Bad Breath Remedies

2009-10-30T09:57:00.000-07:00

Fluoride Use and Bad Breath

It’s long been known that fluoridating water and oral products can help prevent cavities, but we don’t hear much about fluoride use and bad breath (halitosis or oral malodor). Does fluoridation either cause bad breath or help guard against it? As one might expect, fluoridation can help to prevent halitosis, though its effect is rather subtle and indirect. The benefit is linked to fluoride’s ability to support dental health.

Fluoride inhibits both dental plaque and halitosis. Our teeth are protected by a resistant covering called enamel, built primarily with the minerals calcium and phosphate. These minerals can be removed from enamel by acids produced by oral bacteria that break down sugars in the foods we eat. These bacteria are found, among other places, in the plaque that builds up on our teeth between brushings. When calcium and phosphate are removed from the enamel faster than our bodies can put it back, cavities form. The link between fluoride use and bad breath lies in the fact that dental decay is often associated with a bad odor on the breath.

Manufacturers of oral products have typically used sodium fluoride. A few recent studies, however, suggest that stannous fluoride may work better against plaque and halitosis, and even against inflammation of the gums, which is also associated with oral malodor. This research is preliminary and needs to be backed up with further studies: it’s too soon to draw conclusions about stannous fluoride use and bad breath. In the interim, the benefits of using topical sodium fluoride on the teeth are well documented.

A few words of caution about fluoride use and bad breath are in order. First, in uncomplicated cases of oral malodor, the foul smelling gases are produced by bacteria living on the back of the tongue, not on the teeth, and there is no compelling evidence that fluoridated products have any significant effect on these bacteria. Secondly, exposure to too much fluoride to treat plaque and halitosis may create other health issues: Excessive exposure in children results in dental fluorosis, and the long term effects on adults remain uncertain. Avoid swallowing fluoridated oral products.

2009-10-15T09:50:00.000-07:00

Mouthwash for Bad Breath

Is all mouthwash for bad breath or do consumers have to choose carefully from the wide range of products on the market? Actually, oral care products are often marketed as treatments for specific problems, and it’s important to read labels carefully before purchasing. In addition, you might want to consult a dental professional to be sure you are choosing a good product: professionals generally know what works and what doesn’t.

Oral rinses for odor reduction typically contain an antiseptic of some kind – a compound believed to act on the bacteria that are known to produce foul smelling gases in the mouth. Antiseptics in mouthwash for bad breath include essential oils from plants like thyme (thymol) eucalyptus, or mint (menthol), quaternary ammonium compounds such as cetylpyridinium chloride, oxygenating compounds such as peroxide, or an oil that physically picks up the bacteria and carries them away. Some of these antiseptics have been scientifically studied and proven effective, while others depend on anecdotal evidence and individual testimonials.

When shopping for rinses for odor reduction, be sure that you don’t buy a product intended for a different problem, such as tooth decay or gum disease. Though these dental diseases are often associated with oral malodor (they don’t so much cause oral malodor as arise from the same oral conditions) a product aimed only at them and not intended as a mouthwash for bad breath is unlikely to bring you the results you want.

Though many people now regard oral malodor as a medical, or even a social problem, oral rinses for odor reduction tend to be grouped with the cosmetic oral products – those that are intended to whiten teeth or reduce staining. Indeed, solving a halitosis problem may be as simple as paying more attention to oral hygiene and regularly using a mouthwash for bad breath. Unless you suspect an underlying medical condition—in which case, see your doctor—or more serious problems in the mouth, treat it cosmetically first. If this fails to bring relief, however, consult your dentist or dental hygienist. There are other products available only with a prescription.

2009-09-29T11:54:00.000-07:00

Homemade Mouthwash

There are many reasons to try your own homemade mouthwash: it’s much cheaper, you can select natural ingredients, you know exactly what’s in it, and you can adjust the ingredients until you have a taste you like and a product that doesn’t irritate your mouth. For some halitosis sufferers, a natural product like this can be part of an improved oral hygiene routine that may well help eliminate breath odors. At the least, an attempt to make your own rinse will cost you very little.

Recipes for natural mouth rinses typically call for aromatic herbs and plant extracts: strong-flavored plants such as mint, rosemary, anise, and fennel. Citrus is popular as well, and more exotic things are sometimes used such as tincture of myrrh, tea tree oil, and aloe vera gel. Homemade mouthwash based on these substances generally uses either water, or soda water as a liquid carrier. Simpler mixtures simply use baking soda or table salt dissolved in water. Glycerin may be used for its antibacterial properties.

It’s not really necessary to have a recipe for homemade mouthwash: you can easily devise your own using ingredients that are available to you. It’s generally advisable to avoid alcohol—as it is in commercial mouthwashes—because of the tendency of alcohol to dry oral tissues; however, alcohol is sometimes used to dissolve ingredients such as glycerin before they’re added to water. When natural mouth rinses are heated during preparation, no alcohol remains in the finished product.

The general rule for making homemade mouthwash with oils and essences is to use small amounts—a few drops in eight ounces of water usually suffices. Adjust mixtures and amounts to taste. If ingredients don’t readily mix, try alcohol and / or heat to hasten the process. Rinsing with natural mouth rinses is the same as with commercial products: swish the solution around in the mouth for about thirty seconds, making sure that the liquid contacts the surfaces between the teeth and all the corners and crevices in the mouth. Since your solution contains minimal amounts of substances that might be harmful, it’s okay to swallow – but use your best judgment based on what you have added. (It may not be a good idea to ingest too much of things like tea tree oil).

For a quick and versatile homemade mouthwash that you can take with you and use anywhere, mix eight ounces of water with a teaspoon of baking soda and add a drop or two of peppermint oil. Alternatively, rinse with unsweetened cranberry juice.

2009-09-16T13:43:00.000-07:00

Magnolia officinalis for Bad Breath

One of the latest and most encouraging discoveries in the management of oral malodor uses extract of Magnolia officinalis for bad breath. The extract (MBE) can easily be produced from the stem bark of the magnolia tree, and incorporated into products such as chewing gum and mints to produce a fast acting, portable, and effective breath freshening agent. The substance doesn’t just mask offensive odors with a pleasant smell: scientific research indicates that it actually causes a rapid reduction in the number of odor-producing bacteria in the mouth, thereby providing a lasting benefit.

Until now, gum and mints for halitosis have been mostly a short term aid, used to produce a pleasant smell on the breath while the product is actually in the mouth. The effect fades quickly as soon as the mint dissolves or the flavor of the gum dissipates, sometimes leaving an unpleasant taste in the mouth. While some of the ingredients in these products do have antibacterial properties, the amounts that can be delivered in a single mint or stick of gum are insufficient to really do any good. Using Magnolia officinalis for bad breath seems to be different: controlled scientific study has found that mints containing just 0.2% MBE reduce virtually all of the bacterial species studied within five minutes.

It seems that we might have learned of the potential of Magnolia officinalis for bad breath much sooner if we had listened to ancient Chinese wisdom. The bark extract involved has long been used by the Chinese for everything from headache, through fever, and stress relief. Research in other medical specialties reveals that it may be useful against various other common infections and studies with MBE gum and mints for halitosis suggest, as an incidental finding, that it may help prevent tooth decay as well, by killing the bacteria associated with that. It seems almost too good to be true.

Extravagant claims have been made about the potential of many commercial products, including gum and mints for halitosis, for relief of oral malodor. To date, however, research has not provided the answer to why people suffer from the problem in the first place, or how to get rid of it for good. These answers are still to come. Similarly, using Magnolia officinalis for bad breath will not be a cure if the conditions that allowed the bacteria to proliferate in the first place are not corrected. None the less, a truly effective, portable breath freshener could revolutionize daily life for millions of people.

Source:
Greenberg, Michael. Philip Urnezis and Minmin Tian. “Compressed Mints and Chewing Gum Containing Magnolia Bark Extract Are Effective against Bacteria Responsible for Oral Malodor” J. Agric. Food Chem., 2007, 55 (23), pp 9465–9469.

2009-08-26T14:04:00.000-07:00

Zinc Chloride Mouthwash

Oral hygiene products containing metals, such as zinc chloride mouthwash, are considered by some specialists to be among the most effective treatments for halitosis. The scientific rationale behind these products is that the metal molecules react with sulfur molecules in the breath—the offensive smelling sulfur compounds produced by oral bacteria—creating an entirely new chemical structure that does not smell bad. Metals, typically zinc or copper, are often combined with essential oils such as eucalyptus oil or thymol in oral care products.

Clearly, zinc and other metals only have the ability to neutralize bad breath temporarily. They don’t change the conditions in the mouth, and they don’t have any activity against the odor-producing bacteria themselves, therefore, once all of the metal has reacted with sulfur, or been rinsed from the mouth, the bad odor associated with halitosis returns. Even the essential oils, many of which have some antibacterial activity, are present in insufficient quantities to make a lasting difference. Although products such as zinc chloride mouthwash have been reported to freshen the breath for several hours in some cases, they should be considered among the many products that mask the problem, rather than those that solve it.

In fact, some controlled studies that compared the results of regular use of chemical mouthwashes, products containing metals, and those containing essential oils, found little difference between the three. Other studies found that products such as zinc chloride mouthwash were not as good as antibacterial chemicals over the long term, though they may well have fewer adverse side effects to worry about. In the end, reactive metals such as copper and zinc may indeed neutralize bad breath but they are only part of the solution.

A sensible approach to halitosis involves good oral hygiene including regular tooth and tongue cleaning, yearly or twice yearly visits to the dentist, and treatment for any dental or gum disease. If the problem persists, products that neutralize bad breath can be helpful in the short term while a more permanent solution is sought. Ultimately, the aim is to reduce the population of anaerobic odor-producing bacteria living in the mouth to levels that don’t result in detectable odor. Zinc chloride mouthwash will not produce the desired end result if not combined with other antibacterial measures.

2009-08-12T13:54:00.000-07:00

Curry Leaves for Bad Breath

Natural remedies for common ailments are more and more popular—one that many people haven’t heard of is the use of curry leaves for bad breath. The people of India grow the curry tree, Murraya koenigii, because the leaves are used to flavor traditional dishes; however, they have also known for many years that putting a few of the fresh leaves in the mouth and holding them there for several minutes can have a remarkably positive effect on the breath.

Murraya koenigii health benefits don’t stop there. Apparently scientists are studying the extract of the leaves as a natural medicine against high cholesterol and high blood sugar, suggesting that it may have great potential in Western countries where many people suffer from high cholesterol and type 2 diabetes. The extract contains healthy antioxidants as well, and root bark of the plant is used in some conditions as a pain reliever. It seems that curry leaves for bad breath is only the beginning.

Curry leaves are considered a green vegetable in India. It’s known that they contain vitamins and minerals, which explain some Murraya koenigii health benefits. They also contain essential oils, zinc, and chlorophyll, all of which have been used in commercial remedies for oral malodor. It’s very likely that, like many plants, this one produces some antibacterial compounds and using curry leaves for bad breath may result in a reduction of oral odor-producing bacteria.

Of course, even natural remedies with a long history of use must eventually be properly studied to determine their usefulness, potential toxicity, and how they work. Scientific study has not yet illuminated the secrets behind Murraya koenigii health benefits; however, we can be fairly sure the substance is not toxic because of its long and widespread use as an edible culinary plant. Fresh curry leaves for bad breath will be difficult to obtain in regions where the tree is not grown, however, dried leaves are available in many Asian shops and even these may have some beneficial properties. Further investigation will reveal whether this plant has a future in the arsenal of weapons against oral malodor.

2009-07-29T13:31:00.000-07:00

Magnolia Bark Extract for Bad Breath

An extract of the stem bark of Magnolia officinalis has been a traditional Chinese medicine for years: however, it’s only recently that researchers thought of using magnolia bark extract for bad breath. Like many plant extracts, the compound has antibacterial properties against Propionibacterium acne, an organism involved in facial acne; Helicobacter pylori, the cause of stomach and duodenal ulcers; and Streptococcus mutans a bacterium associated with dental decay. It makes sense to investigate whether this compound can reduce the numbers of odor-causing bacteria in the mouth.

The idea of using botanical extracts for halitosis is not new either. In its simplest form, this approach is employed when we chew on a leaf of mint, a clove, or any other aromatic herb in order to impart a fresh scent to the breath. A number of plant essential oils and other compounds have been tested and found to have antibacterial properties. Plant chlorophyll has been used as a breath freshener for a long time, and more recently, tea tree oil has been suggested as a mouth rinse. Preliminary research suggests that using magnolia bark extract for bad breath may be amazingly effective, and that it poses little risk.

Extract of M. officinalis contains two substances that are thought to be important: magnolol and honokiol, with magnolol being present in much higher concentrations than honokiol. In controlled studies where scientists measured the effectiveness of magnolia bark extract for bad breath, results indicated that both magnolol and honokiol, as well as a combination of the two killed odor-producing oral bacteria. In fact the preparation was significantly more effective than other botanical extracts for halitosis, including peppermint oil and thymol (from thyme).

Product development is still ongoing. Thus far food scientists have tested magnolia bark extract for bad breath bacteria in both controlled laboratory culture conditions, and in live subjects who received the compound in gum or mints. Side effects have been relatively few and researchers believe that the substance can be safely added to food items, some of which are already on the market. Best of all, we won’t have to go to the health food store to get these botanical extracts for halitosis: we may finally have a breath freshening mint that does more than just mask the odor.

Source:
Greenberg, Michael. Philip Urnezis and Minmin Tian. “Compressed Mints and Chewing Gum Containing Magnolia Bark Extract Are Effective against Bacteria Responsible for Oral Malodor” J. Agric. Food Chem., 2007, 55 (23), pp 9465–9469.

2009-07-15T07:18:00.000-07:00

Basic Concepts of Bad Breath

For years we didn’t know much about bad breath, except that it is an unfortunate problem for many people, but today we understand many of the basic concepts of bad breath. We know what causes it most of the time, we’re making progress in diagnosis, and focused scientific research is revealing some possible approaches to treatment that weren’t possible in the past.

One of the first facts about halitosis to be understood was the role of anaerobic bacteria in the mouth. It is these bacteria that produce the bad odor we associate with oral malodor, and knowing this makes it clear that the best approach to treating the problem will target oral anaerobes. Basic concepts of bad breath more recently revealed include the fact that in the vast majority of cases, the odor-producing bacteria are living on the surface of the tongue, in the pits and grooves at the back of the tongue, where sinus drainage coats the tongue producing a layer of biofilm that shielding anaerobic bacteria from oxygen.

One of the curious facts about halitosis that has become very evident is that many people worry about the problem excessively and a significant number believe their breath smells bad when it really does not. We aren’t very good at judging the quality of our own breath! Further to this, those that do suffer from oral malodor are frequently unaware of it. Currently, one of the basic concepts of bad breath treatment among professionals is that one must first confirm that the condition actually exists. Several methods of measuring breath odor, both objectively and subjectively, have now been developed and are in regular use by professionals.

Though learning all the facts about halitosis has not yet revealed a panacea for dealing with the problem, we’re getting closer, and products available on the market are more effective than ever. Reducing the number of odor producing bacteria and giving them no place to multiply again are among the basic concepts of bad breath treatment today. Sufferers can consult professionals and/or choose from a wide variety of commercial products, many of which are significant improvements over what was available even five years ago. Hopefully, the next few years will bring even more useful information about this troublesome condition.

Source: Krespi, Yosef P., Mark G. Shrime, and Ashutosh Kacker. The relationship between oral malodor and volatile sulfur compound–producing bacteria. Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery (2006) 135, 671-676

2009-07-02T11:28:00.000-07:00

Bad Breath and Bacteria

Bad breath and bacteria go hand in hand. Few people realize how many bacteria live in the human mouth. Scientists tell us that as many as seven hundred different species of bacteria can live in our mouths, with each individual playing host to perhaps one hundred species at any given time. This may not sound good, but in fact most of these bacteria are harmless, and some are even beneficial, protecting us from disease causing organisms that might move in if they had the opportunity. Only a handful of the species living in our mouths produce volatile sulfur compounds (VSC), the bad smelling gases in oral malodor.

The link between halitosis and VSC was worked out decades ago. Some anaerobic bacteria (anaerobic means living in the absence of oxygen) break down proteins in the mouth to obtain nutrients. In the process, they release sulfur compounds as a by-product. Studies show that in at least 85% of cases, bad breath and bacteria that obtain their food in this way are closely linked. Most cases involve one or more of four specific groups of bacteria.

Studies focused on bad breath and bacteria have revealed other things about a typical case of oral malodor. The bacteria can flourish anywhere in the mouth where they are not exposed to oxygen, but in the majority of cases, the culprits live in the grooves at the back of the tongue, shielded from oxygen by a tongue coating, or biofilm, and well supplied with a protein food source from food particles, dead oral cells, and sinus drainage. Other possible oral sources of halitosis and VSC include pockets in the gums, and the tonsillar crypts, both places where there is little air flow.

Once people understand the relationship between bad breath and bacteria, they are better able to deal with the problem. In the majority of cases, vigilance toward dental and oral hygiene, including regular scraping and cleaning of the tongue to remove tongue coating will make an immediate difference in the production of halitosis and VSC. Oral products that contain essential oils, zinc chloride, and cetylpyridium chloride have been studied and there is some evidence that they’re effective. Drinking plenty of water is also helpful as it not only rinses the mouth, but also encourages plentiful saliva production.

Source: Krespi, Yosef P., Mark G. Shrime, and Ashutosh Kacker. The relationship between oral malodor and volatile sulfur compound–producing bacteria. Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery (2006) 135, 671-676.

2009-06-18T11:12:00.000-07:00

Control Morning Breath

Traditional ways to control morning breath involve oral hygiene routines and the use of commercial products upon waking. You open your eyes, yawn, swallow, and run your tongue around the inside of your mouth. Then you head for the bathroom to brush, rinse, and gargle. All this is indeed helpful: you get the saliva running again, physically remove odor producing bacteria that have multiplied overnight, and inhibit the remainder with antibacterial compounds in the products that you use.

New halitosis research, however, suggests that we can adopt daily routines that will have us waking up with less of a problem. Some products are more effective than others as preventative measures and some approaches appear to control morning breath before it happens. Researchers in South America have studied the effects of mouthwash containing chlorine dioxide, and the effects of using a toothpaste with added flavor, to see if these products reduce the amount of volatile sulfur compounds present in the mouth after sleep.

Chlorine dioxide is believed to both break down volatile sulfur compounds by reacting with them chemically, and kill the bacteria that produce these compounds through oxidation. New halitosis research has supported the claims about sulfur compounds, and a number of studies are now looking at the antibacterial activity, as well as comparing the effectiveness of chlorine dioxide to control morning breath against that of other products. The Brazilian study found that mouthwash containing chlorine dioxide (used three times daily) is more effective than mouthwash without it.

The idea of added flavor in toothpaste being used to control morning breath relies on the belief that oral malodor after sleep results from a decrease in saliva production. Less saliva allows odor producing bacteria to proliferate through the night. Because enjoyable flavors induce salivation, adding flavors to a dental hygiene routine should keep saliva flowing at an increased rate and therefore cut down the numbers of bacteria being produced in the mouth. New halitosis research coming out of Brazil indicates that the use of flavored toothpaste (three times a day) resulted in lower levels of volatile sulfur compounds compared with non-flavored products.

Sources:
Peruzzo, Daiane Cristina, Sérgio Luis Salvador, Antonio Wilson Sallum et al. “Flavoring agents present in a dentifrice can modify volatile sulphur compounds (VSCs) formation in morning bad breath.” Brazilian Oral Research Vol.22 no.3 São Paulo. 2008.
Peruzzo, Daiane Cristina, Priscila Fontoura Castelo Branco Jandiroba, and Getulio da Rocha Nogueira Filho. “Use of 0.1% chlorine dioxide to inhibit the formation of morning volatile sulphur compounds (VSC).” Brazilian Oral Research Vol.21 no.1 São Paulo Jan./Mar. 2007.

2009-05-29T09:51:00.000-07:00

Facts About Bad Breath

A search of the medical literature yields some interesting facts about bad breath. It is also called fetor ex ore, fetor oris, halitosis, and oral malodor. It is one of the most common medical problems in humans; however, a lack of epidemiological data make it impossible to accurately state how common it really is. It has both medical and social significance, since sufferers also experience social problems. It has a variety of underlying causes, including both serious organic disease, and mental delusion.

Explaining malodor then, is achieved on a case by case basis. Fortunately, though this condition wasn’t taken seriously by the medical profession until relatively recently, it is now getting careful and widespread attention, and sufferers can get help. One of the undisputed facts about bad breath is that in most cases, the underlying cause is located in the mouth, and this is the best place to start. Surprisingly, the first step is to confirm that a genuine case of halitosis exists.

Because halitosis carries a social stigma, and because scientifically valid facts about bad breath are not widely known, almost everyone fears that they have it, and a significant number are convinced that they have it when they actually do not. (We are not very good judges of our own breath odor.) Specialists have devised several tests to objectively measure the degree of odor present, and can help such people by explaining oral malodor and offering assurances that there isn’t actually a problem.

