissing. Since they are part of our normal oral flora, you cannot permanently remove them from your mouth either, not by tongue scraping, not with antibiotics, and not by using rinses which claim to "lift the bacteria off your tongue". The only scientifically proven and clinically effective method of halting halitosis is by attacking the bacteria's ability to produce VSC's, and by converting the VSC's into non-odorous and non-tasting organic salts.
Speaking about bacteria, there is one other fact that you must understand about them. They are classified as "anaerobic" which literally means "without oxygen". They thrive in an environment where oxygen is NOT present. That is why they do not live on the surface of your tongue. Instead, they live in between the papillae (fibers) that make up your tongue.
These sulfur compounds are actually by-products of anaerobic bacteria. Everyone needs these bacteria because they assist the digestion process. Unfortunately as of yet for some undetermined reason, these particular bacteria are found in higher numbers in those plagued by halitosis. There are various theories that attribute the cause of halitosis to hormonal changes, a history of taking medications (usually antibiotics or sulfa drugs because they create an imbalance of oral bacteria), or even due to genetics (halitosis disorders appear to run in some families). It is known however, that halitosis seems to be evenly split between men and women.
Although some cases of dry mouth are naturally occurring, most cases are caused by one of the following factors: prescription medications (usually prescribed for high blood pressure or depression), antihistamines, and adult beverages that contain alcohol.
When your mouth is dryer you have less saliva. Saliva naturally contains oxygen, which keeps your mouth healthy and fresh. The bacteria that cause halitosis are anaerobic, which again simply means that they will thrive and make more sulfur in the presence of little or no oxygen. Thus if you have less saliva, you have less oxygen, thereby creating an anaerobic environment, perfect for the bacteria to produce halitosis and sour/bitter tasting compounds.
Post nasal drip is a condition where mucous drains and coats the back of the tongue and throat. These locations of the oral environment are exactly where bacteria live. We have learned that proteins contain amino acids, which in turn contain halitosis producing sulfur compounds. Since mucous is made up of interlinked strands of protein, with the condition of post nasal drip, the bacteria has a field day breaking down the proteins into halitosis and sour tasting sulfur type compounds. Strong antihistamines will not provide any help because of their drying effect.
After personally treating nearly 9,000 people worldwide, I have yet to see a patient get rid of halitosis following sinus surgery. First of all, these anaerobic bacteria cannot live in the sinuses. When someone has a sinus infection, one of the common symptoms are intense sinus headaches caused by the pressure from the infection in the sinus. If you don't have these powerful headaches, you probably don't have a sinus problem. The fact is that once someone has an elevated amount of these anaerobic bacteria, they will create a halitosis problem from any protein source, including mucous, phlegm, etc. which drain down the back of your throat into the area where these bacteria live.
Those halitosis causing bacteria love proteins, and certain foods are packed with them such as dairy foods, fish, and even coffee.
Milk and cheese and most other dairy products are high in protein. A special note if you are lactose intolerant...I recommend you not eat or drink these products! Since your system cannot digest them properly, they are available to the bacteria for an extended period of time. A research article from the Los Angeles Times (November 1996) on lactose intolerance revealed that nearly 67% of all Americans can be classified as "lactose intolerant". This is due to the fact that in a diverse population such as we have here, there is a predilection for Asians, Hispanics, and African-Americans to be lactose intolerant.
Fish is high in protein as well. As many people tend to eat a high fish diet, logically, they make a halitosis problem worse.
Coffee, with or even without caffeine, contains high levels of acids which cause the bacteria that creates halitosis to reproduce more rapidly and create a bitter taste for many people. Virtually any acidic type of food will do this.
Bad Breath Free Forever™ is a step-by-step program that takes a natural and holistic approach to free yourself from bad breath by addressing the root cause - rather than merely treating the symptoms!
A proven and all-natural remedy for HALITOSIS... Say goodbye to that horrible dragon breath for good.
Nature - truth at a glance:
Unpleasant breath is caused by a combination of volatile sulfur compounds called VSC such as H2S (Hydro Sulfide - stench), CH3SH (Methyl Mercaptan - the pungent odor of garlic) and CH3CH3 (Dimethyl Sulfide)….
An image of the popular and quick way to eliminate bad breath:
 |
| Lemon Essential Oil Skin whitening Remove halitosis Clean air Lemon Oil |
THE SCIENCE OF HALITOSIS AND BACTERIA IN YOUR MOUTH
Halitosis, also more commonly known as bad breath, is caused by anaerobic producing bacteria which normally live WITHIN the surface of the tongue and in the throat. These bacteria are supposed to be there because they assist with digestion by breaking down proteins found in specific foods, mucous or phlegm, blood, and in diseased or "broken-down" oral tissue. Under certain conditions, these bacteria start to break down proteins at a very high rate. Proteins are made up of amino acids, two of which (Cysteine and Methionine) are dense with sulfur.When the "beneficial" bacteria come into contact with these amino acids, the halitosis and "lousy-tasting" sulfur compounds are released from the back of the tongue and throat. These halitosis compounds are often scientifically referred to as Volatile Sulfur Compounds (VSC's), where volatile means vaporous and effervescent.
Because my original degree is in Bacteriology, let me explain a very important fact about these "bugs". First of all they are not infectious. Everyone in the world has the same group of bacteria in their mouth. You cannot "catch" halitosis from someone, even through kissing. Since they are part of our normal oral flora, you cannot permanently remove them from your mouth either, not by tongue scraping, not with antibiotics, and not by using rinses which claim to "lift the bacteria off your tongue". The only scientifically proven and clinically effective method of halting halitosis is by attacking the bacteria's ability to produce VSC's, and by converting the VSC's into non-odorous and non-tasting organic salts.
Speaking about bacteria, there is one other fact that you must understand about them. They are classified as "anaerobic" which literally means "without oxygen". They thrive in an environment where oxygen is NOT present. That is why they do not live on the surface of your tongue. Instead, they live in between the papillae (fibers) that make up your tongue.
These sulfur compounds are actually by-products of anaerobic bacteria. Everyone needs these bacteria because they assist the digestion process. Unfortunately as of yet for some undetermined reason, these particular bacteria are found in higher numbers in those plagued by halitosis. There are various theories that attribute the cause of halitosis to hormonal changes, a history of taking medications (usually antibiotics or sulfa drugs because they create an imbalance of oral bacteria), or even due to genetics (halitosis disorders appear to run in some families). It is known however, that halitosis seems to be evenly split between men and women.
THE CONDITIONS UNDER WHICH HALITOSIS BECOMES WORSE
There are certain conditions that exasperate a halitosis problem such as dry mouth, post nasal drip, the sinuses, and eating high protein foods.Dry Mouth and Halitosis
Although some cases of dry mouth are naturally occurring, most cases are caused by one of the following factors: prescription medications (usually prescribed for high blood pressure or depression), antihistamines, and adult beverages that contain alcohol.
When your mouth is dryer you have less saliva. Saliva naturally contains oxygen, which keeps your mouth healthy and fresh. The bacteria that cause halitosis are anaerobic, which again simply means that they will thrive and make more sulfur in the presence of little or no oxygen. Thus if you have less saliva, you have less oxygen, thereby creating an anaerobic environment, perfect for the bacteria to produce halitosis and sour/bitter tasting compounds.
Post Nasal Drip and Halitosis
Post nasal drip is a condition where mucous drains and coats the back of the tongue and throat. These locations of the oral environment are exactly where bacteria live. We have learned that proteins contain amino acids, which in turn contain halitosis producing sulfur compounds. Since mucous is made up of interlinked strands of protein, with the condition of post nasal drip, the bacteria has a field day breaking down the proteins into halitosis and sour tasting sulfur type compounds. Strong antihistamines will not provide any help because of their drying effect.
The Sinuses and Halitosis
After personally treating nearly 9,000 people worldwide, I have yet to see a patient get rid of halitosis following sinus surgery. First of all, these anaerobic bacteria cannot live in the sinuses. When someone has a sinus infection, one of the common symptoms are intense sinus headaches caused by the pressure from the infection in the sinus. If you don't have these powerful headaches, you probably don't have a sinus problem. The fact is that once someone has an elevated amount of these anaerobic bacteria, they will create a halitosis problem from any protein source, including mucous, phlegm, etc. which drain down the back of your throat into the area where these bacteria live.