At the other end of the spectrum are those who have halitosis because they suffer from undiagnosed underlying disease. Because of these rare cases, it’s important that people familiarize themselves with the facts about bad breath and see a specialist if they think they have it, or when other people remark that their breath smells bad or even strange. Thus, though explaining oral malodor in most instances is a simple case of confirming that it originates in the mouth, in the most extreme cases, it could save a life.

2009-05-15T09:55:00.000-07:00

Teeth and Bad Breath

Many people assume an association between teeth and bad breath (halitosis). In many instances they are right: some cases of bad breath are associated with poor dental hygiene, dental cavities, and gum disease (though many are not). Fortunately, when oral malodor is caused by these dental problems, the problem is relatively easy to correct. Like other causes of oral malodor, the unpleasant smell is the result of bacterial multiplication in the mouth.

The role of dental cavities in halitosis usually begins with poor dental hygiene and a lack of regular professional dental care. If you don’t brush and floss your teeth regularly, plaque forms on the outside surfaces due to the activities of oral bacteria. Plague that remains on the teeth causes a buildup of hard tartar, also teeming with oral bacteria. In additional, food particles caught between the teeth are broken down by bacteria. Many of these bacteria produce unpleasant smelling gases as byproducts of metabolism, and some break down tooth enamel. Thus they cause both decaying teeth and bad breath.

Tooth decay, of course, results in cavities—holes in the teeth in which more food particles become trapped, bacteria gain entrance and multiply, and healthy tissues break down. All of these things increase the amounts of unpleasant smelling gases being produced and exhaled from the mouth. Thus, decaying teeth and bad breath are directly linked. When inflammation spreads to the gums, or a decaying tooth develops an abscess, the role of dental cavities in halitosis is even more pronounced.

Gum disease provides an indirect link between teeth and bad breath. When gums become inflamed and/or infected, they may allow bacteria to multiply between the gum and the tooth, and sometimes even around the root of the tooth, creating a dental abscess. Inflamed tissues slough off dead cells as well, which are then consumed by bacteria, encouraging bacterial growth. The more odor-producing bacteria present, the more oral malodor produced.

The role of dental cavities in halitosis, combined with the effect of other dental problems, is so well understood, that anyone suffering from a breath problem is well advised to consult a dental professional and have their oral health assessed before pursuing other possible causes of this common condition.

2009-04-30T10:55:00.000-07:00

Understand Bad Breath

Bad breath (also called oral malodor or halitosis) is a surprisingly common affliction in all parts of the world; nevertheless, relatively few people really understand bad breath. This is partly because it’s only in the last few decades that scientists have begun to take the problem seriously and try to figure out what is going on when breath turns foul. There are a number of causes for the condition including eating, drinking, and smoking habits; dental problems; sinus and throat problems; and a few diseases and disorders, but most cases stem from a single simple cause.

Information about halitosis usually stresses the use of antibacterial products without really explaining why that should be necessary. As the advice implies, most uncomplicated oral malodor is produced by bacteria that are living in the mouth. These bacteria are not abnormal or dangerous bacteria—they live in our mouths all the time, usually without causing any problem. To understand bad breath, we have to understand that, for some reason, certain types of bacteria sometimes take over and proliferate to abnormal numbers. This results in an imbalance in the normal oral bacteria.

Scientists understand bad breath is usually caused by anaerobic bacteria—bacteria that live in places where there is very little or no oxygen (like the back of the mouth and between the teeth). Most of us are familiar with the offensive smells given off by things rotting in very wet or airless conditions. These odors are reminiscent of the odors we think of when we think about halitosis. In fact the same gases are involved: airborne volatile sulfur compounds (VSC) that are byproducts of anaerobic decomposition.

Volatile sulfur compounds are actually waste products of the bacteria themselves. These bacteria break down protein in the environment or in the mouth (dead skin cells, food remnants, sinus drainage etc.), taking what they need to grow and reproduce, and releasing VSC among other waste. Thus, we now understand bad breath can be treated simply by reducing the numbers of anaerobic bacteria in the mouth. Today’s breath products typically only do this temporarily and have to be used daily. New research and discussion about halitosis focuses on how to cure the problem permanently and reestablish a healthy balance of oral bacteria in the mouth.

2009-04-09T17:09:00.000-07:00

The Science Behind Breath Products

Once upon a time, there was no science behind breath products. Freshening the breath was a simple matter of what worked. This explains the wide variety of home remedies, such as mint, cloves, anise, parsley, dill etc. most of which rely on strong natural odors to mask a bad smell on the breath. Many of these remedies are still in use today, despite the considerable scientific research that has now been done. Not surprisingly, when scientists look at these old remedies, they find that some of them do have real value in treating bad breath.

We now know that relieving halitosis in a significant way depends on controlling the numbers of anaerobic odor-causing bacteria that live in the mouth. Thus, both old and new treatments that work are those that have some antibacterial activity. In home remedies, it is usually essential oils that act on bacteria and these may hold the key to new treatments in the future. Using the current science behind breath products, however, manufacturers of commercial preparations generally add antiseptics such as chlorhexamide, attempt to introduce oxygen to the anaerobic environment of the mouth, or try to physically remove the bacteria with oils (also tongue scrapers, and other mouth cleaning tools).

Unfortunately oral malodor is an obstinate problem that is still difficult to get rid of permanently, especially when no specific cause can be found. Relieving halitosis is typically a long term commitment that requires daily oral care and the purchase of commercial preparations. Fortunately, an increased interest in halitosis in the medical community means that the science behind breath products will continue to expand.

Relieving halitosis remains a challenge for both health care specialists and patients. Breath products are improving, however, and oral malodor sufferers today have more choices than ever before. Advancing science behind breath products will no doubt eventually lead to a better understanding of the causes of this common problem and to new drugs and oral treatments that cure it for good.

2009-01-31T17:52:00.000-08:00

History of Bad Breath

Not surprisingly, the history of bad breath – or halitosis – goes back a long way. People have been suffering from this problem for thousands of years and trying, of course, to find a solution. Medical scrolls from 1500BC mention the condition and ancient cultures had traditional ways of treating it, many of which parallel the remedies we use today. People in the Far East devised an early tongue cleaner, and people all over the world turned to aromatic herbs and spices to freshen the breath and mask breath odor. Mint, anise, cloves, cinnamon, parsley, guava, and lots of others have been used.

Halitosis in the past was generally regarded as a personal hygiene problem rather than a health problem and sufferers were often stigmatized, ostracized, and blamed for their condition. In some cultures divorce was sanctioned when one of a couple had the problem. During the twentieth century, help came in the form of commercial mouthwashes and breath mints, but the history of bad breath did not take a significant turn until we figured out the source of the odor. That information gave us a recognizable target.

University of British Columbia researcher Dr. J. Tonzetich figures prominently in the history of bad breath. In 1964, he proved that the typical foul smell of oral malodor came from volatile sulfur compounds (VSC). These compounds proved to come from anaerobic bacteria that are a normal part of the bacterial life in human mouths – they aren’t a problem unless they multiply to numbers large enough to be detectable. Most cases of halitosis in the past, like today, were caused by an overgrowth of anaerobes.

Since 1964, we’ve learned that VSC-producing anaerobes live in large numbers on the surface of the back of the tongue, and also in pockets and folds in the gums, and between the teeth. A suspicion that halitosis in the past was caused by gum disease and tooth decay has been proven, but we also know that lots of people with healthy mouths suffer from the problem as well. The most recent developments in the history of bad breath have been products that specifically attack anaerobic bacteria in the mouth, and objective methods of measuring and diagnosing oral malodor. In all likelihood, the first really effective treatments for this problem are just around the corner.

2009-01-15T17:36:00.000-08:00

Diagnosis of Bad Breath

Once, a diagnosis of bad breath relied solely upon another person informing us that our breath was offensive – a family member, friend, doctor, dentist, or even a complete stranger. In some cases, people came to the conclusion on their own (still true today) and were not always right. It is only in recent years that medical specialists have taken the problem seriously enough to even try to develop an objective means of measuring oral malodor.

Tests for halitosis today have greatly improved, and though some of the old methods are still used, specialists have at least three measurement techniques to choose from. Patients who are serious about having their breath tested and getting some help with the problem can visit clinics that are equipped to do the testing and get a proper diagnosis of bad breath.

The most familiar method for assessing oral malodor, which attempts to achieve an objective result, is known as organoleptic measurement. The most subjective of current tests for halitosis, organoleptic measurement involves having the patient blow through a straw while an experienced examiner sits at a specified distance and rates the level of malodor on an established scale. The difficulty with this diagnosis of bad breath is that human smell sensitivity naturally varies from time to time and the results are therefore not always repeatable.

An instrument called a halimeter is gaining in popularity. With the halimeter, the diagnosis of bad breath is made by placing a straw or tube connected to the instrument in the open mouth and measuring the volatile sulfur compounds that travel down the tube to the halimeter with exhaled air. Volatile sulfur compounds are produced by anaerobic bacteria in the mouth, and are indicative of halitosis, but other compounds in room air and exhaled breath that are not related to bad breath can be measured by the halimeter and affect results. In addition, like most tests for halitosis, this method does not differentiate between odor produced in the mouth and odor that originates elsewhere in the body.

A third method, and the most recent of the practical tests for halitosis, is called gas chromatography. This procedure also detects sulfur, but it can tell whether the sulfur is coming from the mouth or from another source. Once an expensive, difficult laboratory test requiring specialized equipment and training, people involved in diagnosis of bad breath are moving toward portable user-friendly equipment for gas chromatography that may revolutionize the diagnosis of bad breath.

2008-12-31T06:53:00.000-08:00

Breakfast and Bad Breath

Our mother’s always told us to eat a good breakfast, and they were right, but most of them probably didn’t know the link between breakfast and bad breath. Experts agree that having something to eat before heading off to work or school does a lot to eliminate oral malodor. And beyond that, it gives you energy to get on with the day, keeps your blood sugar up, and helps you maintain a healthy weight. There are good reasons why we feel hungry when we get up in the morning.

So what’s the connection between breakfast and bad breath? First, our mouths tend to be quite dry when we wake because saliva production slows down while we sleep. Saliva is important for flushing the oral cavity and keeping oral bacteria in check: lack of it during the night explains why everyone tends to have halitosis in the morning. Eating causes a natural response of increased saliva production and gets the mouth flushing again at the start of the day. For extra saliva production, watermelon and celery are reported to be especially effective.

The underlying reason we have halitosis in the morning is that the reduction in saliva allows anaerobic bacteria that live in the mouth to multiply. These organisms, which release bad smelling gases, are found in the highest numbers in the grooves of the tongue at the back of the mouth. Many dentists and oral malodor specialists recommend brushing the tongue to keep the numbers of these bacteria down, and eating cereals and foods with a lot of fiber in them can also have a cleansing effect. Eat a whole grain breakfast and bad breath is less likely to be a problem for the rest of the day. It’s that simple.

A third connection between breakfast and bad breath has to do with the way the body produces energy, and also explains why people on low carbohydrate diets often have oral malodor. If there is no carbohydrate to digest, the body turns to breaking down fat instead. It helps to burn body fat but it also produces by-products of protein metabolism that are expelled on the breath. Thus the person who skips the morning meal is likely to have halitosis in the morning, and may notice it clearing up after they eat lunch.

It looks like eating a healthy breakfast really is good for us in a lot of different ways.

2008-12-16T06:21:00.000-08:00

Helicobacter pylori and Bad Breath

Researchers in Japan have found a link between Helicobacter pylori and bad breath (halitosis). Helicobacter pylori is known to cause stomach ulcers, and doctors have long suspected that some cases of bad breath (halitosis) are linked to stomach problems but, until now, scientific proof has been lacking. The study, reported in the Journal of Medical Microbiology (J Med Microbiol 57 (2008), 1553-1559), looked for the presence of H. pylori in the mouths of 326 subjects, 251 of whom suffered from oral malodor. The results indicted an association with not only halitosis, but also gum disease.

Does this mean stomach ulcer and halitosis go hand in hand? Not necessarily. Not all people who carry H. pylori have stomach ulcers, just as not all of them have oral malodor. The authors of the recent report suggest that gum disease may predispose people to having H. pylori in the mouth—that is, gum disease may create the ideal conditions for the bacterium to multiply in the mouth if it is introduced. Poor oral health, then, may be a stepping stone to Helicobacter pylori and bad breath.

Obviously, contact with this organism can increase the risk of both stomach ulcer and bad breath, since any organism that is found in the mouth is presumably also found in the stomach. Once assumed to be a harmless environmental bacterium, it is emerging as a significant cause of human health problems. It remains to be seen however, whether the evidence linking Helicobacter pylori and bad breath sparks additional research and increased efforts to find good antibiotic treatment.

For oral malodor sufferers, knowledge of a possible cause and effect relationship between Helicobacter pylori and bad breath may spark a desire to be tested for the organism. There is a blood test available for screening, though it’s probably not known whether it will detect the organism in oral tissues. Ironically, a urea breath test has also been developed, the results of which may be questionable now that we know the bacterium can live in the mouth: this test may not differentiate between stomach ulcer and bad breath. The reported study used detection of specific DNA, an approach not likely to be available to the general public.

2008-11-30T06:25:00.000-08:00

Drugs for Bad Breath

These days, it seems there’s a prescription for everything - no wonder oral malodor sufferers look to their doctors for drugs for bad breath. What could be simpler than just popping a pill? No more mouth washes that taste like chemicals, no more breath mints, no more costly trips to the dentist to see if dental or gum care is needed. No more having people wince and pull away when they get a whiff of your breath. Unfortunately, it’s not that easy.

Most cases of bad breath are caused by the overgrowth of certain species of bacteria that live in the mouth. Many of them are anaerobes, bacteria that live in places where oxygen is scanty or absent. These bacteria hide in pockets in the gums, between the teeth, and in the tiny grooves at the back of the tongue. Drugs for bad breath would have to be delivered to these locations in order to work, and that’s not easy. Taken in pill form, such a drug would go straight past the mouth and into the stomach, and then return via the bloodstream to oxygenated tissues. An ideal halitosis medication, meanwhile, should stay in the mouth in places where oxygen is absent.

That’s why most products marketed as over-the-counter drugs for bad breath are liquids – mouth rinses and washes, or gum, lozenges etc. It’s also why some of these products have been designed to actually deliver oxygen to the mouth, exposing anaerobes to oxygen and killing them off. Unfortunately, we walk a fine line between killing off all the anaerobes, and also killing all the healthy bacteria that also live in the mouth and protect us from infection. This explains why halitosis medication typically needs to be used long term – you never get rid of the anaerobes completely and must prevent them from gaining in numbers again.

Ironically, while drugs for bad breath are in short supply, drugs that actually cause the problem are easier to find. A long list of drugs including stomach remedies, antihistamines and antidepressants list oral malodor as a side effect. When these drugs are needed long term for chronic health problems, the patient may be stuck with bad breath as an added problem. In these cases, a novel approach to halitosis medication is needed – it might mean switching to an alternate medicine, or it might mean trying the available over-the-counter remedies until one is found that works. Sometimes the problem is difficult, if not impossible, to fix.

2008-11-19T06:22:00.000-08:00

Vitamin E for Bad Breath

Some websites and articles recommend vitamin E for bad breath, and some over-the-counter remedies include this vitamin along with other vitamin and herbal ingredients. Few sources, however, explain why this nutrient is thought to be beneficial. It has long been recognized as being important in the maintenance of healthy cells and the development of nervous tissue. Deficiencies are associated with neurological disorders, vision problems, anemia in newborns, and fibrocystic breast disease. Vitamin E deficiency, however, is very rare.

Extravagant health claims have been made for alpha-tocopherol, the most widely studied of the Vitamin E molecules, however, there is no solid evidence to connect alpha-tocopherol and halitosis - treatment of oral malodor with this nutrient alone is unlikely to bring about a cure. The strongest argument for vitamin E and bad breath is that it is one of the essential nutrients needed for optimum health, and at least some cases of oral malodor can be improved by correcting a poor diet. In such cases, a multivitamin and mineral supplement is more likely to be helpful than supplementation with singe specific nutrients.

Some proponents of vitamin E for bad breath cite the antioxidant properties of the molecule. As an antioxidant, alpha-tocopherol and other forms prevent other nutrients such as vitamin A from being destroyed by free oxygen. The protective role also applies to red blood cells and the cells of the immune system. Therefore, abundant vitamin E strengthens the immune system and, in turn, the immune system is better able to fight off the anaerobic oral bacteria associated with most uncomplicated cases of oral malodor. This also explains the proposed link between alpha-tocopherol and halitosis.

Vitamin E is present in food, and the best way to get more vitamin E for bad breath is to make sure you eat lots of foods high in the nutrient. Good food choices include nuts and seeds, asparagus and leafy green vegetables, avocado, olives, and wheat germ. These foods are also healthful in many other ways and are excellent additions to a healthy diet. Given the weak link between alpha-tocopherol and halitosis, however, it would be wise not to harbor high expectations for an over-night cure.

2008-10-28T06:12:00.000-07:00

Yogurt for Bad Breath

Recent scientific studies suggest that eating yogurt for bad breath may be beneficial. One study had volunteers avoid yogurt for a period of time and then eat it daily: measurements of the breath taken during both periods showed a reduction in hydrogen sulfide, one of the sulfur compounds responsible for the foul odor of bad breath (halitosis), when yogourt was eaten. Though the results are not fully understood, benefits may be the result of several things.

One reason we may be able to fight halitosis with yogourt is that this dairy product is made with live bacterial cultures of mixed lactic acid bacteria: lactobacillus, bifidobacterium, and others. These live organisms provide competition for oral bacteria as they pass through the mouth, replacing some of the bacteria that produce hydrogen sulfide and other volatile sulfur compounds (VSC). Organisms in yogurt and bad breath are mutually exclusive because lactic acid bacteria do not produce VSC.

Lactic acid bacteria produce several chemicals that help explain why it makes sense to fight halitosis with yogourt. The first is lactic acid, an acidic byproduct of the fermentation of milk, which creates an inhospitable environment for the bacteria that produce VSC. Second, at least some of the lactic acid bacteria interact with the anaerobic producers of VSC to produce hydrogen peroxide, which inhibits both anaerobes and VSC. Thus, the theory is we can regularly expose VSC-producing oral bacteria to strong competition by using yogurt for bad breath.

Several caveats should be pointed out in any discussion of yogurt for bad breath: the acidity of lactic acid is thought to be damaging to tooth enamel, so practice good oral hygiene that includes regular brushing after eating. Likewise, the link between sugary foods and dental decay is well established: the best choice to fight halitosis with yogourt is a plain, unsweetened product with live (active) bacterial cultures.

2008-10-14T05:57:00.000-07:00

Lactic Acid Bacteria Fight Bad Breath

Ongoing research shows that lactic acid bacteria fight bad breath (halitosis). Lactic acid bacteria are bacteria that ferment milk and produce lactic acid as they break down carbohydrates. They include a number of different genera and species, including lactobacillus and bifidobacterium, bacteria commonly used to make yogurt. Other lactic acid bacteria are used in the production of other foods and, most recently in probiotic natural health supplements.

Lactic acid bacteria provide an intriguing natural remedy for halitosis: studies show that, both in laboratory conditions and in the mouths of volunteers, these bacteria inhibit the growth of oral anaerobic bacteria, the culprits in most cases of uncomplicated halitosis. Lactic acid bacteria fight bad breath by actually replacing the anaerobes, by interacting with them to produce hydrogen peroxide, and by creating an environment that is too acidic for the anaerobes.

The discovery that lactic acid bacteria fight bad breath has inspired both recommendations that people regularly eat unsweetened yogurt, and the development of foods to fight oral malodor that contain high concentrations of organisms such as Weissella, a bacterium that may be particularly good at fighting anaerobes without promoting tooth decay. As a natural remedy for halitosis, what could be easier than just including one of these foods in your diet daily?

A study where researchers had volunteers test unsweetened yogourt as a natural remedy for halitosis by consuming it daily found other benefits: a decrease in the amount of plaque buildup on the teeth and a lower incidence of gum disease. To the extent that both dental plaque and gum disease are frequently associated with oral malodor, these findings suggest that lactic acid fights bad breath through several processes working together.

It will likely take additional research to determine how we might best use lactobacillus and similar organisms as a natural remedy for halitosis; however, in the meanwhile those who suffer from this common condition might consider adding unsweetened yogurt to their daily routine.

2008-09-30T10:19:00.000-07:00

Diet and Bad Breath

It’s logical to wonder whether there is a relationship between diet and bad breath. So many aspects of health are affected by what we eat, and modern nutritional research is discovering more and more links between many common diseases and the foods that we eat or don’t eat. To date, despite increasing research on oral malodor, little is known about the impact of the diet in general.

One clear link between halitosis and eating habits highlights the importance of good oral hygiene. Quite simply, if food remains caught between the teeth and in crevices and creases after eating, it will be used as a source of nutrients by microorganisms living in the mouth. When these organisms – mostly bacteria and yeasts - break down food particles, they release waste products, some of which are foul smelling gases. To cut this link between diet and bad breath, practice good oral hygiene: brush after eating, floss regularly, and have dental check ups.