High Protein Foods and Halitosis
Those halitosis causing bacteria love proteins, and certain foods are packed with them such as dairy foods, fish, and even coffee.
Milk and cheese and most other dairy products are high in protein. A special note if you are lactose intolerant...I recommend you not eat or drink these products! Since your system cannot digest them properly, they are available to the bacteria for an extended period of time. A research article from the Los Angeles Times (November 1996) on lactose intolerance revealed that nearly 67% of all Americans can be classified as "lactose intolerant". This is due to the fact that in a diverse population such as we have here, there is a predilection for Asians, Hispanics, and African-Americans to be lactose intolerant.
Fish is high in protein as well. As many people tend to eat a high fish diet, logically, they make a halitosis problem worse.
Coffee, with or even without caffeine, contains high levels of acids which cause the bacteria that creates halitosis to reproduce more rapidly and create a bitter taste for many people. Virtually any acidic type of food will do this.
WHAT WORKS IN SOLVING A HALITOSIS PROBLEM
In the search for products that help in solving halitosis, there is one particular ingredient I highly recommend, Oxyd-VIII. It is an active ingredient comprised of stabilized chlorine dioxide that prevents the anaerobic bacteria from creating the sulfide and Mercaptan compounds of halitosis. Oxyd-VIII does this by "adding oxygen" to the oral environment. The end result is the formation of a "sulfate" which has no odor or taste (as opposed to sulfur which has an odor and bitter/sour taste). Most of the patients I treat start out with a starter kit that contains this active oxygen producing ingredient and work their way up from there.Bad Breath Free Forever™ is a step-by-step program that takes a natural and holistic approach to free yourself from bad breath by addressing the root cause - rather than merely treating the symptoms!
More details: Get rid of your bad breath 100% NATURALLY!
Bad Breath Answers
Can a coating on the back of the tongue cause bad breath?
For some people, this odor-causing buildup occurs on the back portion of the tongue. However, it is not always clear why this tongue buildup occurs.
Possible causes of tongue-based bad breath may be due to postnasal mucus dripping from the nose to the throat, which forms a whitish coating. This coating often contains many different forms of bacteria which may thrive on the tongue's rough surface and cause unpleasant odors in the mouth. The back portion of the tongue is especially susceptible to bacterial overgrowth, as this area is relatively dry. The lack of saliva combined with the tongue's natural grooves and fissures can trap food particles, dead cells, and mucus from the nasal cavities. As a result, this environment can quickly become a medium for bacterial growth.
According to Dr. Harold Katz, "nearly 90 percent of endogenous bad breath that is not caused by digestive upsets or metabolic diseases like diabetes is actually due to noxious bacterial buildup on your tongue." Tongue bacteria demonstrate a distinctive, smelly odor because of volatile sulfuric compounds and polyamines. This coating can develop on the back of your tongue even if you otherwise practice good oral hygiene, especially in individuals with allergies or certain infections like thrush. Although most people brush their teeth daily and floss, few are aware that it is just as essential to clean your tongue as it is to clean your teeth and gums.
To combat bad breath from your tongue, look at your tongue in the mirror to see it if has a coating or an unusual (white) color. If you notice anything suspicious, see your healthcare provider, as he or she can treat any illness involving chronic postnasal drip that may be causing a bacterial coating. Also, make sure to visit your dentist for regular cleanings and exams and to maintain a good oral-hygiene routine of brushing your teeth and tongue, flossing, and rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash every day.
How important is it to live a healthy lifestyle with bad breath?
Health issues like bad breath, also known as halitosis, can be easily prevented by maintaining a healthy lifestyle. For maximum health and to combat oral odor, try implementing healthy habits in areas such as oral hygiene, diet, and routine medical care.
Oral hygiene is extremely important for preventing bad breath and ensuring a healthy mouth. If you do not brush and floss your teeth daily, food particles can accumulate in your mouth, increasing bacterial growth and causing an unpleasant odor. Odor-causing bacteria and other debris can also lead to bad breath when dental appliances like braces or dentures are not cleaned properly. When oral hygiene is not properly maintained, gum disease and other health concerns can result and may damage the gums and jawbone. Daily oral hygiene requires brushing your teeth, tongue, and gums after meals, flossing at least once a day, and rinsing with an antimicrobial mouthwash.