Another well understood link between halitosis and eating habits is the effect of consuming very few carbohydrates, a feature of some popular weight loss programs. When the body can’t break down carbohydrates for energy, it turns to burning fat, and the breakdown of fat in the tissues produces chemical waste products that are expelled in the breath. Unfortunately, though this works for many people who want to lose weight, there is no compromise for a low carbohydrate diet and bad breath: if you want the problem to go away, you have to eat more carbohydrates.

What about strong smelling foods such as onions, garlic, hot peppers, blue cheese, and spicy dishes? The connection between these foods and a bad odor on the breath is clear. In fact, the odor caused by these foods can linger for as much as twenty-four hours after they’ve been included in the diet and bad breath has to be masked with mints or herbs until it fades. Other culprits are spicy processed meats, fish, coffee, and alcohol. These links between halitosis and eating habits, however, don’t address the everyday oral malodor with no obvious cause that’s experienced by so many people.

Anyone hoping to treat an oral malodor problem with an improved lifestyle should discuss diet and bad breath with their dentist or physician. The best dietary advice is to follow the basic food guide recommended for all of us: eat lots of fruits and vegetables, choose whole grains, healthy fats, and focus on protein from beans and nuts rather than meat and diary. And get lots of exercise. Halitosis and eating habits may not be strongly linked; then again, they may.

2008-09-18T10:19:00.000-07:00

What to Eat for Bad Breath

People casting around for long term ways to deal with an oral malodor problem often wonder what to eat for bad breath. Although suggestions for specific beneficial foods – mostly to temporarily mask the odor in the mouth – are easy to come by, there are few solid suggestions for lifestyle and dietary changes that will actually alleviate the problem. No doubt the best overall advice is simply to stick to a healthy diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and plant protein sources (beans, nuts), and low in fat, and refined carbohydrates.

Among the popular foods that help against halitosis, we find aromatic herbs and spices such as mint leaves, cloves, fennel, anise, and parsley. These can be chewed to give a temporary pleasant odor to the breath, and some may contain essential oils that are actually helpful in fighting the odor-causing bacteria that live in the mouth. They are not cures, however, and really just mask the bad smell for a short while. When considering what to eat for bad breath, most people want better alternatives. Scientific research has little to offer.

Among the foods that help against halitosis, there are a few that act by cleaning the teeth and keeping the oral environment healthy. Among them are apple and guava, which are said to clean the teeth and help to clear out trapped food particles. Fresh young guava leaves are also mentioned, though these may be hard to come by where the plant does not grow. Many nutrients, of course, contribute to the maintenance of healthy tissues in the mouth. While contemplating what to eat for bad breath, consider taking a multivitamin and mineral supplement. This should cover any nutritional areas of weakness, at least until a healthy diet is well established.

Some sources do recommend specific foods that help against halitosis. Some swear by fenugreek tea, an infusion made from a plant from southern Asia. The tea may be helpful in cases where oral malodor is caused by sinusitis or another nose or throat problem. Avocado is said to be helpful, especially when an intestinal problem is involved. Other specific suggestions for what to eat for bad breath include raw fruit and vegetable juices, seeds, nuts, and grains. Avoid dairy products, eggs, meat, and refined carbohydrates. For the halitosis sufferer, the key is to keep an open mind and try different things. No remedy works for everyone.

2008-08-29T07:17:00.000-07:00

Halimeter for Bad Breath Diagnosis

Many specialists in oral malodor now use the halimeter®, by Interscan Corporation to assess patients who consult them about a breath problem. Simple but ingenious, the device draws in a sample of mouth air through a straw, analyzes it for certain gases and provides a readout of the gases quantified in parts per billion (ppb). This scientific breath analysis is based on the knowledge that the foul odors associated with halitosis are usually volatile sulfur compounds (VSC) produced by anaerobic bacteria (microorganisms that live in places where there is little or no oxygen) breaking down proteins in the mouth. Although almost everyone has some VSC in his or her mouth, the gases are only noticeable to others at levels of about 200 ppb and higher. A quantitative measurement of VSC is, therefore, very helpful in diagnosing and monitoring halitosis.

Until recently, the organoleptic assessment of halitosis was the standard method of diagnosing and grading breath malodor. In this procedure, an examiner asks the patient to blow air through a straw and assesses the severity of the odor based on a point scale. Though every effort is made to obtain objective results, the grade is unavoidably based on an individual’s subjective impressions. Results of this type of testing are described as having low specificity and reproducibility (Lee, PPC and WY Mak. “The Aetiology and Treatment of Oral Halitosis: An Update. Hong Kong Medical Journal Vol.10 No. 6, 2004: 414-418), meaning that the procedure doesn’t test for specific odor sources, and that if the test is repeated on the same patient, different results are often obtained. The advent of the halimeter® for bad breath diagnosis is a clear advance in this difficult medical challenge.

There are few disadvantages to the halimeter® for bad breath diagnosis. One is that the cost of the instrument and the expertise required to operate it mean that the patient must consult a medical professional in order to have the test done (also true for the organoleptic assessment of halitosis). Though this may involve some cost, it does provide a professional assessment of the patient’s condition and increases the probability that a serious underlying medical problem will be caught early, as well as insuring accurate test results. In addition, the halimeter® does not measure all of the foul smelling gases associated with oral malodor, only the three common ones, so a rare case where other gases are involved may go undetected.

In order to get accurate results from the Halimeter for Bad Breath Diagnosis, patients must abstain from eating, drinking, smoking, chewing gum, using oral hygiene products, or sucking candies for a specified period of time before the procedure. It is important to follow the instructions of the person performing the test. The procedure is quick, painless, and carries virtually no risk. As a more accurate alternative to the organoleptic assessment of halitosis, it is likely to become the standard method of measuring oral malodor.

2008-08-15T07:11:00.000-07:00

Tests to Monitor Bad Breath

Because halitosis has only recently become a serious area of scientific and medical research, tests to monitor bad breath have also been slow in coming. Traditionally, the only way to check whether you had halitosis was to ask someone, preferably a doctor or dentist, to smell your breath and offer an opinion. This method is subjective and affected by the temporary effects of such things as food odors, tobacco, and even breath mints, and responses vary depending on the sensitivities of the informant. An objective, professional approach to assessing breath odor has been wanting for a long time, but a few methods are now available.

The most technical of the tests to monitor bad breath to date is the halimeter® by Interscan Corporation, a device that analyzes breath samples for volatile sulfur compounds (the gaseous breakdown products of oral bacteria known to be associated with breath odor). Using the halimeter® for halitosis measurement involves placing a straw in the mouth and waiting while the machine takes in a fifteen second air sample, which it then analyzes for the gases hydrogen sulfide, methyl mercaptan, and dimethyl sulfide. It then provides a measurement of the gases present in parts per billion (ppb). Because everyone probably has some of these bacteria and therefore minimal levels of these gases, results are interpreted according to how many ppb typically result in a detectable odor in the air.

The halimeter® for halitosis measurement can analyze mouth air, nose air and even lung air, depending on the sampling procedure used. This is helpful because, although most breath odor originates in the mouth, there are situations where a problem exists in the lungs or nasal sinuses, and in these cases, air samples from different locations help narrow down the problem. Clearly, compared to tests to monitor bad breath that can’t differentiate between possible origins of the odor, the instrument provides superior results.

Using the halimeter® for halitosis measurement is not foolproof. The procedure must be performed correctly and certain things can interfere with test results (carefully follow all instructions to abstain from smoking, eating, drinking, brushing, chewing gum etc. before the test.). In some cases the gases involved with breath malodor are not the three volatile sulfur compounds that the instrument measures. Nonetheless, for most people, this is the test of choice. Other tests to monitor bad breath include gas chromatography, a difficult and specialized test impractical for routine use; and organoleptic measurement, where the human nose remains the testing instrument but an effort is made to remove the inherent subjectivity.

2008-07-28T12:20:00.000-07:00

Tonsil Stones and Bad Breath

The relationship between tonsil stones and bad breath is not widely understood, in fact, many people have not even heard of tonsiloliths, the small aggregations of cellular debris that can accumulate around the tonsils. The relationship is accidental: cellular debris only contributes to halitosis indirectly.

Dealing with tonsiloliths requires an understanding of what causes them and why they in turn can exacerbate halitosis. The tonsils, located at the back of the throat, play a role in immunity, fighting off infection. Though they may look quite smooth, they have tiny indentations on the surface, which can become inflamed and enlarged over time. Then debris can begin to build up in them. The source of dead cells, protein molecules and mucus that are caught in the tonsillar crypts is often postnasal drip—material washing down from the nasal sinuses. When enough has accumulated, the masses are called tonsil stones and bad breath may be an accompanying problem.

The reason that aggregates of debris in the tonsillar crypts causes a bad smell is that this material provides a rich source of food for the anaerobic bacteria that normally live at the back of the mouth. Gaining access to the tonsils, bacteria feed on the material, releasing foul smelling gases as waste products and completing the cycle of tonsil stones and bad breath. Eventually, the mass will be extruded from the tonsil and swallowed, but new ones will probably continue to form—dealing with tonsiloliths then becomes a continual challenge.

Many people suffering from tonsil stones and bad breath rely on commercially available products to keep the odor under control. Some try to physically remove the stones once they reach a certain size (take care and never use a sharp object to scrape at the back of the throat—the tissues here are delicate and lie close to both blood vessels and the brain). Other resort to gargling or spraying jets of water at the tonsils. An extreme way of dealing with tonsiloliths is to have the tonsils surgically removed, an approach that should be avoided if possible.

2008-07-14T12:14:00.000-07:00

Causes of Morning Breath

It’s typical to equate an offensive odor on the breath in the mornings with everyday halitosis: the causes of morning breath may indeed be similar; however, the problem is different and usually much easier to deal with. Essentially, the bad smell is caused by the metabolic activity of anaerobic bacteria—bacteria that live in the absence of oxygen, breaking down protein molecules to fuel their own cellular processes and giving off bad smelling gases such as hydrogen sulfide as waste products. These bacteria do well while you are sleeping.

Sleep can produce a sort of transient halitosis. During sleep, our mouths become inactive, we don’t drink liquids, and even saliva production slows down. Even if the sleeper is breathing through the mouth, this has the effect of drying out the oral tissues rather than delivering oxygen - another contributing factor. In these conditions, anaerobes flourish, multiplying, metabolizing, and releasing hydrogen sulfide and other volatile sulfur compounds throughout the night. These are the causes of morning breath.

Upon waking, though we may notice a transient halitosis at first, we get up and begin moving our mouths more. We talk, eat, drink, brush our teeth, swallow more often. Saliva production picks up and most of the offensive bacterial causes of morning breath are rinsed away or swallowed. Many people use a mouthwash upon rising, though this may not even be necessary. For the rest of the day, everything’s fine, and it’s not until we sleep once again that anaerobes have a chance to get the upper hand and start multiplying.

The transient halitosis known as morning breath is different from chronic problems with oral malodor: though many of the same bacteria may cause it, they are not present in the mouth in abnormal and unhealthy numbers. When odor persists throughout the day, it’s a sign that the offensive bacteria have somehow displaced normal oral bacteria. Unlike the bacterial causes of morning breath, these abnormal bacterial populations can be very hard to dislodge and often require a much more aggressive, long-term approach.

2008-06-27T07:39:00.000-07:00

A Journal for Bad Breath

At one time, a journal for bad breath would have been unheard of. Oral malodor was not really considered a medical problem: it was a personal thing, an indication that a person was deficient in oral hygiene or had some other personal habit that caused the problem. Accordingly, sufferers were on their own in treating the condition, and only over-the-counter breath fresheners were available to assist them. Anyone selling remedies was considered by many to be a quack—indeed, historically, these remedies did little beyond masking the odor.

Since the 1960s more and more qualified medical professionals have done research on halitosis. One of the earliest researchers, and the man credited with discovering that bacteria cause most of the foul smell associated with oral malodor, was Dr. Joseph Tonzetich, working at the University of British Columbia. More than thirty years after this important work, we finally have a journal for bad breath: The Journal of Breath Research. It seems this field of research has finally gained academic respect.

A significant number of people struggle with oral malodor, trying one commercial product or alternative remedy after another with varying success (several treatments based on knowledge gained by Tonzetich and other scientists have appeared on the market). This group will likely be intensely interested in research reported in a journal for bad breath. The advent of the publication – the first issue appeared in 2007 – lends hope to the thought that real progress on a cure may be near: at least it’s clear that serious work is being done. Research on halitosis, however, proceeds slowly like all medical investigation.

The publication is not concerned only with research on halitosis: other work published in its pages will explore breath analysis for the diagnosis of various diseases, as well as detection of alcohol, pollutants, toxins and other volatile substances that are excreted through exhalation. Scientific study of these subjects is now a broad area of medical investigation that forms a credible framework for oral malodor study, and the respected basis for a journal for bad breath. For the general reader however, the papers published may be a bit technical and many will be written in inaccessible academic language: fortunately, science writers often pick up on breakthrough research and interpret it for the rest of us, writing short pieces on the internet and in other news media. Keep your eye out for news from the Journal of Breath Research.

The Journal of Breath Research is published four times a year (March, June, September, December) by IOP Electronic Journals. Articles published are subjected to peer review by recognized experts in their subject, a process that ensures that the work reported is scientifically sound.

2008-06-16T07:27:00.000-07:00

Solobacterium moorei and Bad Breath

Scientists have found strong evidence for a link between the bacterium Solobacterium moorei and bad breath. This organism is an anaerobic bacillus that has rarely been encountered in medicine, but has recently been isolated from feces, dental abscesses, and the mouths of people suffering from oral malodor. In laboratory testing, scientists have also confirmed that the bacterium produces hydrogen sulfide, one of the gases that accounts for the characteristic odor of rotten eggs.

Bacteria associated with halitosis are nothing new: we’ve known for a number of years that anaerobic bacteria living in the mouth give off the volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) responsible for oral malodor. These bacteria flourish in the absence of oxygen and metabolize proteins supplied by cells, food particles, and secretions. In breaking down proteins, the organisms give off VSCs as a byproduct. The relationship between Solobacterium moorei and bad breath is explained in the same way. Researchers have identified suspicious species of anaerobic bacteria one by one, and found many of them to be present in virtually all mouths, but apparently flourishing in greater numbers where odor is an issue. It’s never been clear why the various species do better in some mouths than in others.

The link between Solobacterium moorei and bad breath appears to be much stronger than that found for other species. In studies where researchers looked for the organism in the mouths of volunteers, they found it in virtually all subjects with oral malodor, and in almost none of those without the condition. In one study, subjects who did not have oral malodor, but who did have the bacterium, had another oral problem, such as periodontitis (inflammation of the gums). Of all the bacteria associated with halitosis so far, this new species appears the most likely to provide an answer and clues to a cure.

If research proves a causative relationship between Solobacterium moorei and bad breath, we may be able to devise a way to get rid of a health problem that has resisted all attempts to deal with it for decades. Testing of antibiotics against the organism has shown that it is sensitive to many of the drugs already available to us. If doctors can determine how best to deliver the drug to regions of the mouth were the anaerobes live, oral malodor could be treated like any other infection. We may not have the whole story yet—there may be other bacteria associated with halitosis that scientists have yet to find—but we are one step closer to a real cure for bad breath.

Source for this article: V. I. Haraszthy, D. Gerber, B. Clark et al. “Characterization and prevalence of Solobacterium moorei associated with oral halitosis.” Journal of Breath Research: March 2008.

2008-05-23T09:12:00.000-07:00

Good Products for Bad Breath

Today, good products for bad breath (halitosis) are easier to find than they were even a few years ago. The range of available over-the-counter treatments and natural remedies is broad, however, and it’s helpful to know a little bit about them to narrow the choices. Depending on the severity of the problem, the right product could be anything from a simple breath mint to a specialized treatment.

The most familiar treatment for halitosis is the breath mint, available as gum, lozenges, breath strips, and even sprays. Some contain the plant pigment chlorophyll, widely believed to eliminate various unpleasant odors. While immediately effective, these are not good products for bad breath that is severe and persistent. Purchase them for breath odors caused by smoking, alcohol, garlic and other spicy foods, and for those times when you need confidence in your breath.

Many people seeking a natural treatment for halitosis turn to various herbs and spices, often those with aromatic properties such as mint, dill, cloves, anise, and others. While some of these plants do contain natural antibacterial substances that may help control unwelcome bacteria in the mouth, it’s doubtful that the chronic sufferer will find them good products for bad breath as it would be difficult to use enough of them to make a long term difference. Use them like breath mints.

Mouthwash is a popular treatment for bad breath and there are many varieties available over-the-counter. These liquids often contain antibacterial substances including natural plant extracts, chemicals, and alcohol. Additives can be problematic: plant extracts probably aren’t good products for bad breath over the long term, as discussed above; antibacterial chemicals kill beneficial bacteria as well as the ones that cause odor and thus do not contribute to a healthy balance in the mouth; and alcohol actually dries out oral tissues and may actually contribute to halitosis. Mouthwashes are probably most useful for treating morning breath, which is generally transient anyway.

More recent approaches to good products for bad breath have used a common sense approach and targeted the anaerobic bacteria that actually cause the odor in the majority of cases. First, a complete medical and dental checkup is recommended, to identify underlying problems. Following this, treatment for halitosis uses products that deliver oxygen to the airless spaces in the oral cavity, killing anaerobes that can’t tolerate oxygen; or liquids that actually pick up excess oral bacteria and physically sweep them away. While these products may be a little harder to find than the more familiar ones, they hold considerable promise as good products for bad breath.

2008-05-09T08:58:00.000-07:00

Tea for Bad Breath

Drink tea for bad breath? For years, it’s been standard wisdom that tea is a cause of bad breath (halitosis) and should be avoided, but recent scientific studies suggest otherwise. In fact, research has shown that compounds known as polyphenols, which are found in both green and black tea can fight halitosis in several ways. (See “Tea as a Functional Food for Oral Health,” by Christine Wu and Min Zhu, published in the journal Nutrition: Vol 18, N0 5, May 2002, Pg 443-444.)

The effect is strongest with black tea and halitosis, apparently because polyphenols known as theaflavins are present in higher concentrations in black tea compared to green tea: to produce black tea, tea leaves are oxidized (often called fermentation), converting the polyphenols known as catechins to theaflavins. Thus, while green tea has been shown to have many health benefits, the best tea for bad breath is black tea (“Black tea” in this context refers to tea made from black tea leaves. The literature does not address the effect that adding milk or cream to tea might have.)

The research suggests two connections between black tea and halitosis: polyphenols in low concentrations inhibit the ability of anaerobic oral bacteria to produce the foul smelling hydrogen sulfide associated with bad breath, and at high concentrations, the compounds actually inhibit the growth of these bacteria. Though the concentrations needed to inhibit bacterial growth may not be achievable by simply drinking ordinary black tea for bad breath, rinsing for thirty seconds with strong black tea would likely be beneficial.

Interestingly, drinking tea for bad breath may have other benefits for oral health. It seems that tea also fights cavities and reduces oral plaque. It’s long been known that tea contains significant amounts of fluoride, a compound known to strengthen dental enamel when applied topically, however the same researchers who linked black tea and halitosis found that rinsing with black tea inhibited the growth of cavity causing bacteria, inhibited the production of acid by these bacteria, and slowed the accumulation of dental plaque. (See “Tea Fights Cavities, Reduces Plaque,” by Christine Wu et al, published in Health and Medicine Week, June 11, 2001.)

2008-04-24T15:24:00.000-07:00

Dry Mouth and Bad Breath

Is there a link between a dry mouth and bad breath? A number of problems are associated with a decrease of saliva in the mouth and halitosis is one of them. Others include tooth decay, mouth sores, and infections. An obvious reason is that saliva keeps the mouth tissues moist—drying causes them to break down and be more susceptible to injury and infection. However, saliva also contains a variety of substances that protect against infection and support a balance of normal healthy bacteria in the oral cavity.

A lack of saliva and bad breath go together because, in most cases, it’s an abnormal overgrowth of bacteria in the mouth that leads to bad breath. These are anaerobic bacteria, strains that are normally present in low numbers but which multiply in certain circumstances—when something upsets the normal balance and gives them an opportunity. Anaerobes produce sulfur compounds as they grow and multiply—the compounds that smell bad on your breath. When you have dry mouth and bad breath, the two are probably connected. The anaerobes are taking advantage of an unhealthy situation in your mouth.

A number of things can lead to dry mouth and bad breath. Among the common causes are mouth breathing (usually due to sinus congestion), alcohol, smoking, and dehydration. Less commonly, certain diseases result in a reduction of saliva and bad breath as a consequence. Finally, a number of drugs, as well as chemotherapy and radiation for cancer are known causes. Some of these will clear up on their own in time. For others, some kind of treatment may be necessary.

To deal with a simple case of dry mouth and bad breath, try to avoid breathing through the mouth, drink lots of fluids, avoid alcohol and tobacco, and choose moist foods. Practice careful oral hygiene with particular attention to your teeth: remember that reduced saliva and bad breath can be accompanied by dental problems. Certain over the counter medications and oral health products can also help with dry mouth problems. Some of them are aimed at decreasing the number of anaerobes living in the mouth, either by killing them off or physically removing them—an approach for dealing specifically with the bad breath issue.

For more complicated cases of dry mouth and bad breath, those where other health problems are involved, it’s best to consult your doctor and discuss your options: some prescription medications and other medical treatments are available to alleviate the symptoms and the discomfort.

2008-04-10T15:18:00.000-07:00

Halitophobia

What is halitophobia? Literally, it is a fear of halitosis: a fear of having bad breath that others will find offensive. And when you think about it, just about all of us have this fear to a certain extent. How comfortable are you speaking directly to someone who is close enough to gat a good whiff of your breath as soon as you open your mouth? How often do you buy breath mints or use mouthwash? How often do you notice someone else’s halitosis and resolve to step up your own oral hygiene? Nobody wants bad breath.

Some of us go beyond a mild concern about bad breath and develop what is called delusional halitosis, the mistaken belief that we have bad breath when actually we do not. In its most extreme form, this belief can cause people to go to unusual and possibly harmful lengths to cure their imaginary halitosis. They may also become reclusive, avoiding the company of others, and suffer social isolation. In these cases, the problem is halitophobia, not bad breath itself, but it can be just as damaging as the real thing. Both conditions should be taken seriously.

So it’s normal to suffer from a slight degree of halitophobia. For most of us, a regular routine of oral hygiene and professional dental care, combined with silence about the state of our breath from family and friends, is enough to assure us that all is well. However, if you find yourself worrying excessively, maybe even slipping in a mild form of delusional halitosis, take some steps to determine the truth of the matter. Get an objective opinion: make an appointment with your family doctor for a health checkup if you haven’t done that in a while, and include your breath in the conversation. Have a dental checkup as well and ask your dentist for a professional opinion of your breath and oral health. Ask your spouse, a close family member, or a good friend for an honest appraisal of your breath odor. And believe what these people tell you – if they don’t detect any problem then there probably isn’t one.

When feelings of delusional halitosis persist, it can be helpful to routinely use some breath freshening products, if only to build up self confidence. This might just mean using over the counter breath mints (but do choose sugarless ones so that you don’t encourage tooth decay or even bad breath itself). Alternatively, stronger breath products are available. But use moderation and choose carefully. Many of today’s best breath products were developed to target the source of the odor, not just freshen the breath, and many of the simple fresheners can do more harm than good, especially when the problem is halitophobia, not halitosis. Choose a product that supports good oral health and has minimal side effects. And if side effects occur, discontinue use and try something else.

2008-03-27T13:14:00.000-07:00

Tongue Cleaning for Bad Breath

Oral malodor experts tell us that tongue cleaning for bad breath is the single most important preventative step we can take. Why? Because the offensive odor associated with bad breath is produced by bacteria living in the mouth and vast numbers of these bacteria actually live and reproduce on the surface of the tongue. Many details are still unknown about halitosis causes and cures, but this much is documented scientific fact.

The relationship between halitosis and tongue bacteria came to light as soon as it was understood that anaerobic bacteria – just one group among the many types of bacteria that normally inhabit the mouth – produce foul smelling volatile sulfur compounds (VSC) as a byproduct of protein metabolism. Anaerobes thrive in locations where there is very little or no oxygen: decreasing the number and area of those locations decreases the number of anaerobes and is the basis of the logic that tongue cleaning for bad breath is effective.

The architecture of the back of the tongue provides ideal habitat for anaerobic bacteria. There, the tongue surface is grooved and divided creating deep crevices where anaerobes produce halitosis and tongue coatings of mucous that help to protect these bacteria from harmful oxygen. Tongue cleaning for bad breath not only removes the mucous, exposing more surface area to oxygen, it also physically removes a lot of the bacteria. In an otherwise healthy mouth, this may represent the majority of anaerobes that are present.

Tongue cleaning for bad breath involves either gently brushing or scraping the surface of the tongue, especially the area furthest back. If you open your mouth and extend your tongue, you will likely see a whitish coating toward the back – this is the coating you need to remove. Proceed gently so as not to damage the delicate tissues of the tongue – some people use a toothbrush and scrub gently; others use a small inverted spoon, but you can also purchase tongue scrapers designed specifically for the task of breaking the cycle of halitosis and tongue anaerobes. If you suffer from halitosis and intend to make tongue cleaning a regular habit, the minimal cost of a tongue cleaner is well worth it.

2008-03-07T10:39:00.000-08:00

Alternative Medicine for Bad Breath

Like other applications of alternative health care, alternative medicine for bad breath aims to get rid of the problem by identifying the cause and correcting it without drugs. While this approach may require more effort, including significant lifestyle changes, it is probably more likely to yield real and long-lasting results than the long term use of breath fresheners and antibacterial preparations.

Alternative bad breath cures address the source of the odor—bacteria in the mouth that are breaking down proteins and sugars and releasing rotten smelling compounds as a byproduct. What causes most cases of bad breath is the presence, in the mouth, of bits of food and cellular debris, along with the bacteria capable of using that material for food. Alternative medicine for bad breath addresses both the debris and the bacteria.

Obviously, keeping the mouth clean and healthy is the first step. Alterative bad breath cures start with a thorough professional dental cleaning and a regular routine of self care that includes bushing the teeth several times each day, flossing daily, brushing the tongue, and regularly scheduled checkups at the dentist. Theories of alternative medicine for bad breath hold that most cases of halitosis will be cured with this approach. Where tooth decay and gum disease are present, these conditions may have to be cleared up before bad breath will completely disappear.

Once the mouth is clean and healthy, there’s very little material left for bacteria to use for food, and this alone, according to the wisdom of alternative medicine for bad breath, should cut down on their numbers. Brushing the back of the tongue is particularly important because it physically removes debris that is lodged there, the thick layer of protective mucus that coats bacteria living deep in the crevices, and the bacteria themselves. Alternative bad breath cures, as well as conventional medicine, believe that the back of the tongue is the main place that these bacteria are found.

Some people find that certain foods are a particular problem for causing halitosis, even when oral hygiene is good—preventing this may require avoiding the food altogether, or using alternative bad breath cures such as rinsing with a little peppermint oil, chewing a sprig of parsley, or sipping an herbal tea until the offensive odor fades.

Clearly, some cases of bad breath are an indication of a more serious medical problem that alternative medicine for bad breath cannot resolve. In cases of persistent or worsening halitosis, it’s important to consult a qualified medical professional.

2008-02-22T06:46:00.000-08:00

Food and Halitosis

Everybody occasionally perceives a relationship between food and halitosis: some foods just seem to stay on the breath long after they’ve been eaten and not always in a pleasant way: garlic, onions, curry dishes, strong cheeses, coffee, and alcohol are all common examples. Some of these foods, like garlic, hang around because of certain compounds they contain; others just have a strong smell and tend to linger while we digest them unless we take special measures. Other foods, however, impact the breath in more complicated ways.

In a broader sense, foods that cause halitosis potentially include high protein foods, sweet foods, and acidic foods—and it has nothing to do with the way they smell. In all cases, the connection is that the substance either provides food for the oral bacteria that produce bad breath, or it provides an environment that makes it easy for those bacteria to live and reproduce. For some people, the relationship between a certain food and halitosis may be so strong that it’s better to avoid that food altogether.

Protein foods include eggs, dairy products, red meat, poultry products, fish and seafood, nuts, dried beans, and a few others. Among these, the dairy products are notorious for causing bad breath, while beef, chicken, and fish are sometimes suspected as well. The association between other types of protein food and halitosis is not as strong so it might be wise to lean towards these other choices. Remember that the foods that cause halitosis may well be different for different people, so finding the culprit may be case of trial and error.

Sugar is a simpler matter. Sweet foods that cause halitosis usually contain glucose or another sugar, which provides food energy to bacteria just as it does to humans. We all know that sugar is a problem for healthy teeth; it’s also a problem for healthy breath, weight control, blood sugar levels and other health issues. It’s just better to avoid it as much as possible. If you must indulge in sweet food and halitosis is a concern, brush your teeth and rinse your mouth as soon as possible and/or investigate artificial sweeteners (artificial sweeteners have health concerns too, so make informed choices).

Acid food and halitosis goes together because the oral bacteria that produce breath odors thrive in an acid environment. Increasing the acidity of your mouth by taking in acid foods or liquids can encourage bacteria to multiply, thereby increasing the odor. Coffee, tomato juice, citrus juices, and pineapple juice are all recognized as potential foods that cause halitosis. It’s a shame, because people tend to like acid food and beverages, while neutral and alkaline foods have a tendency to taste bland. Again, if you can’t give up acid foods, practice regular and careful oral hygiene so that the pH of your mouth can return to normal quickly after eating and drinking.

2008-02-08T06:27:00.000-08:00

Eliminating Bad Breath

Anyone who’s been there will tell you that eliminating bad breath is not easy. In many cases, it’s not clear what’s causing the problem in the first place, and even when it’s possible to determine where the bad odor is coming form, it’s not always easy to determine why. Without a clear cause and effect relationship, many people are stuck with just treating the symptom without really dealing with the underlying problem.

Still, in uncomplicated halitosis, scientists are drawing close to finding a way to eliminate bad breath. We know that the bad odor associated with halitosis is actually a group of gases produced by bacteria in the mouth and throat. Collectively, these gases are called volatile sulphur compounds, or VSC, and they include hydrogen sulphide, dimethyl sulphide, and methyl mercaptan. Eliminating bad breath means literally getting rid of the bacteria that produce these foul smelling compounds.

Halitosis has been attributed to various oral conditions including gum disease, dental caries, poor oral hygiene, sinus problems, abnormal tonsils and other things. These things do play a part, but many people looking for a way to eliminate bad breath don’t have any of them – there’s nothing obviously wrong, but the bacteria flourish anyway and the bad odor persists. Again, until we know more, the only thing to do is focus on eliminating bad breath with medications and products that target the bacteria.

Antiseptics and antibiotics are one popular way to eliminate bad breath, but they are probably not the best option: not only do they target good bacteria as well as bad, but alcohol also dries out delicate oral tissues, which can actually lead to bad breath. A better approach is probably to change the ecosystem in the mouth, eliminating bad breath by making the mouth an unwelcoming place for anaerobic bacteria (anaerobes live in the absence of oxygen) – the ones that produce VSCs.

An obvious way to eliminate bad breath by fighting anaerobes, is to introduce more oxygen into the mouth: regular tooth brushing, flossing, tongue scraping, and rinsing remove debris and mucous coatings that block the flow of oxygen to oral tissues. Good oral hygiene does help! Some commercial products for halitosis also help with eliminating bad breath by delivering oxygen to places it normally doesn’t get to.

Hopefully, future research will reveal why oral bacteria get out of balance in the first place and spark new ideas for a way to eliminate bad breath for good.

2008-01-18T08:10:00.000-08:00

Bad Breath and Proton Pump Inhibitors

Many people are confused about the relationship between bad breath and proton pump inhibitors: do these drugs for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) cause halitosis? The confusion arises from the fact that GERD itself is thought to be a cause of halitosis.

GERD is often cited as a cause for halitosis and proton pump inhibitors are a standard treatment for GERD—the idea that these drugs may cause the bad breath, or make it worse is a relatively new development. Some medical professionals, in fact, will assume halitosis in a patient with acid reflux is caused by the condition and use GERD drugs to treat it. We need more research to investigate proton pump inhibitors and bad breath to clarify these issues.

In 2006, Brazilian researchers reported on a study that suggested a link between bad breath and proton pump inhibitors. They reported that a large percentage of patients taking these drugs have halitosis. Furthermore, their research showed a relationship between halitosis and proton pump inhibitors regardless of whether the breath odor originated in the mouth or from a non-oral source. They suggested that the underlying cause was an overgrowth of bacteria, in either the mouth or the intestine, caused by the drug.

Interestingly, many experts feel that relatively few cases of halitosis are caused by acid reflux and odors traveling up the throat from the stomach. This lends more support to the suggestion that halitosis and proton pump inhibitors may be linked: it is possible some cases of bad breath associated with GERD in the past were actually caused by the drugs instead. In addition, it suggests that treating halitosis in GERD patients with these drugs may actually make the problem worse. The answers remain far from clear: more research on bad breath and proton pump inhibitors is required.

For the present, when patients suffer from bad breath and proton pump inhibitors are necessary for the treatment of GERD, the best recourse is still a good breath product that targets the bacteria that produce bad odors in the mouth. At least for those whose halitosis originates in the mouth, this approach should offer some relief.

Patients suffering from either halitosis or GERD should consult a qualified medical professional to determine the best course of treatment.

2008-01-11T06:38:00.000-08:00

Gums and Bad Breath

It’s been the standard wisdom that there is a relationship between diseased gums and bad breath; however, the results of some studies suggest that periodontal disease isn’t as likely to cause a problem as we once thought. This is not to say that people with gum disease won’t have bad breath: what it may mean is that their oral health problem is not the cause of their halitosis.

It makes sense that diseased gums and halitosis will be seen in the same patient: we know that people with periodontal disease have spaces and pockets in their gums where bacteria can grow, and indeed, when these spaces are cleaned by dental professionals, the material removed does smell bad. Many of the bacteria that grow there are anaerobic producers of compounds that smell awful, such as volatile sulfur compounds, the smell of rotten eggs. It may be, though, that bacteria and their byproducts remain secluded in the gums and halitosis generally originates in some other part of the mouth.

It’s important to look after your teeth and gums and bad breath should be a secondary concern if you have gum disease. See your dentist promptly and arrange treatment before the condition threatens your teeth – that way you’ll have your own teeth much longer. Those who genuinely suffer from diseased gums and halitosis will probably have to tackle the two problems separately: professional care for the gum disease and a good breath product for the halitosis.

If diseased gums and bad breath are not related, the chances are that the bad odor is originating at the back of the mouth, particularly on the surface of the back of the tongue. Research on halitosis indicates that cleaning this area regularly and gently with an inverted spoon or tongue cleaner can yield good results. Using a mouthwash that inhibits the multiplication of odor-causing bacteria will help as well. Avoid those that contain alcohol, as this tends to dry out the tissues and has an adverse effect on both gums and halitosis.

2007-12-21T04:36:00.000-08:00

Bacteria and Bad Breath

Scientists now know that bacteria and bad breath are intimately linked. It’s usually bacteria, in fact, that produce the very unpleasant odor we all associate with halitosis. What’s not so clear is why the bacteria cause problems in some people’s mouths but not in others: our mouths are full of microorganisms—everyone has millions of them—including bacteria, yeasts, sometimes even protozoa, and in most mouths, they cause no problem at all. Many of the organisms living in our mouths are actually beneficial: among other things, they compete with more harmful organisms that might otherwise cause infection. The ones that produce the bad smell are predominantly anaerobes.

Get too many anaerobes and bad breath will shortly follow. Anaerobes live in the absence of oxygen—some can tolerate a little oxygen while others are exquisitely sensitive to it and die quickly in its presence. When anaerobes metabolize proteins for food, they produce volatile sulfur compounds as a byproduct—gaseous sulfur containing molecules that smell awful. We’ve run into this kind of smell in nature: it’s the smell of rotten eggs, or of organic material rotting in wet oxygen depleted conditions. It explains the link between bacteria and bad breath.

Most people only have a few anaerobes living in the mouth. They exist in small airless locations, like the tight spaces between the teeth, in little pockets in the gums, and in the many grooves on the surface of the tongue, particularly at the back of the mouth. Have just a few anaerobes and bad breath is not a problem; have a lot and the picture changes. This explains why people with decaying teeth and gum disease tend to have trouble—more pockets and spaces available for anaerobes to multiply in, tissues breaking down and providing food for bacteria and bad breath is the inevitable result.

Understanding the relationship between anaerobes and bad breath suggests ways to control it. Keep your teeth and gums in good health; brush and floss regularly to remove food particles, prevent tartar, and clear away any accumulation of organic debris and bacterial growth; brush the tongue, taking care to brush the back of the tongue, a known site for bacteria and bad breath; have oral problems evaluated and treated by a medical professional. For persistent bad breath, choose commercial products that are formulated to reduce the troublesome bacteria through physical removal or by inhibiting growth and survival.

2007-12-06T16:28:00.000-08:00

Fluoride and Bad Breath

Many mouthwashes and toothpastes contain fluoride, but is there any connection between fluoride and bad breath? There are probably two reasons that manufacturers add fluoride to mouthwashes: it is believed to prevent tooth decay, which is associated with bad breath, and it is believed to inhibit the production of acids by oral bacteria, the producers of foul smelling compounds that are expelled on the breath. However, there is much controversy about the addition of fluoride to drinking water, toothpastes, mouthwashes and other products. It is likely that it is not doing much good there and it may actually be doing harm.

Fluoride has its maximum effect in preventing tooth decay when it actually comes in contact with tooth enamel, so it makes sense to put fluoride in mouthwash and toothpastes, which are applied directly to the teeth. The effect on breath is rather indirect: bacteria present in dental plaque produce acids while they are breaking down ingested sugar, and this acid, in turn wears down the tooth enamel by demineralizing it (dissolving out the calcium and phosphate minerals that make enamel so tough). Saliva then neutralizes the acid and the minerals are reabsorbed. When fluoride is present, remineralization is more efficient and is believed to produce a stronger enamel. When remineralization does not replace all of the lost minerals, cavities appear. Some of the acid producing bacteria also produce volatile sulfur compounds, which cause the offensive odor of bad breath - they proliferate when the teeth and gums are unhealthy, so the idea is to prevent tooth decay with flouride and bad breath will be avoided as well.

Unfortunately, its not that easy. For one thing, fluoride is a toxin at high levels, so putting fluoride in mouthwash adds to an already high intake in people who drink fluoridated water and brush with fluoride containing toothpaste. The major risk comes when you swallow the products, so take care to spit out mouthwash and rinse to minimize ingestion. Swallowing too much fluoride, once thought to be harmless, is now associated with a number of health problems including weak bones, a form a bone cancer, damage to the teeth, and several other conditions. The link between fluoride and bad breath is tenuous at best - if your teeth are healthy, there's no reason to use more fluoride. Look for a mouth wash that doesn't contain it.

Remember that most of the bacteria that produce volatile sulfur compounds live on the tongue, down in the tiny crevices between the taste buds, protected from saliva and oxygen by a layer of mucus. Others live in creases in the gums and cheeks, in pockets around the teeth and between the teeth. When it comes to these bacteria, there is no point at all in putting fluoride in mouthwash - the ingredient neither harms nor helps them. The best approach is to try to lower their numbers by other means, such as inhibiting their growth or removing them from the mouth. Given the minimal benefit and the possibility of harm, fluoride and bad breath is not a relationship anyone should be focusing on.

2007-11-29T07:08:00.000-08:00

Food and Bad Breath

We often suspect that there is a connection between food and bad breath: the mouth might taste a little strange after a meal containing spicy food or food with strong flavors, and certain foods such as cucumbers and raw onions tend to be followed by burping and breath which tastes, to us, rather unpleasant. These problems are transient however, and tend to pass within a few hours, the question is, does food really cause bad breath? It can do so in a number of ways that researchers in the field are just beginning to understand. The important ones are those that foster the proliferation of anaerobes - bacteria that live in the mouth and produce sulfur compounds with a foul odor.

Some of the known foods that cause bad breath are drying agents - they cause a decrease in the amount of saliva in the mouth. Saliva flushes out the oral cavity, kills off harmful organisms, and keeps the oral tissues healthy. When there is too little of it, food particles and other proteins remain in the mouth and begin to break down. They feed anaerobic bacteria, which are not being washed away. The delicate cells lining the mouth can start to break down. All of this promotes the proliferation of anaerobes and their bad smelling byproducts. Alcohol and tobacco are both notorious drying agents; however, anything that dries out your mouth can forge the link between food and bad breath.

Foods high in protein or sugar, and those with an acid pH have also been identified as foods that cause bad breath. In each case, the foods promote the growth of anaerobic bacteria. Protein breaks down in the mouth producing amino acids, which bacteria eagerly consume and use as cell building blocks, much as our own bodies use amino acids to build and repair tissue. Sugary foods provide carbohydrate energy for cell metabolism, and acid foods create a low pH that many bacteria love. In the end, food and bad breath are related to each other because the same nutrients that feed us also feed the bacteria that cause bad breath. If we keep our mouths clean and healthy, brushing and rinsing after eating, there will be less for bacteria to eat.

Spices and strong flavored foods cause an unpleasant odor on the breath, and sometimes it is related to sulfur compounds; however, these odors do not originate with oral bacteria. They are directly related to the odor or the digestion of the food itself and thus, disappear after a few hours - a day at most. Typical foods that cause bad breath in this manner are spices such as curry, cumin, and paprika, onion, garlic, strong cheeses, fish, smoked products, and fermented foods. Those who love these foods shouldn't have to give them up: use breath mints (avoid sugar) or other breath fresheners to mitigate the problem. Remember, too, that food and bad breath can be related in an opposite way: certain herbs and spices, such as mint, parsley, cilantro, cloves, and cardamom are great natural foods for freshening the breath.