Dietary habits also affect your breath. By maintaining a healthy diet of fruits, whole grains, vegetables, and lean protein, you can combat bad breath and ensure better physical wellbeing. Pungent foods like onions and garlic should be avoided, as the volatile substances in these foods can contribute to bad breath. Avoid sticky, sugary, and acidic foods and beverages, as these lead to tooth decay and other odor-causing oral issues. Additionally, drink plenty of water to ensure healthy saliva production, since saliva is responsible for cleansing the mouth from bits of food residue. If you smoke or consume excessive amounts of alcohol, consider changing your lifestyle, as these habits are highly detrimental to your oral health and your wellbeing. Daily exercise is also important to control weight and to reduce your risk of breath-busting illnesses like diabetes.
Finally, scheduling routine medical checkups with your doctor and dentist is essential for continued health. Visit your dentist at least twice a year for cleanings and oral exams, and see your doctor for well-checks and other health concerns. Being proactive in pursuing a healthy lifestyle is an important foundation for reduced bad breath, improved physical health, and long-term wellbeing.
Can diabetes cause halitosis?
Although bad breath is a common health concern, individuals with diabetes are especially prone to symptoms of unpleasant oral odor. Bad breath, also known as halitosis, and other oral-health issues like gum disease are increasingly prevalent among those with diabetes.
Diabetes is an endocrine disorder that inhibits the body's ability to use blood sugar. Bad breath is one of the many health complications that diabetics experience. Diabetes-related bad breath is generally caused by periodontal disease and high levels of ketones in the blood.
Recent research estimates that one in three individuals with diabetes will also experience gum disease, also called periodontal disease. This is because diabetes can impair blood flow throughout your body, including to your gums. Without an adequate supply of blood, the mouth and gums are more prone to infection and quickly develop an unpleasant odor. Periodontal diseases also lead to inflammation, which can hinder metabolism and increase blood sugar, worsening the effects of diabetes.
In addition, high ketone levels in the blood can also occur with diabetes and can lead to bad breath. Without insulin, the body cannot receive the necessary glucose to power its metabolic activity. To compensate for this lack of fuel, the body begins to burn fat instead, which produces ketones as a byproduct in blood and urine. High ketone levels can create a nail-polish-like odor on your breath. If ketones rise to critical levels, the body can enter diabetic ketoacidosis, which involves sweet, fruity-smelling breath and dangerously elevated blood-glucose levels.
To combat bad breath that is caused by diabetes, first make sure that your diabetes is controlled under medical supervision. Uncontrolled diabetes can have severe side effects like ketoacidosis, which may be life-threatening. Once your condition is under control, the effects of bad breath are often less severe. To prevent gum disease and other oral-health concerns, maintain a good oral-hygiene routine of brushing your teeth, gums, and tongue after every meal or snack, flossing daily, and seeing your dentist at least twice a year for routine cleanings and exams.
Can digestive disorders cause odor in your mouth?
Bad breath doesn't always come from oral sources. In fact, issues in other areas of your body can sometimes make your breath have an unpleasant oral odor, such as acid reflux or bowel problems. Although these forms of bad breath are much less common than the forms created by poor oral hygiene or dry mouth, it does affect some people chronically.
Bad breath is not necessarily caused by poor digestion, but it can sometimes indicate the presence of a digestive issue. For example, some people are actually born with a rare defect in a pouch in their esophagus. This pouch-the Zenker diverticulum-can be misshapen and can collect food particles, which decompose and release a foul odor whenever you speak or exhale. Those who suffer from this birth defect often experience regurgitation of undigested food when lying down or bending over, in addition to suffering from the effects of bad breath.
Acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can also prompt bad breath. In this chronic digestive condition, stomach acid and contents push up into the esophagus and lower throat, causing heartburn, esophageal damage, and bad breath. Alternatively, elevated amounts of gut bacteria may cause digestive discomfort and bad breath, especially after eating sugary foods. This is due to yeast and candida in the gut feeding on ingested sugars. To prevent this overgrowth, some doctors suggest eating probiotics and fiber regularly to cleanse your digestive system.