2007-11-15T11:06:00.000-08:00

Drugs and Bad Breath

There are various factors that cause an offensive odor on the breath - when it comes to drugs and bad breath, there can be both a direct and indirect relationship between cause and effect. First of all, a number of prescription drugs result in a rather chemical flavor and odor to the breath, particularly immediately after a medication has been taken orally. The best course in these cases is to wait it out - the effect generally fades with time - or mask it with breath mints until it passes. If it is so bothersome and offensive that waiting it out is not an option, discuss alternate medications with your physician.

The other way that drugs cause bad breath is generally by interfering with the flow of saliva and thereby causing a dry mouth. This is important, because saliva has many functions in keeping the mouth healthy. Saliva continually flushes the tissues in the oral cavity, carrying away bacteria, debris, shed skin cells etc. This, in turn, reduces the amount of offensive sulfur compounds produced in the mouth by bacteria breaking down proteins. Saliva also contains molecules and cells involved in immunity. These help to maintain a healthy balance of microorganisms in the oral cavity and fight off any invading organisms that might set up an infection or multiply to sufficient numbers to cause an odor. It's been well documented that a lack of saliva flushing the mouth is sometimes due to drugs and bad breath is often the result.

A number of common drugs cause bad breath: antihistamines, certain antidepressants, antiparkinson drugs, drugs for high blood pressure, diuretics and antipsychotic drugs have all been implicated, as well as some others. Patients undergoing anticancer therapy often suffer from dry mouth as well, as a result of their treatment. Patients who suspect that they are dealing with a combination of drugs and bad breath should consult their health care practitioner. It's not a good idea to stop taking a prescription without medical advice because that drug might be important to good health. It may be, however, that there is an alternative drug available, or there may be strategies to combat the drying effect in the mouth. Bear in mind that the best solution in this case is likely to be something that increases moisture in the mouth rather than a mouthwash or breath mint that simply masks the odor (remember, too, that some mouthwashes contain alcohol, an ingredient that will only add to mouth dryness).

Bad breath usually results from the growth and metabolic byproducts of anaerobic bacteria that live in the mouth. In a case of drugs and bad breath, the direct cause is the same - bacteria - but unlike many other cases, here, the indirect cause, or underlying cause, is easier to identify. This can make it an easier problem to deal with as well. If the offending drug has to be continued long term and no other solution has been identified, the long term solution to bad breath will probably be regular use of a mouthwash that targets the odor producing bacteria. Fortunately, there are a number of good products on the market today that can help. There's no doubt that some drugs cause bad breath, but it's also true that our understanding of halitosis and our knowledge of ways to prevent are increasing all the time.

2007-09-27T06:14:00.000-07:00

Bad Morning Breath

Bad morning breath is something that we all experience, if not every day, at least on some mornings. You wake up, yawn, and realize that your mouth tastes like a garbage can. You know it's imperative to get to the bathroom before interacting with any other human being - a toothbrush and a bottle of mouthwash probably await you there. There's comfort, at least, in knowing that everyone else goes through the same thing and understands the problem. There's comfort also in the fact that, when bad breath occurs only in the morning, it's much easier to deal with than breath odor that persists throughout the day.

Treating morning breath is much easier when you understand what is causing the odor. Like other types of halitosis that originate in the mouth, morning breath is caused by bacteria in the mouth giving off bad smelling gases, called volatile sulfur compounds (VSC). These bacteria are normal inhabitants in the mouth - almost everyone has a few of them. In small numbers they're not a problem; it's when they gain the upper hand that trouble happens. Bad morning breath is a result of bacteria that have multiplied and produced VSC throughout the night.

The morning is a worse time for bad breath because the mouth remains relatively quiet while we are sleeping. The flow of saliva slows down and we don't swallow as much; we aren't eating and drinking so we don't tend to flush the mouth out as much. The tissues of the mouth become drier as a result of all this, and there is a decreased supply of oxygen to the oral cavity and tissues. Bacteria that cause bad morning breath are anaerobes - they do much better in the absence of oxygen, and they are otherwise held in check by saliva, which has antibacterial properties. Treating morning breath requires the reversal of the processes that were happening while we slept: provide oxygen, flush away bacteria, and get the saliva flowing again.

Doctors and dentists recommend good oral hygiene as a starting point for treating morning breath. Brush and floss your teeth, and clean your tongue before going to bed. Rinse the mouth out thoroughly. Upon waking, repeat these steps, particularly if you notice bad morning breath. A good mouth wash may be helpful as well, and to get saliva flowing, specialists recommend sugar free gum. (Don't use gum with sugar in it because not only does this contribute to tooth decay, but sugar supports the growth of the oral bacteria that you are trying to get rid of.) Underlying all good oral hygiene is regular professional care - see you dentist and doctor regularly and deal with any oral health concerns promptly before they become serious and chronic. If you do all this and have a healthy mouth, you should have minimal trouble with bad morning breath

2007-09-12T10:30:00.000-07:00

Alcohol and Bad Breath

The relationship between alcohol and bad breath is one of contradictions. On the one hand, we are told that drinking alcohol can cause bad breath, while at the same time, a number of commercial mouthwashes and rinses sold for the treatment of halitosis contain alcohol as an antibacterial ingredient. To deepen the confusion, scientific evidence backs up both claims: consuming alcohol can contribute to bad breath; adding it to mouthwash can have a demonstrably beneficial effect. How do we explain the contradiction?

Part of the explanation is that alcohol is a drying agent; drying agents and bad breath go hand in hand, because drying agents - alcohol, tobacco, and some drugs - cause saliva to evaporate and may even cause a decrease in the flow of saliva through the mouth. This is a bad thing for breath because saliva not only continually flushes and cleans the mouth, it also contains antibodies and antiseptic substances, which fight off organisms that can cause infection or produce offensive odors. People who suffer from a dry mouth often have halitosis too, whereas people with a healthy flow of saliva are less likely to develop bad breath. In social situations, many people notice that they have a dry mouth when they have consumed alcohol and bad breath goes along with that scenario, if only temporarily.

Research confirms the connection between drying agents and bad breath. Studies have shown that as saliva dries in the mouth, increasing amounts of volatile sulfur compounds (VSC) are released and expelled, causing worsening bad breath. This also at least partially explains the phenomenon of "morning breath," because saliva flow is decreased during sleep and the mouth is often dry upon waking. With alcohol and bad breath, the situation is often made worse by the addition of tobacco and food odors, which can be drying agents and sources of short term halitosis in their own right.

Other research paints a different picture of drying agents and bad breath: saliva also contains bacteria, and lots of sugars and proteins that the bacteria can break down, producing VSC. Experiments with saliva have shown that it breaks down and produces putrid odors if left to sit (another good reason to keep it flowing through at a healthy pace). The bacteria in saliva, in other words, can be source of halitosis. Alcohol is antibacterial and antiseptic, which explains the other side of alcohol and bad breath: alcohol kills bacteria that come in contact with it, so alcohol added to mouthwash does indeed tend to bring about an improvement in breath odor.

Clearly, combining alcohol and bad breath products can be effective, at least in the short term, but it comes at a price. Perhaps it's a price we don't need to pay: there are other effective products for fighting halitosis that don't have the unfavorable side effect of causing it as well.

2007-08-30T11:40:00.000-07:00

Parsley for Bad Breath

A number of herbs have been used to treat bad breath, but parsley for bad breath is probably the most common herbal home remedy of all. Petroselinum crispum, a plant native to southern Europe and Asia, is cultivated all over the world: it has made it's way into virtually every cuisine. For some, the flavor, distinct and yet complementary to so many others, is it's main virtue. For others, the clean fresh smell it gives to the breath, and particularly its ability to mask garlic and onions on the breath, is its best feature. Almost incidentally, parsley is very nutritious - high in antioxidant vitamins A and C, and iron, and providing significant amounts of a number of other vitamins and minerals. If you don't already love this herb, try to acquire a taste.

A traditional parsley remedy for bad breath will use the herb in one of two ways. The simplest is just to grab a sprig of fresh parsley and chew it thoroughly. Particularly effective after a meal containing garlic or onions, this will also work as well as any breath mint as a quick fix for more chronic bad breath. The other use of parsley for bad breath involves simmering a handful of fresh leaves in a couple of cups of water with several whole cloves or some ground cloves. The solution can be used as a mouth wash as often as required. Be sure to use fresh parsley for both of these remedies: dried parsley has neither the admirable breath freshening ability nor the exceptional nutritional value of the fresh herb.

A weakness of any parsley remedy for bad breath is that, like many of the breath freshening products on the market today, it has little value for long term treatment of a chronic bad breath problem. Though it does have some antiseptic qualities, and contains lots of chlorophyll, another natural remedy for bad breath, it doesn't seem to do much more than temporarily mask the odor characteristic of chronic halitosis. To tackle chronic halitosis, you will need to use a product that has more ability to kill or displace the odor producing bacteria that live in the mouth. Natural alternatives to parsley for bad breath that are designed to provide a more lasting effect are available.

Regardless of how severe your breath odor is, using parsley for bad breath is not going to do any harm, in fact it's nutritional value alone is a good reason to use more of it. Add a fresh sprig to your dinner plate or decorate your sandwich with a cluster of leaves. Throw some into salads to get a fresh sharp taste reminiscent of celery. Some people carry a handful around in a plastic bag in a pocket so that they'll have a parsley remedy for bad breath whenever they need it. Though not the most powerful breath remedy around, parsley is a healthy choice, and surprisingly effective in the short term.

2007-08-17T13:30:00.000-07:00

Herbal Remedies for Halitosis

Herbal remedies for halitosis (bad breath) have obviously been around longer than any others. Before we had pharmacies, factories, and laboratories, people experienced bad breath and they used whatever means they had available to try to remedy it. Even today, indigenous groups have an extensive knowledge of the plants that grow around them, and the uses that can be made of many of these plants. For the aromatic herbs and pungent spices, one benefit is obvious to everyone - a strong and pleasant-smelling plant odor is preferable to the foul odor of bad breath - chewing cinnamon or mint leaves masks the odor. There's often more to it than that, however.

It turns out that many of the traditional herbs for bad breath not only smell nice, but also have antiseptic and antibacterial properties that can actually help fight off the bacteria that cause bad breath. Thyme, mint, cardamom, cloves, and bergamot are all known to have antiseptic properties and many other edible herbs do as well. Even some plants that are not normally eaten, such as eucalyptus, can be used in a mouthwash to create herbal remedies for halitosis. Many people use these plants as a quick fix: chew on a couple of mint leaves, a clove, or a pod of cardamom to instantly freshen your breath. After eating garlic, try chewing a sprig of fresh parsley.

Despite their great reputation, however, herbal remedies for halitosis will not provide a permanent solution to a case of serious and chronic bad breath. Their fresh odor and mild antiseptic effects are transitory and insufficient to clear up all of the problem bacteria in the mouth. The odor is sure to return, and soon. This is not to disparage the use of herbs for bad breath - they are effective and safe for short term emergencies, and after eating, drinking, or smoking, when the need for a breath freshener is also transitory. They just don't pack the punch that's needed for a bad case of chronic bad breath. For this, you need a different kind of approach.

First, consult your doctor and/or dentist and find out whether you have any oral, dental, or health problems that could explain your bad breath. If these checkups find any problems, you will need to take care of them before any bad breath treatment, including herbal remedies for halitosis will do any good. If the professionals don't find a problem, investigate your options for a commercial product specifically formulated for people who suffer from uncomplicated chronic halitosis. Many are readily available in pharmacies, however, there are other products marketed by alternative medicine professionals that might appeal to you, especially if you are partial to the idea of using herbs for bad breath. The most promising approach will be one that aims to significantly reduce the number of odor-causing bacteria inhabiting your mouth. There are several good natural products available now that will help you get a bad breath problem under control.

2007-07-26T05:49:00.000-07:00

Halitosis Treatment

Bad breath has always been with us - even animals get it - and the search for a good halitosis treatment has been going on for ever. The first remedies probably involved chewing aromatic herbs and brushing the teeth with twigs - remedies that are still in use in some traditions today. Though not very sophisticated by today's standards, they do focus on the right objectives: mask the odor and kill off or remove the offensive bacteria that cause the odor in the first place. Many herbs not only have a strong odor but have antiseptic qualities as well.

Chemical antiseptics were a logical step in the development of a halitosis treatment, and they are still widely used today. Antiseptics and antibiotics in mouthwashes are generally fairly effective at freshening the breath, at least in the short term. More recent experiments have explored the idea of physically removing oral bacteria with oily solutions (bacteria adhere to oil), using oxygen for bad breath producing bacteria, treating with vitamins and minerals, and making lifestyle changes. All of these approaches appear more natural and health-enhancing than using chemicals and antibiotics, and some even offer hope of a curative halitosis treatment that might banish the problem permanently.

Oxygen for bad breath is a logical approach that exploits the knowledge that most offensive breath odor is produced by anaerobic bacteria. Anaerobic bacteria are those that live in wet enclosed spaces where there is very little air or none at all - anaerobic means no air. Some of these bacteria can tolerate a little bit of oxygen, but none of them can tolerate very much, so delivering oxygen to the mouth, and getting it to penetrate all the tiny creases, grooves, pockets, and crevices in the mouth is lethal to anaerobes. Meanwhile, the oral tissues and the friendly aerobic bacteria in the mouth are completely unharmed by this halitosis treatment - aerobes continue to flourish and multiply, replacing the bad-smelling anaerobes.

If it works as well in practice as it does in theory, oxygen for bad breath should be very effective. The challenge, of course, is to deliver oxygen molecules to the mouth and make sure that they come in contact with the anaerobes. At least one commercial halitosis treatment has developed a system that aims to do that, and the product is doing well. Though the claims for the product do not suggest that it can cure bad breath permanently, it's likely that it could be used in combination with dietary improvements and lifestyle changes to re-establish a healthy, odor free mouth.

Some cases of chronic halitosis signal a health or dental problem that needs medical attention. If oxygen for bad breath or any other over-the-counter or natural remedy fails to give satisfactory results, you should consult your dentist or family doctor to determine whether any medical testing is indicated.

2007-07-12T06:17:00.000-07:00

Chronic Halitosis Treatment

The fact that bad breath, or so-called halitosis, is often a persistent problem for those it afflicts, makes chronic halitosis treatment both a challenge and an opportunity for researchers and producers of bad breath remedies. In spite of the fact that we now know the immediate causes of most instances of bad breath, the underlying causes remain mysterious or are, themselves, difficult to resolve. For many people who suffer from bad breath, the only reasonable course is to incorporate a bad breath product into the daily personal hygiene routine and plan to continue it's use over the long term. A really good self-care product for halitosis is sorely needed.

It's wise to be cautious however: before choosing a halitosis medicine on your own, consult your doctor and dentist. Have thorough medical and dental check-ups to ensure that there are no obvious medical conditions that might be causing bad breath. If any problems are identified, address them if you can. It may be that once all health problems are resolved, you won't need a chronic halitosis treatment. If, however, it's going to take time to resolve the problem, you will probably want to find a good halitosis medicine to give you back your pleasant breath and self-esteem in the mean time. Ask your medical professional what they would recommend - they may know about a new product that you've missed.

A good chronic halitosis medicine will address more than breath odor: it will contain active ingredients that have some effect on the anaerobic bacteria (organisms that live in an oxygen-free environment) that are multiplying in your mouth and producing bad-smelling gases. These bacteria, present in low numbers in everybody's mouth, sometimes gain the upper hand and multiply to such numbers in the mouth that their presence becomes obvious. It's very difficult for many people to get the numbers back down permanently - every time you stop using your bad breath remedy, they resurge and breath odor reappears. Many people, however, have success when they choose an antibacterial halitosis medicine and use it daily and continuously.

The earliest promising chronic halitosis treatment used botanical ingredients such as eucalyptus and menthol, compounds that not only produced a pleasant odor on the breath but also had some mild antibacterial properties. It was a good start, and it was soon followed by antibacterial chemicals in mouth rinses that had even better activity against the anaerobes. In recent years, new approaches have tried to target mouth bacteria in different and novel ways. One interesting approach is to use an oil preparation that simply mops up bacteria and carries them off. Another popular halitosis medicine is designed to deliver oxygen to the hidden pockets and folds in the mouth where anaerobes multiply. Oxygen kills many anaerobic bacteria.

Today, there a number of good choices for chronic halitosis treatment. Consult your doctor or dentist (some people have access to a bad breath clinic) and research the possible choices to determine what's most likely to work, and what will suit your own lifestyle.

2007-06-21T11:42:00.000-07:00

Tongue and Bad Breath

The connection between the tongue and bad breath has been known for some time - bad breath results from the fact that certain types of bacteria are able to grow on the surface of the tongue while they are not so comfortable in many other parts of the mouth. They are anaerobic bacteria - bacteria that only thrive in the absence of oxygen. They feed on food particles lodged in the mouth, and on dead cells that are naturally sloughed off the inside surfaces of the mouth and sinus cavities. Thriving in airless pockets in the mouth and throat, some of their waste products are gases like hydrogen sulfide that smell bad and cause halitosis. Though the bacteria are found in places where oxygen is scarce, hydrogen sulfide and other gases produced by the bacteria soon mix with air inside the mouth and in the breath. They form the main components of halitosis.

The connection between the tongue and halitosis is easy to understand once you understand the anatomy of the tongue itself. Though its surface may look like simply rough skin, it is actually a busy surface with many deep clefts. The surface of the tongue is covered with elevations of four kinds, all called papillae. Some of these papillae contain taste buds, the receptors that allow us to taste our food. The papillae are shaped like little pillars or mushrooms, set into the surface so that a deep moat surrounds each one. At the base of the papillae, glands secrete fluids to wash the taste buds and clear away food particles. At the back of the tongue lie the lingual tonsils, lymphoid tissue that forms part of the body's defense against harmful organisms. Unfortunately, anaerobic bacteria tend to accumulate in all of these clefts and moats in the tongue and bad breath results.

The surface of the tongue is typically coated with a layer of mucous that contains antibodies, enzymes, and lubricants to make it easier to chew and swallow food. An additional effect of this mucous layer is to cover all the tiny grooves in the tongue - it provides an additional barrier between the anaerobic bacteria and the oxygen present in the mouth. Particularly at the very back of the tongue, there are anaerobic conditions perfect for the proliferation of anaerobic bacteria. This is why many dentists and bad breath specialists recommend that you regularly clean your tongue - to remove the mucous layer and allow oxygen to contact the tissues and bacteria on the surface. Other bad breath treatments aim at delivering oxygen to the back of the mouth to put an end to anaerobic bacteria living on the tongue and halitosis that follows.

It's not clear why some people have a problem with their tongue and bad breath while others don't. All tongues are basically the same but only a few unlucky people have so many anaerobic bacteria colonizing the back of their tongue that a bad odor results. Regardless of the reason, however, the way to tackle the problem is usually the same: get rid of the bacteria that live on the tongue and halitosis will go away. Antiseptic mouthwashes aim to do this. Other mouth washes that contain oil are based on the idea that bacteria will stick to the oil and be carried away. Still other mouthwashes deliver oxygen to the surface of the tongue to kill off bacteria and discourage other bacteria from moving in. Until we know how to prevent the bacteria from making themselves comfortable in our tongues in the first place, these approaches are the best solutions to the problem of the tongue and halitosis.

2007-06-11T12:10:00.000-07:00

Tonsils and Bad Breath

Suffers of breath malodor often wonder if there is a connection between tonsils and bad breath. Usually, this is not the case, but in certain circumstances bacteria multiplying at the back of the throat in the tonsil area can cause a bad odor on the breath. This odor has one of two sources: the breakdown of healthy tissues caused by an active infection - pharyngitis - such as strept throat, or the breakdown of dead cells and food particles by anaerobic bacteria that are part of the normal ecosystem of the mouth. This article deals with the second scenario.

To understand the link between tonsils and halitosis, it's helpful to understand what the tonsils are and where they're located. We actually have three types of tonsils in the nasopharynx, the area at the back of the mouth and the top of the throat. The pharyngeal tonsil (also known as the adenoids) lies at the back of the nasal cavity high in the throat. The palatine tonsils are located at the back of the oral cavity and are visible when the mouth is opened widely. Lastly, the lingual tonsils are situated at the very base of the tongue. All of these tonsils are part of the lymphoid system - an important part of the body's defenses against invading and potentially disease causing organisms. The tonsils that most commonly give rise to an association between tonsils and bad breath are the palatine tonsils.