To treat bad breath caused by digestive issues, speak to your doctor and your dentist about your concerns. Your doctor may recommend you to a gastroenterologist or other specialist, and your dentist can assist you in combating bad breath and maintaining an effective oral-hygiene routine of brushing, flossing, and using an antibacterial mouthwash as needed. You might also consider adjusting your diet to avoid acidic foods and drinks, as these can irritate a sensitive digestive system and cause additional oral problems.
Does mouthwash eliminate a bad oral odor?
Bad breath, also called halitosis, is often the result of poor oral hygiene. Without regular cleaning, food particles and bacteria can accumulate around your teeth, tongue, and gums. Once this debris begins to rot, it gives off an unpleasant smell whenever you speak or exhale.
Fortunately, maintaining a healthy oral-hygiene routine is a simple but effective way of combating the effects of bad breath. Brushing your teeth, tongue, and gums with fluoride toothpaste after every meal or snack and flossing daily are two important habits to prevent bad breath. In addition, many people can benefit from using a mouthwash daily. Antibacterial mouthwashes are designed to kill microorganisms and to neutralize any chemicals in the mouth that may lead to bad breath.
Chemicals in mouthwash include chlorhexidine, cetylpyridinium chloride, chlorine dioxide, zinc chloride, and triclosan. These can be placed into four general groups: antimicrobial agents kill and limit the growth of bacteria; fluoride reduces tooth decay and strengthens tooth enamel; astringent salts act as temporary deodorizers; and odor neutralizers can chemically inactivate odor-causing compounds.
Some people dislike using a chlorhexidine-based mouthwash for an extended period of time because of its unpleasant taste, burning sensation when used too often, and temporarily darkening effects on the teeth and tongue. Additionally, many mouthwashes also include alcohol as an active ingredient. Some individuals are reluctant to use alcohol-based mouthwashes because of concern that long-term use may increase the risk of oral cancer, although this correlation has not been clinically verified. Studies have demonstrated, however, that use an antibacterial mouthwash as directed and as part of a healthy oral-hygiene routine of brushing and flossing can be effective in combating bad breath. Your dentist can advise you about whether using a mouthwash is suitable for your oral-health needs. He or she may recommend that you use a mouthwash with fluoride or antimicrobial agents as part of your daily oral-hygiene routine.
Do alcoholic beverages cause bad breath?
Most people who have consumed alcohol may have breath that smells unpleasant for several hours afterwards. For those who regularly consume high amounts of alcohol, however, bad breath may become chronic and can indicate other health concerns like liver damage.
Bad breath that is caused by alcohol consumption is a result of the body processing toxins. Alcohol is treated as a toxin by the body, and it is therefore converted into a less-harmful chemical. This process is accomplished through metabolism, which converts 90% of the alcohol you consume into acetic acid. Some of the alcohol, however, is released through the respiratory system and through sweat, creating a bad odor in your breath and on your skin. Alcohol also can dehydrate you and impair saliva production, causing your mouth to become dry. This prevents harmful bacteria and debris from being washed away and can lead to prolonged bad breath.
Some alcoholic drinks lead to a more noticeable smell than others. For example, consuming liqueurs and other more-aromatic beverages causes bad breath that is more obviously unpleasant. Large amounts of beer, wine, and hard liquor can also make your breath smell unpleasant for up to 10 hours after you finish drinking.
To prevent bad breath that is caused by drinking alcoholic beverages, consider limiting your alcohol consumption. If you think alcohol may be creating your bad breath, switch to water or low-sugar, low-acidity beverages like milk or tea. Also, make sure that you are maintaining a healthy oral-hygiene routine of brushing your teeth, gums, and tongue after every meal or snack, flossing daily, and using an antibacterial mouthwash. Scheduling regular cleanings and exams with your dentist twice a year is another key way to treat and prevent bad breath. Staying is hydrated is also important to maintain healthy saliva production and to protect your gums, especially when drinking alcohol.
Conclude
When you found that you have halitosis problem, not just masking the symptoms with freshener products but find the best medication for your halitosis. Using home remedy to prevent or cure your halitosis or bad breath is might be the best choice to you to solve till the end the problem.
The most popular medication for halitosis now is home remedy because it has been proved by many people that home remedy can cure halitosis naturally to the end of problem with no dangerous side effect and stop for coming back to you. Learn more : Natural Cure for Halitosis
Post a Comment