The palatine tonsils lie between folds of tissue called tonsillar pillars. The tonsils are composed of dense lymphoid tissue and each has between ten and twenty little hollows in its surface. The tiny hollows, called tonsillar crypts, collect shed epithelial (skin) cells from the lining of the mouth and throat, white blood cells (pus cells), both living and dead, and oral bacteria - a combination that can easily explain why tonsils and bad breath sometimes go together. Located as they are, in the back of the throat, these crypts have sinus drainage, saliva, chewed food, and cellular debris constantly passing by them. In some people, particularly those who have chronic sinus irritation with post nasal drip, material can build up in the tonsillar crypts, causing the aggregates that are the link between halitosis and bad breath. These aggregates are called tonsil stones or tonsiloliths.

Tonsiloliths are literally little balls of dead cells, debris, and bacteria. The bacteria, inhabitants of tonsils, and bad breath producers, find a ready source of food in the dead and decaying cellular material. Consuming the protein there, they produce foul smelling compounds called volatile sulfur compounds as they multiply. As long as the tonsil stones remain lodged in the tonsillar crypts, the bad odor will be produced; eventually the tonsil stones become large enough to be dislodged and swallowed. Then new ones will begin to form. For people who tend to develop tonsiloliths, the problem of stones in the crypts of the tonsils and halitosis is likely to be continuous over time, and require a regular program to combat breath malodor.

2007-05-16T05:26:00.000-07:00

Methyl Mercaptan and Bad Breath

There is a well established link between a chemical called methyl mercaptan and bad breath. This chemical is one of three volatile sulfur compounds-hydrogen sulfide and dimethyl sulfide are the other two-that are produced by certain bacteria as they break down organic substances for nutrients. Scientists have long known that bacteria in the mouth produce these compounds, and that when large quantities of volatile sulfur compounds are being produced in someone's mouth, that individual will have halitosis-a foul and offensive odor on the breath.

Methyl mercaptan, also known as methanethiol, and the other volatile sulfur compounds have been studied to determine which compound is most responsible for the offensive smell of bad breath. Studies have indicated that the association of methyl mercaptan and bad breath is the strongest-this is likely the chemical most responsible for the odor.

It's one thing to understand that volatile sulfur compounds-frequently referred to simply as VSC-account for the odor of bad breath. It's another matter entirely to get rid of the problem. How can we prevent the production of methanethiol? The key to getting rid of the odor is getting rid of the bacteria that are producing it as a byproduct of metabolism. This is why many mouthwashes and other bad breath products contain antiseptics or other ingredients designed to fight bacteria. The most effective bad breath product will be one that reduces the number of bacteria in the mouth and keeps them down, making methyl mercaptan and bad breath a thing of the past.

Everybody has some VSC producing bacteria in the mouth, and some methanethiol, hydrogen sulfide, and dimethyl sulfide in their breath. Thankfully, for most people, the compounds are there in undetectable amounts. For the unfortunate sufferer of halitosis, the challenge is to change the oral environment, giving a boost to bacteria that do not produce VSC, and discouraging the types that do. To combat methyl mercaptan and bad breath, see your dentist for a dental checkup, and your doctor for a medical checkup, then try some of the recommended bad breath products that claim to fight oral bacteria.

2007-04-18T06:30:00.000-07:00

Periodontal Disease and Bad Breath

The link between periodontal disease and bad breath has been recognized for many years - though not all people with bad breath have gum disease, many people with gum disease suffer from bad breath. The connection between the two is bacteria. A whole group of bacteria that live in the mouth are known to break down proteins in their environment and produce volatile sulfur compounds (VSC) that have a very unpleasant smell. The bacteria involved are predominantly anaerobic - they live in environments where there is little or no oxygen - and they are found in gum pockets, in the grooves and crevices on the back of the tongue, and around the tonsillar crypts.

Scientific studies have explored the relationship between the periodontal bacteria that are thought to cause much of the tissue destruction in gum disease, and the presence of breath odor in patients suffering from gum disease. A study by S. Awano and others, "The Relationship between the Presence of Periodontopathogenic Bacteria in Saliva and Halitosis," (International Dental Journal: 2002 Jun;Suppl 3:212-6) looked for four species of bacteria in patients with both periodontal disease and bad breath. Researchers also measured levels of volatile sulfur compounds - hydrogen sulfide and methyl mercaptan. The results indicated that Bacteroides forsythus, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Prevotella intermedia were all associated with VSC production, with B. forsythus being the most significant producer of all.

Other studies investigating the habitats of periodontal bacteria have shown that B. forsythus lives on the lining of the mouth in locations other than infected gum pockets in healthy people as well as those with gum disease, and P. intermedia is frequently found living on the surface of the tongue. Thus, while there is a clear association between periodontal disease and bad breath, there is also good evidence to support the claim that periodontal bacteria can be the source of bad breath, even in the absence of gum disease.

Scientific study of both periodontal disease and bad breath continue to reveal information that is helpful to those who suffer from these conditions. These studies suggest that remedies for bad breath that target periodontal bacteria are likely to bring positive results, and that achieving a permanent change in the bacterial microflora of the mouth might cure bad breath.

2007-03-16T11:07:00.000-07:00

Cure Halitosis

Halitosis, or the fear of it, is almost an everyday thing in today's cleanliness- and health-conscious world. Products to alleviate breath odor are easy to come by; commercial preparations that cure halitosis, however, are difficult to find. The reason for this is that, though we have worked out most of the common causes of bad breath odor, the way to end it permanently still eludes us. It may require a different approach, or a different lifestyle.

Ultimately, the solution is probably going to be a halitosis natural remedy that permanently changes the inner environment of the mouth. This is where the problem usually starts and it's the focal point for any attempt to cure halitosis. In the mouth, a surprising variety of bacteria and other microscopic organisms live and multiply, drawing their sustenance from food particles, shed cells, molecules found in the saliva, and other proteins. This is normal; in fact, we need an abundant variety of these organisms to have a healthy mouth. Some of the bacteria, however, usually present in small numbers, produce a bad smell when they break down protein. It is these bacteria, when they multiply to unhealthy numbers, that cause breath odor.

It's apparent that a halitosis natural remedy shouldn't just kill off mouth bacteria indiscriminately. Instead, to treat halitosis, we might target the odor producing bacteria or simply try to encourage the other varieties to do better and overwhelm the troublemakers. For the individual looking for quick results, the best plan to cure halitosis will probably include a bad breath product that targets the odor causing bacteria coupled with a complete medical checkup and an objective assessment of lifestyle. This might include getting more exercise and consulting a nutritionist to improve the diet.

A healthy body, maintained with a healthy lifestyle, is the best halitosis natural remedy over the long term. Bad breath products that control breath odor temporarily, however, certainly have their place and can be stepping stones to feeling better about yourself and working toward a more permanent way to cure halitosis. Chances are, the halitosis sufferer who is successful in permanently changing the mouth environment for the better will also experience many other positive changes to physical and emotional health.

2007-03-02T09:12:00.000-08:00

Bad Breath Herbal Remedy

Anyone who suffers from a chronic case of halitosis might well doubt that anything as simple as a bad breath herbal remedy could work. Surprisingly, there is a long list of herbal remedies for bad breath that have been passed down to us through folklore, gathered from various cultures, or recently discovered. All of them are worth consideration if you are looking for a long term treatment for bad breath and you don't want to rely on chemical antiseptic products, or if you are seeking a natural short term breath freshener.

Perhaps one of the best known herbal remedies is bad breath chlorophyll treatment, probably because chlorophyll has been used in commercial breath products. The idea behind chlorophyll, a pigment naturally produced by green plants, is that it reacts with odor causing molecules and removes them. Chlorophyll has been used to reduce body odor and fecal odors, and is a favorite with deer hunters who smoke (it apparently is very effective at masking the odor of tobacco smoke on a hunter's breath, which might be detected by the deer). As a bad breath herbal remedy, chlorophyll's greatest strength probably lies in similar situations: temporary breath odors caused by foods like garlic and onions, or by smoking.

Among the traditional bad breath herbal remedy examples we find chewing mint, parsley, or dill leaves; sucking or chewing a clove; chewing dill or anise seeds; drinking tea made with coriander, sage, or dill, and rinsing with lemon juice. Clearly these plants all have something in common: they all have a strong and relatively pleasant aroma of their own that, like bad breath chlorophyll treatments, will help to mask bad breath at least for a while. In addition, however, many of them do have proven antiseptic qualities, which may make them valid alternatives to antiseptic mouthwash if the aim is to kill off the oral bacteria that produce breath odor. It's important to remember, however, that many herbs and spices, normally used in small amounts in cooking, have toxic properties when used in large amounts. Before using any herbal remedy in larger quantities, thoroughly investigate its safety and consult an herbalist if possible.

Like bad breath chlorophyll products, a few other herbs and medicinal plants have been incorporated into commercial products marketed for bad breath. Eucalyptus oil is one of these, often used in mouthwashes over the years. New dietary supplements incorporate St. John's wort, licorice root, Echinacea, ginger, and ginseng. Parsley, meanwhile, is being processed to produce parsley oil capsules, now commonly marketed as a bad breath herbal remedy. And a new essential oil that has antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties is also commercially refined and recommended (in small amounts) for bad breath: tea tree oil.

Always consult your doctor before taking any remedy or supplement on an ongoing basis, particularly if you are pregnant or have other health issues.

2007-02-26T11:30:00.000-08:00

Bad Breath Picture

What would a bad breath picture look like? Obviously it's impossible to take a picture of an odor: we can't see a smell. The mention of bad breath, however, does conjure up a mental picture - perhaps a picture of people stepping back or leaning away from someone they're having a conversation with; perhaps a picture of swollen inflamed gums and decaying teeth; perhaps a picture of a sleep-disheveled person gargling with mouthwash in front of the mirror in the morning. It's likely different for everyone.

A bad breath tester would be helpful because many people believe that they have bad breath when they don't, and they often get that impression because people step away from them when they speak. In reality the movement is often involuntary or, at worst, the cause is an odor of garlic or onions, cigarette smoke, or some other transient breath odor. The mental bad breath picture of people moving away when you speak is misleading, and it contributes to a general mentality that everyone's breath smells bad.

In reality, everyone's breath does smell bad - sometimes. For most people it's an occasional thing and not something to worry about. And unfortunately, there's really no such thing as a personal bad breath tester. Some authorities suggest licking your wrist and then smelling that to judge just how bad the bad breath picture is. This may or may not work - if your suspicion that you have bad breath is based on an unpleasant taste in your mouth, perhaps from onions, strong cheese, or dry mouth from a head cold, your nose is unlikely to be able to overcome what your tongue is telling you.

A better bad breath tester is a physician or a good friend. Someone else's nose is a much better judge than your own. Pick someone you trust to give you the true bad breath picture and, preferably, ask them to check on several different occasions so you will know whether the problem is ongoing or transient. This should help you to figure out if it is associated with some thing you are eating or perhaps another personal habit, or if the problem is an ongoing one that requires treatment.

If your bad breath tester is a doctor or a dentist, and the bad breath picture is, well, bad, use the opportunity to discuss possible health causes and the best approach to treatment. If you've used the good nature of a close friend, make an appointment with your doctor or dentist before trying over the counter or mail order products, just to be sure there isn't some important health consideration you've missed.

2007-02-20T09:08:00.000-08:00

Curing Bad Breath

Many people have made the observation that curing bad breath permanently is frustratingly difficult. Even when halitosis sufferers find a product or lifestyle that effectively controls breath odor, the problem seems to recur immediately if the control measures are stopped. As with many things in health and medicine, attempts to find a permanent cure are hampered by a lack of understanding of what causes halitosis at the most basic level.

We know that the reason for bad breath is usually the proliferation of anaerobic bacteria (bacteria that grow in the absence of oxygen) in the mouth - particularly in the little crevices on the back of the tongue, but also in other creases and crevices such as the spaces between the teeth and in pockets between the teeth and gums. The offending bacteria break down proteins and give of volatile sulfur compounds as a byproduct. Volatile sulfur compounds smell awful. This much we know: what we don't know, in many cases, is why the anaerobes proliferate to begin with, and curing bad breath depends on understanding that process.

In some cases, the reason for bad breath is obvious. Dental decay, gum disease, plaque buildup on the teeth, and other inflammatory conditions of the mouth are obvious causes - in these situations, the conditions are right for bacteria to multiply as they live off unhealthy and dead tissue. Sinus conditions, post nasal drip and inflammation in the throat or lungs are less obvious sources of trouble. For these conditions, curing bad breath depends on clearing up the inflammatory condition - often a lengthy and expensive process if it is possible at all.

In many cases of chronic halitosis, the reason for bad breath is much harder to pinpoint. Lots of healthy people with healthy mouths and no underlying medical problems have problems with breath odor. Where there is no underlying condition, curing bad breath often means merely controlling it on an ongoing basis. Typically, this requires using a product that will mask, reduce, or eliminate the odor temporarily. Numerous commercial products are available, forming a multimillion dollar industry in developed countries.

Recently, some interesting suggestions have been made with respect to life style and curing bad breath. Could a poor diet and lack of exercise contribute to the proliferation of unhealthy bacteria in the mouth? At a time when we're discovering that diet and exercise play an important role in many diseases, it's not too surprising to hear this may be the reason for bad breath as well. Adequate B Vitamins, Vitamin C, and zinc are all thought to be important, as well as a diet that contains lots of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Fortunately, these dietary nutrients, combined with regular exercise, are the same ones recommended for good health in other respects. In cases where the cause of bad breath is a mystery, a life style change might well be helpful.

Every individual case is different - to uncover the reason for bad breath in your case, consult your doctor and/or dentist, and discuss treatment options.

2007-02-14T17:14:00.000-08:00

Puppy Bad Breath

One would expect that puppy bad breath would be a relatively uncommon thing. After all, puppies' mouths are usually very healthy and young dogs have not had time to accumulate a buildup of tartar on their teeth. Surprisingly, a unpleasant odor on a puppy's breath is not uncommon - it's often caused, however, by different things than the problem in older dogs. If you puppy has not had regular veterinary care, a sensible first step is to take the puppy for a health check, vaccinations, and deworming.

If your young dog has bad breath, the next step is to look in his mouth. Look for inflamed gums or signs of an impacted baby tooth. Both of these things can generate an odor from dead tissue or from mouth bacteria that tend to colonize an unhealthy site. Is your puppy teething? Teething is a common cause of inflammation in a puppy's mouth and of puppy bad breath. Teething is usually finished by the time the puppy is six or seven months old. If, however, your puppy is not teething and you see that her gums are seriously inflamed, take her to your veterinarian for an examination.

While you are looking in your puppy's mouth, check carefully for food items lodged between the teeth. If you find something there it may have been there for a while and could easily be the sole cause of puppy bad breath. The solution is easy: remove the food and keep an eye on things. There may be certain places in your dog's mouth where food is particularly likely to lodge, so any time your dog has bad breath, check for that.

When an older dog has bad breath, it's usually due to a buildup of tartar on the teeth and accompanying gum inflammation. This is a rare cause of puppy bad breath, but it is worth looking carefully at the teeth, especially the outside surfaces of the back molars, to be sure that nothing is building up there. Feeding soft and canned dog foods can accelerate tartar buildup. Be sure to buy your puppy some chew toys and bones that will help keep his teeth clean. You can also get him used to having his teeth brushed at a young age to avoid tartar problems later on.

Another thing to consider is the possibility that the puppy bad breath is coming from somewhere other than your dog's mouth. Many dogs will eat feces if they get the chance and this can produce a terrible smell on the breath for a while. Also they may pick up a bad smell in the mouth when they groom themselves around the anal sac. When a dog has bad breath at any age, this may be the cause. There's not a lot you can do about it, but remember, in each instance, it's temporary.

In some cases of puppy bad breath, there's nothing wrong. Some breeds are said to typically have bad breath and there isn't much you can do about it. Your veterinarian can help you decide if your puppy has bad breath because of a health problem, or if that's just the way her breath naturally smells.

2007-02-08T07:21:00.000-08:00

Post Nasal Drip Bad Breath

The problem of post nasal drip bad breath is that post nasal drip, a chronic symptom that can be very difficult to correct, provides a constant food supply to bacteria that produce the bad odor we associate with bad breath (halitosis). The drip is a continual flow of mucus from the nasal passages and sinuses that contains proteins and other food supplies for bacteria. The bacteria that benefit from this are frequently those that live on the back of the tongue, many of them anaerobes that produce foul smelling sulfur compounds when they break down proteins.

Contributing to bad breath sinus discharge can also result in tonsiloliths, collections of dead cells and debris that lodge on the tonsils and in tonsillar crypts and grow into pale stone-like aggregates. These "tonsil stones," like the discharge, provide food for bacteria and a place for bacteria to live. Tonsiloliths are usually noticeably malodorous and though they are eventually dislodged, they tend to recur - another troublesome type of post nasal drip bad breath.

The best hope for relief of bad breath sinus trouble, of course, is to treat the sinus problem and hope that the flow of discharge can be decreased enough to cut down the populations of bacteria that are producing the odor. Sinus problems should be evaluated by a doctor and treated appropriately. While many people are able to lessen or get rid of a chronic sinus condition, post nasal drip bad breath will be an ongoing problem for others. It may require a long term commitment to treating the bad breath with a commercial product that fights the troublesome bacteria from a different angle.

Some commercial products directly address the problem of post nasal drip bad breath by producing sinus drops, which can be used in conjunction with an effective mouthwash. The best products for fighting bad breath are aimed at decreasing the populations of odor producing bacteria and then keeping their numbers so low that no odor is detectable on the breath. Bad breath sinus drops are a relatively new product on the market and are not available from every supplier. If you suspect that your bad breath is connected to post nasal drip, you might want to try this approach.

2007-02-03T05:30:00.000-08:00

How to Fight Bad Breath

For decades, ever since halitosis was identified as a social and personal problem, people have been asking how to fight bad breath - and looking to science and medicine to provide real answers to the problem. Scientific knowledge of halitosis has advanced steadily so that we now know what causes bad breath, and with that information we are closer than ever to finding a way to get rid of it.

Dr. J. Tonzetich is credited with discovering the bacterial cause of bad breath in 1964, a big step toward the development of an effective bad breath medicine. In classic bad breath, the bad odor is produced by the proliferation of anaerobic oral bacteria, that is, bacteria that live in the mouth and throat - in the creases of the gums, between the teeth, and especially on the surface of the tongue. These bacteria live on proteins that they find in the mouth and produce sulfur compounds as a byproduct of their metabolism. In exploring how to treat bad breath, investigators must find ways to remove or reduce the odor reducing bacteria.

In most people, the immune system keeps populations of oral bacteria in check without the need for bad breath medicine. A healthy body with a healthy mouth should not have a problem. In some people, however, things go off kilter and it's not clear why. Current research is now suggesting that lifestyle and dietary factors may play a role, as they do with many health problems. A permanent health solution that tells us how to fight bad breath may include better eating habits, abstaining from smoking and alcohol, and getting lots of physical activity.

At present, there are many commercial products available as bad breath medicine. Those that are likely to be the most useful to chronic halitosis sufferers are products that destroy or remove the odor producing bacteria. Scientists working on the problem have thought of many innovative approaches to the challenge of how to fight bad breath. Some mouthwashes have antibacterial chemicals as active ingredients, while others deliver oxygen to the mouth to wipe out the bacteria that live in the absence of oxygen. Still others mop up bacteria with oil and carry them away.

Any of these approaches or something yet to come may turn out to be the best solution to the problem of how to fight bad breath - we don't have the perfect bad breath medicine just yet. Today's products are far better than those of the past, however. A persistent approach using one of these remedies should keep halitosis under control.

2007-01-29T17:02:00.000-08:00

Prevent Bad Breath

If you want to prevent bad breath, the first step is a healthy lifestyle. This may seem like an impossibly general statement, but it really is true that a healthy lifestyle benefits the body in so many ways and avoids the conditions that make us predisposed to bad breath. In particular, new evidence suggests that good nutrition is the cure for halitosis we've all been looking for.

Any worthy bad breath tip will include the information that bad breath is usually caused by anaerobic bacteria multiplying in the mouth and producing sulfur compounds that smell foul. That's true as far as it goes, but it begs the question "Why do these bacteria gain the upper hand in the mouths of some people while leaving others unaffected?" And "How can we prevent bad breath by preventing these organisms from proliferating?" The answers to these questions are still not entirely clear but we do know about some health conditions and some nutritional factors that can be part of the picture.

First, a bad breath tip that's been around as long as mouthwash: take care of your teeth and gums. Regular brushing, flossing and professional checkups will keep the mouth healthy and discourage the unhealthy proliferation of oral bacteria. Regular medical checkups are basic to a healthy lifestyle as well. Prompt attention to any physical symptoms that arise may help you prevent bad breath: digestive upsets, sinus problems, mouth infections, respiratory illness, and even chronic diseases such as diabetes can contribute to bad breath.

Another bad breath tip - don't smoke tobacco. And another: avoid alcohol. Both of these habits cause a decrease in saliva production that encourages bacterial growth. For a healthy diet to prevent bad breath, consult a good food guide. Aim for low fat, low sugar, high fiber foods, including lots of colorful vegetables. A lack of carbohydrates in the diet causes the body to burn fat and produce ketones, which have an unpleasant odor when exhaled in the breath - so include carbohydrates like whole grains, potatoes, and pasta in moderation. Make sure you are getting adequate amounts of the B vitamins, as well as Vitamin C and zinc in your diet.

If, in spite of following every helpful bad breath tip, you still find yourself dealing with the problem of halitosis, purchase a reputable bad breath product, remembering that you likely need something that will decrease the numbers of odor producing bacteria in the mouth. Once you get the bacteria under control, continued use of the product and/or living a healthy lifestyle can help prevent bad breath from recurring.

2007-01-23T06:55:00.000-08:00

Rid of Bad Breath

Getting rid of bad breath is a challenge that never seems to go away. Though almost all of us have an unpleasant taste in the mouth from time to time, and an offensive odor on the breath, an unfortunate few have a really bad case of chronic halitosis - although we've discovered what generates the odor, we still don't always know why, or how to permanently fix the problem.

When we're fighting bad breath, in some cases the answers are clear: gum disease and dental decay are well known causes of that bad odor. It's not the inflammation and cavities themselves that smell; it's the bacteria that are able to proliferate under those conditions. These are anaerobic bacteria - bacteria that grow in places where there is no oxygen, like in pockets and folds of receding gums, between unhealthy teeth, and on the back of the tongue. When they metabolize proteins for energy, they give of the odor of typical bad breath. To get rid of bad breath in this scenario, the first step is to treat the problems in the mouth.

Similarly, if there are sinus problems, or post nasal drip, fighting bad breath involves trying to make the sinuses and nasal passages healthier places. That constant flow of mucus and dead cells from inflammation down the back of the throat fosters the growth of the same anaerobic bacteria found in gum disease. If the problem can be healed or even improved, it may get rid of bad breath without any other action being needed.

Sometimes, however, it's not clear what's causing the problem, or attempts to remedy the situation don't get rid of bad breath. In these cases, all one can do is treat the symptom rather than the underlying cause. First, visit you dentist and doctor to be sure there isn't something you've missed and to confirm that you really do have bad breath (a lot of people actually think they have halitosis when they do not). If medical specialists confirm that you are fighting bad breath and that you are basically healthy, you'll need to experiment with a few breath products to find something that works for you.

Remember that the odor is caused by anaerobic bacteria - the best approach to get rid of bad breath is to focus on eliminating these bacteria. Fresh breath products approach the problem in different ways. Some contain chemicals like chlorhexidine that are antibacterial and kill the offenders directly. Others deliver oxygen, or the mineral zinc, both of which make the mouth an unwelcoming place for anaerobes. Another type of breath freshener focuses on physical removal of bacteria for fighting bad breath. Some, of course, combine the different approaches.
Fighting bad breath can be a long ordeal, but a step-by-step approach to the problem will eventually yield results.

2007-01-16T12:53:00.000-08:00

Bad Breath Symptom

What is the most common bad breath symptom? Well, since people tend not to be able to detect their own bad breath, the most common symptom is probably the reaction that it provokes in other people. When someone has bad breath, others tend to keep their distance while holding a conversation. They may avert their faces, offer a mint or gum, or politely move away. In more embarrassing exchanges, people may cover their noses or make comments about the odor. The more sensitive, usually friends, will tactfully mention that you are having a breath problem and suggest that you invest in some mouthwash.

All of this proves that our noses are the best bad breath detector, at least for the odor on the breath of other people. If you suspect that you have bad breath due to some other bad breath symptom, perhaps a bad taste in your mouth, or a concern about post nasal drip or raw throat, the most accurate way to find out whether you are right is to ask someone else. This can a sensitive and embarrassing experiment - many people are not too keen on sniffing someone else's breath even if it doesn't smell bad. Choose your partner or a trusted friend, or a doctor, to help you with this. Naturally, you should not ask anyone to test your breath if you suspect that you have a contagious upper respiratory infection as you may pass it on.

Some bad breath clinics use a human nose to measure breath odor, but others use a kind of technology that acts as a bad breath detector. This technology generally measures the amount of volatile sulfur compounds that are present in a person's exhalations. Volatile sulfur compounds are molecules containing sulfur that are produced by bacteria living in the mouth. Lots of volatile sulfur compounds on the breath equate to bad breath odor, the same bad breath symptom that is detected by the human nose. Both methods provide an estimate of the levels of volatile sulfur compounds, but the detector can provide a result that is more acceptable to patients because it is less subjective.

In the end, the major bad breath symptom is, in fact, bad smelling breath. Though it may be indicative that something is off balance in the mouth, it is usually not, in itself, a sign of anything dangerous. It's more of a social problem - if you have no indication that other people find your breath objectionable, you probably don't need any other bad breath detector.

2007-01-10T11:44:00.000-08:00

Kitten Bad Breath

Although kitten bad breath is not a common problem for new kitten owners, some people do find that their kittens breath smells bad. Not surprisingly, bad breath in cats and kittens can be caused by the same things that cause halitosis in humans - gum or dental problems, respiratory problems, or underlying disease. There are also a few things particular to cats that can cause an unpleasant odor on the breath.

Feline bad breath is often caused by tartar build up on the teeth. Just like in dogs and humans, tartar on the teeth fosters the growth of oral bacteria that produce volatile sulfur compounds, airborne molecules that smell very unpleasant. Although tartar has not generally had time to accumulate enough to cause kitten bad breath, you should check the condition of your kitten's teeth and gums to be sure there is no tartar or inflammation there. If you see signs of trouble, a trip to the vet is probably in order.

Respiratory problems can also be a cause of kitten bad breath. This is usually easy to pinpoint because it will be accompanied by signs of respiratory illness. Again, like humans and dogs, cats can get viral or bacterial infections of the nasal passages, throat and lungs. In turn these infections can encourage the growth of bacteria and may cause feline bad breath. If your cat has a respiratory infection accompanied by bad breath, the breath problem should resolve as soon as the cat recovers.

Another unusual cause of feline bad breath can be underlying illness - some metabolic disorders and organ problems such as kidney disease can cause an unusual odor on the breath. In most cases, the odor will not the typical sulfur smell of classic halitosis, but may still be quite unpleasant. A kitten bad breath problem that can't be attributed to any other common cause may be a sign that your kitten has a more serious problem that should immediately be assessed by a vet.

One cause of feline bad breath that is particular to cats is feline acne. If your cat has feline acne, you will see black specks or bumps on the cat's chin. These black spots are a buildup of secretions from the animal's glands, and the affected area can also be a site for the proliferation of colonizing bacteria. This unhealthy area can be the source of an unpleasant odor around the mouth, so part of your search for the cause of kitten bad breath should be an examination of your cat's chin. Feline acne can be treated with disinfectants: consult your vet for professional advice.

2007-01-04T07:18:00.000-08:00

Infant Bad Breath

Usually, when we think about bad breath, we are not thinking of infant bad breath. The breath of infants and small children is generally quite pleasant: halitosis in this age group is relatively rare. It does occur from time to time, however, and dealing with it requires some special considerations.

In a young child bad breath can be a sign of some other illness, so before taking any specific measures to treat the breath odor, ask yourself if your child appears healthy. Is he or she eating a healthy balanced diet? Are there any signs of illness such as digestive upsets, respiratory problems, allergies? Has your child had a checkup with the doctor and dentist recently? Particularly in the case of infant bad breath, some signs of underlying illness can be very subtle, so if you have any doubts, make the appropriate appointments.

Identifying the source of uncomplicated child bad breath can be a process of elimination. If the problem is chronic, it is probably not being caused by occasional ingestion of problem foods like garlic, spices, or strong cheese. In many cases, increased attention to oral hygiene will solve the problem. Because most breath odors originate in the mouth, it's important for children to brush well and often. Avoiding sweet foods can also help as sugar promotes both bacterial growth and tooth decay. These possibilities, however, are seldom applicable to infants and infant bad breath.

In an infant bad breath is not usually due to poor oral hygiene, but may occur if there are sores in the mouth. Many infants suck pacifiers or other objects which become coated with saliva and oral bacteria and may be the source of an unpleasant odor. Wash pacifiers often and replace them as soon as they begin to look worn. If your baby sucks on a blanket or stuffed toy, wash it frequently. Also, check for nasal blockage: foreign objects obstructing the nostrils will soon cause problems of various types. Even sinus congestion due to a cold or allergy will cause a child to breathe through the mouth, which dries out the oral tissues and results in child bad breath.

When attempting to treat infant bad breath, remember that children should not be given antiseptic mouthwash or many of the other things that adults commonly use. Babies can’t be trusted not to swallow mouthwash or choke on breath mints. Before using any product to treat child bad breath, read the label carefully and/or consult your doctor.

2006-12-28T11:24:00.000-08:00

Atkins Diet Bad Breath

People following the famous Atkins diet often encounter an unexpected and unpleasant side effect - Atkins diet bad breath. It's not their imagination that the diet causes an unpleasant odor on the breath, and it's very difficult to get rid of the problem while remaining on the diet. That's because this particular type of bad breath is not caused by the usual things.

Most cases of bad breath are caused by the production of volatile sulfur compounds (VSC) in the mouth. Anaerobic oral bacteria live in our mouths by the billions. They derive nutrition from food particles, sloughed off skin cells and other body proteins. When certain species predominate - species that produce VSC as a byproduct of metabolism - an unpleasant odor on the breath results. In the case of Atkins diet bad breath, the odor is not coming from the mouth and it isn't produced by the metabolism of bacteria. It's produced by the person's own metabolism.

The Atkins diet is based on severely restricting carbohydrates in the diet - especially in the early stages, dieters are allowed virtually no carbohydrates at all. Since carbohydrates are the usual source of energy in the body, their restriction forces the body to look for other sources of energy. It turns to stored fat - fat cells that most dieters have in plenty. When the human metabolism starts to break down fat cells for energy, a process called ketosis, ketones are produced as a byproduct and this is the agent of Atkins diet bad breath. Ketones are expelled in the urine and in the breath. In the breath, they are detected as a distinctly unpleasant odor - bad breath.

It's difficult to resolve the problem of Atkins diet bad breath as long as you stay on the diet: as long as your metabolism has no carbohydrates to break down, ketones will be produced by the breakdown of fat. Indeed, ketosis is the aim of the Atkins diet in the first place. In later stages of the diet, enough carbohydrates may be added to alleviate the problem; however, some dieters will have to settle for more carbohydrates and slower weight loss if they cannot tolerate the halitosis.

Breath freshening products may provide some relief and won't compromise the diet as long as they do not contain carbohydrates. For this particular problem, the products such as lozenges and breath strips that have a strong odor, usually mint, to mask bad breath are the best choices. Many people, however, will find it difficult to continue their use over the long term. For persistent Atkins diet bad breath, the best solution may be to find a different diet.

2006-12-21T09:33:00.000-08:00

Bad Breath Pregnancy

When we're reading about causes of bad breath pregnancy is not often listed, however many pregnant women do complain about having halitosis or about experiencing a persistent unpleasant or metallic taste in the mouth. Bad breath during pregnancy may result from hormonal changes or deteriorating dental health.

Sudden bad breath is always a sign that something has changed and it should prompt a self-assessment of recent changes in life style, diet or health. It may well be a sign that a visit to the dentist or doctor is in order. If you are pregnant and you suddenly develop bad breath pregnancy may be the indirect cause; however, it could also be a sign of health problems or the onset of gum disease. If careful and persistent oral care practices don't clear up the problem, see you doctor rather than assuming that it will go away on its own once the pregnancy is over.

It's well known that pregnant women have increased calcium needs and are at greater risk of tooth decay if these calcium needs are not met. When the diet is deficient in calcium, the mineral is taken from the teeth to provide for the developing baby. Tooth decay and gum disease often go hand in hand - when this process starts in the mouth, it can contribute to sudden bad breath. Pregnant women should always be under a doctor’s care and have regular dental checkups to catch problems early. Bad breath pregnancy difficulties are problematic to treat because of the difficulty with taking medications or undergoing medical procedures during this delicate time.

An unpleasant taste in the mouth may not mean that there is also bad breath. The taste can often be dealt with over the short term with lozenges or breath mints (choose sugar free if possible to reduce the chances of tooth decay). When there is true bad breath pregnancy does limit the measures you can safely take, though mouthwashes, which are not swallowed, are generally safe to use. Always read the label instructions carefully, and consult your doctor if you are in doubt or if you experience unexplained sudden bad breath.

2006-12-14T09:25:00.000-08:00

Bad Breath Tonsils

Many people don't realize that when you have bad breath tonsils may have something to do with it. Your tonsils, located in the back of the mouth at the top of the throat, are not only a frequent site of infection, they can also accumulate debris and harbor bacteria. Tonsils and tonsillar crypts provide a moist sheltered airless environment where many species of bacteria do well. Although most of the bacteria that live in the mouth and throat are harmless, and many are even beneficial, invasion by the wrong kind of bacteria can cause problems.

A first step in bad breath prevention is to keep the tissues in your mouth and throat healthy, including your tonsils. Seek medical attention immediately if you suspect you have tonsillitis and have sinus problems assessed as well. See your dentist at least once a year and practice good dental hygiene between dental cleanings. Regular medical checkups are a good way to keep a close eye on your general health and avoid bad breath tonsils and other health problems as you get older.

To deal with bad breath tonsils, first rule out bacterial infection. The organism to worry about is streptococcus, the cause of strept throat. This is an acute infection that usually clears up fairly quickly and is routinely treated with antibiotics. Because there is destruction of healthy tissue in the throat, strept throat often results in a foul odor on the breath. The odor problem resolves with the infection, fortunately, so if this is what's causing your halitosis, treatment for the strept will also be effective bad breath prevention.

If the breath problem is more of a chronic issue, bad breath prevention may be more difficult. The odor may be coming from tonsiloliths, small accumulations of dead cells and other debris that lodge and grow around the tonsils. Tonsiloliths are often associated with sinusitis or post nasal drip, where there is a constant flow of sinus drainage down the back of the throat. Dead cells and other tiny particles get caught up in the tonsil area forming tiny aggregates like stones - the aggregates grow larger as they catch more and more debris. Your tonsils become bad breath tonsils when oral bacteria start proliferating in and on the tonsiloliths, deriving nutrients from the proteins and other molecules there.

When it comes to bad breath prevention, tonsiloliths can be difficult to get rid of. Each individual tonsilolith is eventually dislodged and swallowed, carrying away its load of odor producing bacteria - but another tonsilolith soon takes its place. The best approach to bad breath tonsils caused by tonsiloliths is to gargle regularly with a good breath freshening product designed to reduce bacterial growth in the mouth.

2006-12-07T18:30:00.000-08:00

Bad Breath Halitosis

It’s been written that someone called bad breath halitosis many years ago in a deliberate attempt to create a medical term for a common problem. At the time, bad breath was regarded as more of a personal hygiene issue than a medical problem. The name stuck but it was still a long time before anyone really started taking breath odor seriously from a medical perspective, and today, halitosis is not the proper medical term - physicians say "fetor oris," "ozostomia," or "stomatodysodia."

But whatever you want to call it, a bad breath problem is still a social challenge for anyone unfortunate enough to suffer from it. Fortunately, medicine and science have been paying more attention in recent years, and even though its root causes are still not completely understood, there are now some real research-based methods to combat bad breath halitosis. The best of these are based on the knowledge that the odor is almost always being produced by oral bacteria living in the mouth.

Since sometime in the 1940s, medicine has been combating bacteria, like the ones that cause bad breath halitosis and many more serious infections, with antibiotics - drugs that kill bacteria. There are problems with antibiotics however: sometimes they don't reach the site of infection; sometimes bacteria develop resistance to them, and often they fail to kill off all of the bacteria they're being aimed at. When some bacteria remain, they begin to multiply anew as soon as the antibiotic is withdrawn. In cases where antibiotics and antiseptics are used to treat a persistent bad breath problem, the odor usually recurs because bacteria return to their former levels after treatment is discontinued.

The point is that, in order to permanently treat a bad breath problem, you need to treat the root cause. It might be a medical problem like sinusitis or gum disease. It might be something systemic, a situation that would require diagnosis by a medical doctor. It might be a dietary deficiency of some kind. If you want to be free of bad breath halitosis, get a complete medical checkup and a dental examination. Assess your lifestyle and dietary habits and try to improve things, even if it just means taking a vitamin supplement. And while you are working on the problem, use one of the trusted brand name breath products aimed at cutting down the population of odor-producing bacteria living in your mouth and causing bad breath, halitosis, fetor oris, or whatever you choose to call it.

2006-12-01T06:49:00.000-08:00

Natural Cure for Bad Breath

Is there a natural cure for bad breath that works? There may well be, but it probably won't be as simple as taking a pill or gargling with a solution of some kind. The first step to finding a cure for halitosis that doesn't require the use of drugs and chemicals is to take a close look at your lifestyle. It's a fact that diet and habits such as alcohol consumption can contribute to bad breath. Is there anything you can change to make your mouth a happier place?

A diet for a healthy body is also a good diet for treating bad breath. It's not hard to get dietary advice these days - we hear about what makes up a healthy diet almost daily. In a nutshell, try to get lots of fruits and vegetables, whole grain breads and cereals, and plant sources of protein. You may want to take a vitamin supplement - vitamins B and C, and the mineral zinc are all important for good oral health. Avoid foods that are high in fat, sugar, and additives. Acidic foods can be a problem, including tea and coffee. For some individuals, food allergies and intolerances can contribute to bad breath - dairy products and meat are particularly known for this. If you suspect certain foods are causing problems for you, try eliminating them to see if it makes a difference. A healthy diet that's right for you may be the only natural cure for bad breath that you need.

Another lifestyle factor that shouldn't be overlooked in treating bad breath is oral hygiene and professional oral care. Brush your teeth after each meal and floss daily to remove food particles from between the teeth. See your dentist immediately if you notice any problems with your teeth or gums, and at a minimum, have an oral checkup once each year. Problems that are caught early are much more easily treated with a natural cure for bad breath or a simple behavioral change. Some medical problems are thought to contribute to bad breath as well, so consider consulting your family physician if you think you have a chronic bad breath problem. Conditions that may be involved include sinus and throat infections or chronic sinusitis, digestive disorders, or certain prescription drugs that are taken regularly.

Beyond lifestyle changes, you can choose a natural remedy for bad breath from a large collection of folk and herbal lore. You could try brushing with baking soda, fennel extract, or tea tree oil (but don't swallow these). Chew parsley or mint, whole cloves, cinnamon bark, anise, cardamom, hazelnuts, basil, wintergreen, sage, or other aromatic herbs. Some herbs not only have a pleasant odor but they also have antibacterial properties. Try taking alfalfa tablets, activated charcoal, apple cider vinegar, chlorophyll tablets, spirulina for treating bad breath, or gargle with salt water, myrrh, or an herbal tea.

Remember, however, that many of these ways of treating bad breath only provide temporary relief. Many of them have strong pleasant odors and can mask bad breath odor for a time, but few have any really effective antibacterial action. A true natural cure for bad breath will get rid of some of the odor producing bacteria that thrive in the mouth, and hopefully help to establish a more normal population of bacteria in the mouth. While it's hard to find a commercial product that is both natural and effective, a few do come close. Look for products that don't contain chlorhexidine or other antibacterial chemicals, but attack the bacteria by some other mechanism, such as physically removing them or exposing them to oxygen.

2006-11-27T08:10:00.000-08:00

Baby Bad Breath

Most babies have sweet smelling breath, but occasionally baby bad breath does occur. It can be a particular problem upon waking, after the baby has been asleep for a few hours - like morning breath in adults. During sleep, the mouth is typically relaxed and motionless, there is decreased saliva production, and bacteria that live in the mouth cavity have an opportunity to multiply undisturbed. Some of these bacteria can produce the unpleasant odor we associate with bad breath, and when they multiply to sufficient numbers, the odor becomes detectable.

If you think that "morning breath" is causing bad breath in baby, try treating it by cleansing the mouth before putting baby down for a nap. If baby is very young and has no teeth, encourage a water rinse to flush traces of formula or bits of food out of cracks and crevices. If baby has teeth, a gentle brushing and a rinse should help. Rinsing and brushing upon waking can be helpful too. (Fluoridated toothpastes should be used very sparingly in young children, and brushing should always be supervised even when your child is old enough to begin brushing on her own.) If these measures relieve the baby bad breath, you needn't do more.

However, if bad breath in baby persists after brushing and cleansing, there may be another problem. Does baby use a soother or habitually suck on some other object like a blanket or stuffed toy? An object that is continually put into the mouth gets coated with saliva and oral bacteria and can develop an unpleasant odor. Though the smell may not be offensive to your child, it can contribute to lingering bad odors in the vicinity of baby, and to baby bad breath. The simple solution is to wash or replace the offending item regularly. Eventually, your child will give up the sucking habit and the problem will disappear on its own.

Occasionally bad breath in baby has a more sinister cause. If your efforts to solve the problem are fruitless, you should consult your pediatrician or family doctor. The physician will check for signs of throat or sinus infection, infection somewhere in the mouth, tooth decay, or a foreign object lodged in a nasal passage. Sinus congestion can contribute to baby bad breath as well, by causing baby to breathe through the mouth: dry mouth is a cause of breath odor in both children and adults because saliva is naturally antibacterial and, in a healthy mouth, it keeps the population of odor causing bacteria at a minimum.

Once again, baby bad breath is relatively unusual: if simple measures don't solve the problem, your child should be seen by a medical professional to rule out more serious problems.

2006-11-22T06:51:00.000-08:00

Bad Breath and Acid Reflux

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

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

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

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

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

2006-11-15T10:49:00.000-08:00

Bad Breath Solution

Anyone who has struggled with the problem of halitosis knows how challenging it can be to find a bad breath solution. Fortunately, this area of medical treatment, ignored for so long by everyone except the producers of mouthwashes and breath mints, is enjoying considerable close attention these days; things started to improve when we learned where the foul odor of bad breath really came from. It was the first step to developing treatments that work.

Dr. J. Tonzetich may have earned the distinction of being the first bad breath doctor when he worked out the process by which bad breath is produced in the mouth. The odor, he discovered, is caused by volatile sulfur compounds produced by bacteria in the mouth. The offensive bacteria are anaerobes, living in places in the mouth where there is little oxygen: in pockets between the gums and teeth, in the spaces between the teeth, around the tonsils, and deep between the papillae on the surface of the tongue at the back of the mouth. Understanding that these bacteria were responsible for the problem allowed researchers to start an informed search for a bad breath solution.

For most people, the appropriate bad breath doctor will be either a dentist or a medical doctor. These are the professionals who can do a proper assessment of a patient's dental and physical health to determine why the anaerobes are doing so well in the mouth. There may be periodontal disease, a sinus condition, a problem around the tonsils, post nasal drip, or even a more serious undiagnosed disease condition that requires treatment. It's important that halitosis sufferers have their condition evaluated by medical professionals before attempting their own bad breath solution.

Sometimes, there is a true bad breath doctor who can be consulted. Again, these are usually former dentists or medical doctors who have taken a special interest in helping people to find a bad breath solution. These professionals may have done their own research and developed an approach to treatment that has had considerable success. They generally operate clinics and see patients by appointment like any doctor's office. Proper assessment will include verifying that the patient truly does have a bad breath problem and checking for signs of all the problems mentioned above. Referral to a doctor or dentist may result if that appears appropriate. If you think a bad breath clinic might be the right choice for you, see if you can find one in your area - unfortunately they are quite rare.

If you are considering self-treatment of halitosis, think about trying a product recommended by a clinic bad breath doctor. Though the clinic may be inaccessible to you, the products are often available by mail or over the internet. Clinic products generally have a good reputation and a money back guarantee. You are more likely to find a bad breath solution with one of these providers than with products and vendors you know nothing about. Again however, it would be wise to consult a dentist, and possibly a medical doctor about your problem before embarking on any course of self-treatment.

2006-11-09T12:34:00.000-08:00

Bad Breath Bible

Perhaps you've heard of something called the bad breath bible. There is, in fact, such a thing. It's a book written by Dr. Harold Katz, a specialist in the treatment of halitosis and the developer of a line of products for doing just that (TheraBreath). Dr. Katz's website tells us that he was a practicing dentist before he became interested in researching and treating bad breath. His book is a summary of his research and his understanding of the problem.

The product that Dr. Katz is selling is sometimes described as a bad breath natural remedy because it does not contain the antibacterial chemicals so common in over the counter mouthwashes (however, it does contain the chemical sodium chlorite). His approach, instead, is to deliver oxygen to regions of the mouth where there is little air circulation and anaerobic bacteria flourish. (Anaerobic bacteria live in the absence of oxygen and produce the foul odors that we associate with bad breath.) The bad breath bible explains not only where these bacteria are found, but how they cause halitosis and why Katz's product should work to control them.

There may not be any really ground-shaking information in the bad breath bible: we have known for some time that foul breath odor is produced by bacteria and that these bacteria are anaerobes living on the surface of the tongue, between the teeth, in pockets and creases in the gums, and in the tonsillar crypts. People have used different approaches for eliminating these bacteria, particularly antibacterial mouthwashes, and sometimes even antibiotics. The delivery of oxygen to anaerobic areas in the oral cavity is one of several new approaches that seek a bad breath natural remedy.

Though the treatment uses sodium chlorite, this is described as a very safe chemical that simply reacts in the mouth to release oxygen. Other natural ingredients in some of the products include zinc to reduce bad tastes and tartar, and tea tree oil as a natural antimicrobial.

Whether or not you're keen on trying the line of products that the bad breath bible recommends, it will likely provide you with a source of information about halitosis and answers to many questions that you have. It is often available for download free from Katz's website, and will doubtless clarify the question of whether there might truly be a bad breath natural remedy.

2006-11-06T13:26:00.000-08:00

How To Get Rid Of Bad Breath

The problem of how to get rid of bad breath has frustrated halitosis sufferers for generations. It seems odd, and perhaps unfair, that some people have halitosis for no apparent reason, while others never have a problem. Fortunately, huge advances in medicine and science in the last 60 years have shed light on the subject, and there are now better products for dealing with unpleasant breath odor.

Bad breath help may be as near as your doctor or dentist. How is your physical health? Do you have any underlying medical conditions that might account for your problem? Consult your family doctor for confirmation that you have a problem, advice on whether a health problem could be causing your trouble, and a discussion about how to get rid of bad breath. How is your oral and dental health? While poor oral hygiene is perhaps not so closely linked with halitosis as many people believe, dental decay and gum disease can certainly foster the proliferation of anaerobic oral bacteria that produce foul odors. Your dentist can tell you if you have either of these problems.

If your general and oral health are both fine, but you still need bad breath help, you'll find a diverse selection of products on the market. It's a good idea to avoid the common breath mints, breath freshening gums and oral sprays: for the most part, these products temporarily mask the odor of bad breath but do nothing to show you how to get rid of bad breath for good (they are, however, indispensable for close encounters of short duration - like dates and interviews). Look instead for products that will work at a deeper level - products that actually eliminate the oral bacteria that cause bad breath.

Mouthwashes that contain antibacterial ingredients are not new, and they do seem to provide bad breath help. Newer approaches to the problem may be even more effective, but to date, no one has discovered how to get rid of bad breath for good. Some newer products seem to keep halitosis under continuous control as long as they are used consistently - products that release oxygen in the mouth to kill anaerobic bacteria, or use oil to gather up bacteria and carry them away. It's hard to eliminate these bacteria entirely, however, so if you stop using the product, the problem tends to recur.

The answer may lie with the body's ability to fight oral bacteria on its own. Researchers are now asking themselves whether lifestyle can play a role in how to get rid of bad breath. Is it made worse by poor diet - possibly some nutrient deficiency? Could an improved active healthy lifestyle stimulate the body's immune system to fight off the unwelcome bacteria? Hopefully, medical research in the coming years will answer this question - then we will all have access to more, and better, bad breath help.

2006-10-31T18:23:00.000-08:00

Diabetes and Bad Breath

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

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

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

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

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

2006-10-25T05:25:00.000-07:00

Bad Breath Product

A trip to a community pharmacy or a quick Google of the internet will quickly reveal the truth: there are myriad types of bad breath product on the market today and they all claim to be the answer to halitosis. A savvy consumer has to spend some time and do a little research to find out what, if anything, is really likely to help. Fortunately, there is more information, and more professional help available than ever before.

First, understanding where the bad smell is coming from will help to understand how to treat bad breath. To put it simply, most cases of stubborn halitosis are caused by volatile sulfur compounds (VSC) produced by bacteria living primarily on the back of the tongue. These bacteria are anaerobes, that is, they live where there is no oxygen. As a by product of their metabolic processes, they release VSC into the air and you exhale them in your breath. It's likely that everybody has some of these bacteria living in their mouth, but some people obviously have more than others. An effective bad breath product will get rid of large numbers of these VSC-producing bacteria somehow.

This is not really news: we realized that bacteria have something to do with halitosis a long time ago, and mouthwashes formulated to treat bad breath have long contained antibacterial substances. The trouble is that even when the antibacterial ingredient is effective, it doesn't always reach the bacteria - it only kills some of them, and they multiply quickly enough that bacterial populations in the mouth return to high levels very quickly. The fact that halitosis tends to be chronic has inspired new types of bad breath product, and caused people to dig into the causes of bad breath even more deeply - why do some people have so many VSC-producing anaerobes in the first place?

There are probably a number of different situations that lead to proliferation of anaerobes in the mouth. Poor oral hygiene is the most obvious but this probably not as common as most of us believe. Some underlying health problems can be to blame, as can gum disease, post nasal drip and sinus problems. For some people, however, the underlying cause remains elusive. In many cases, diet and lifestyle may be the answer.

There's still a lot we don't know, but the good news is that today there is more research investigating how to best treat bad breath. There is also a greater variety of bad breath product backed by research and experience that can be used to treat a persistent case of halitosis.
Read the information provided with any potential bad breath product to see whether its activity is aimed at reducing the numbers of bacteria that cause bad breath. Choose a product whose approach makes sense to you and use as directed. If you're not happy with the results, try something different. And see if you can identify the root cause of your halitosis. If you can get rid of those anaerobes permanently, you won't have to continually treat bad breath.

2006-10-19T11:37:00.000-07:00

Bad Breath Treatment

If you've ever sought bad breath treatment, you know that there are more than a few products and services to choose from. People who suffer from bad breath have tried everything from herbal home remedies to breath mints to professional services from people who specialize in treating halitosis. Although it's natural for people to try different things, the reason there are still so many options to choose from is probably that no one has found a solution that consistently works. We may be closer, however, than we've ever been before.

The perfect bad breath remedy will not just hide the problem temporarily behind a stronger odor - it will work to reduce or eliminate the bad odor itself, focusing on the source of the odor and removing it. This means that bad breath treatment should be antibacterial in some way - it should reduce the numbers of odor causing bacteria in the mouth and continue to keep those numbers down so that halitosis is undetectable. In the ideal scenario, the oral bacteria of the mouth would be altered so that the anaerobes, the bacteria that produce the bad smell, never get the upper hand again.

A number of producers of commercial products are taking exactly this approach to creating a bad breath remedy, and they are tackling the problem in novel ways that suggest some real breakthroughs may have been achieved. While more conventional approaches added antibacterial chemicals to mouthwashes, attacking the bacteria more or less directly, the Two-phase method uses the knowledge that oral bacteria stick to oil droplets to produce a mouthwash that literally sweeps up the bacteria and carries them away. TheraBreath bad breath treatment introduces oxygen to the typically airless areas of the oral cavity where anaerobic, odor producing bacteria thrive (anaerobes prefer to live in the absence of oxygen and many of them actually die if they are exposed to oxygen).

If a bad breath remedy could change the composition of the bacterial population in the mouth so that odor production was more or less permanently stopped, that would be a cure for bad breath. Unfortunately, this is unlikely to happen until we have a better understanding of why the anaerobes take over in the first place.

Research is beginning to show that diet can be an important factor, as can underlying disease. Before a bad breath treatment can become a cure, we have to understand what leads to the problem in the first place. In the meantime, however, some of these products show great promise in that they may eliminate bad breath continuously as long as you continue to use them.

2006-10-13T06:31:00.000-07:00

Bad Breath Cure

For as long as we’ve been aware that physical problems can often be solved, people have been looking for a bad breath cure. Virtually no one goes through life without experiencing, from time to time, an unpleasant taste in the mouth or an objectionable odor on the breath. We turn to chewing gum, breath mints, mouthwashes, toothpaste, dental floss and sometimes even medical professionals who hopefully know more about the problem than we do.

The first line of defense was the home remedy for bad breath. One could chew mint leaves or fresh parsley. Other herbs that have been recommended include cardamom, eucalyptus and cilantro. Unfortunately, these herbal remedies only mask the odor temporarily and can’t prevent it from recurring. In an effort to get at the root of the problem, enterprising sufferers have come up with chemical home remedies like hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, baking soda mixed with hydrogen peroxide, and fresh lemon juice. All of these methods have some supporters, but again, they don’t provide a permanent bad breath cure.

History tells us that the source of the odor was discovered in 1964, by Dr. J. Tonzetich. Understanding that what we smell is actually chemical sulfur compounds produced by bacteria living in the mouth provides the information we need to find a bad breath cure. It has still been a long time coming, possibly because even the medical community has tended to consider bad breath as a personal rather than a medical problem, more appropriately tackled with a home remedy for bad breath.

Fortunately, the attitude is changing and professionals are devoting research to identifying and eliminating the bacteria that cause the problem. Commercial products that target these bacteria and decrease the numbers living in the mouth promise to be the closest thing to a bad breath cure that we have ever seen. While many of these contain antibacterial agents, some use a more natural approach that is probably preferable for overall health. When considering the purchase of a breath product, read the product literature to determine what approach it uses to reduce oral bacteria.

Ironically, in a modern return of the home remedy for bad breath, we are now realizing that good nutrition plays a vital role in many aspects of health – a healthy body with a healthy mouth will likely never require a bad breath cure. A well balanced diet including a multivitamin and mineral supplement, combined with a healthy active lifestyle may be all you need to rid yourself of bad breath forever. A radical change in lifestyle doesn’t happen overnight however – in the meantime, make use of the excellent commercial products available to keep breath odor under control.

2006-10-04T07:28:00.000-07:00

Zinc And Bad Breath

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.

2006-09-28T04:39:00.000-07:00

Vitamins for Bad Breath

Will taking vitamins for bad breath work? In the past, bad breath was attributed to poor oral hygiene - if you had it, people assumed that you did not brush your teeth regularly and have regular dental checkups to ensure that your gums were healthy and your teeth free of cavities. In short, it was your fault. More recently, we've realized that even a clean healthy mouth can generate a bad odor if the oral bacteria that produce that odor become too numerous. We've also realized that certain physical conditions, such as post nasal drip, sinus problems, and dry mouth can contribute to bad breath.

The idea that there may be a connection between nutrition and bad breath has grown out of the 21st century emphasis on healthy lifestyles and preventative medicine. Many health problems can be prevented, we now believe by eating a healthy diet and having an active lifestyle. This approach , successfully followed, might alleviate not only bad breath, but also the underlying problems, like post nasal drip, that contribute to it. Logically, then, vitamins for bad breath might make sense.

A few bad breath professionals have gone so far as to highlight the issue of nutrition and bad breath, and are recommending specific vitamins and minerals, or even marketing their own dietary supplement. Beyond advocating good nutrition, some are suggesting that the immune system plays a role in the causes of bad breath and that a strengthened immune system will help solve the problem. The perfect minerals and vitamins for bad breath, then, will include those involved in maintaining good oral health, and those that support the immune system, many of which are the same.

Vitamin C is an obvious choice: we've known for hundreds of years that people who don't eat fruits and vegetables get scurvy, a disease easily recognized by the destruction of the gums. Vitamin C is the nutrient that people with scurvy lack, and the destructive effect on the oral tissues sets up perfect conditions for the proliferation of odor causing bacteria. Even today, many people don't get enough Vitamin C. It could be that, for some people, this Vitamin C deficiency is the link between nutrition and bad breath.

Another obvious nutrient to go with vitamins for bad breath is the mineral zinc. The relationship between zinc and halitosis is so well established that many of the best mouthwashes and other oral care products for bad breath already contain this mineral. Zinc plays a role in many body functions, including taste and immunity. It's exact role in fighting the malodorous bacteria may also be complex, but there is little doubt that it does have a positive influence on nutrition and bad breath.

Other suggested nutrients for bad breath include vitamins E and D, and the B vitamin complex, and the mineral calcium. All of these vitamins and minerals play a well established role in human health, and many people already take them or ensure that there are adequate sources in the diet. Not surprisingly, the vitamin and mineral supplements aimed at bad breath are very similar to ordinary multivitamin and mineral supplements. Supplements linking immune status, nutrition and bad breath may contain herbal extracts typical of immunity boosters advocated by natural healing specialists. Whether or not these products provide the key to beating halitosis remains to be seen, but its doubtful that taking vitamins for bad breath will do any harm. To be safe, before taking any dietary supplement on a regular basis, discuss your concerns with your doctor.

2006-09-21T07:40:00.000-07:00

Bad Breath

Bad breath (halitosis) is something we all worry about. North Americans spend billions of dollars a year on breath mints, mouthwashes and gum to try to decrease the chances that someone will find our breath offensive. We avoid breathing in the faces of other people and, if we're standing close, turn our heads away as we speak. There is such a cultural consensus that bad smelling breath is a problem, that it is common practice to pass the mints or gum around whenever you feel the need for some yourself.

Many of us believe that poor oral hygiene is the cause of bad breath. It's true that poor tooth brushing habits allow food particles to build up in pockets in the mouth and between the teeth, but many people with good oral hygiene habits can also have a problem with halitosis. It has much more to do with the population of bacteria living in the mouth than with the energy spent on oral cleansing - bacteria and other organisms in the mouth are normal and healthy, but some are easier to live with than others.

Ultimately, the cause of bad breath is a group of anaerobic bacteria that make themselves at home in your mouth. A bad breath cure would have to aim at significantly decreasing the numbers of these bacteria in the mouth. Anaerobic bacteria fluorish in the absence of oxygen, so they tend to do best in places where air circulation is poor: spaces between the teeth, in gum creases and pockets, in the tonsillar crypts and on the back of the tongue. In these locations they live on the debris that collects in all our mouths: particles of food, dead skin cells, proteins found in saliva, etc. As they break down these things, they produce foul smelling gases that we detect as bad breath.

No bad breath cure will wipe out the anaerobic bacteria completely, but the best products reduce the populations to the level where the foul odor they produce becomes undetectable. This can achieved by physical removal, such as tongue scraping and mouthwashes that literally pick up the bacteria and carry them away. It can be done with antibacterial agents that kill may of the bacteria, and it can be done by making the mouth an unfavorable environment for them, that is, providing lots of oxygen to the sites where they normally hide. New and novel approaches to the problem in recent years have resulted in the production of promising new agents for getting at the cause of bad breath and correcting the problem.

2006-09-14T07:23:00.000-07:00

Tonsiloliths

What are tonsiloliths? Some people notice that they have small white hard lumps in the back of the throat in the tonsil region. The lumps range in size from quite tiny to pea size and they tend to remain lodged in the tonsillar area for some time, until they eventually become dislodged. They are often associated with a bad smell coming from the tonsil area, and may create the physical sensation of having something lodged in the back of the throat.

Tonsiloliths are accumulations of dead skin cells and other cellular and noncellular debris that wash down the back of the throat from the sinuses and nasal cavities. People who suffer from post nasal drip often have tonsiloliths because they have a regular flow of mucus and sinus drainage past the tonsils. The little stones occur in the tonsillar crypts because this is one place where material can become lodged. Because they contain abundant protein, they provide a fertile place for bacteria to flourish, particularly the anaerobic bacteria that live on the back of the tongue and in other airless places in the mouth. The growth and metabolism of these bacteria produce bad breath from tonsils - halitosis.

Tonsiloliths, sometimes also referred to as tonsil stones, can be very difficult to get rid of. Though the individual stones eventually become dislodged and get swallowed, more will soon begin to form. Individuals who have had their tonsils removed usually do not suffer from tonsiloliths, but tonsillectomy is not a recommended treatment for the problem: remedies are best directed at the bad breath from tonsils as this is the most troublesome symptom.

The odor that emanates as bad breath from tonsils is caused by sulfur compounds produced by bacteria. The bacteria live and multiply in and on the tonsil stones, thus they will not be affected much by brushing the teeth or tongue, or rinsing the mouth with antibacterial mouthwashes. Breath sprays and mints are also likely to be ineffective. The best approach is to gargle regularly with a good mouthwash that is designed to reduce the numbers of anaerobic bacteria in the mouth. This will not only reduce the odor, it may also help to dislodge the tonsil stones.

2006-09-07T07:32:00.000-07:00

Cure Bad Breath in My Dog

I know that it's important to cure bad breath in my dog when it occurs because I once lost a dog to periodontal disease, which often accompanies tartar buildup and foul breath in dogs. You see, tartar buildup on a dogs teeth fosters the growth of odor producing and potential harmful bacteria. If these bacteria become too numerous, and the gums become inflamed, bacteria can invade tissue, even travel to other parts of the body and set up abscesses and other types of infection there. The dog I lost had a deep jaw abscess that was basically untreatable. If you dog has foul smelling breath, deal with it now.

Bad breath in dogs is more common in older pets because the tartar builds up over the course of a lifetime unless you have the dogs teeth cleaned regularly. Now, when I need to cure bad breath in my dog, I know what to do. the first step is a visit to the veterinarian to have the dog's teeth examined. A veterinarian can assess the condition of the dog's teeth and confirm that this is where the odor is coming from (it's important to rule out other health problems that can cause an odor on the breath). Your veterinarian can also advise you as to what steps you should take, based on the degree of tartar and periodontal disease.

I've found that it's easier to prevent than to cure bad breath in my dog. The idea of brushing a dog's teeth may seem ridiculous, but there are toothpastes on the market specifically designed for dogs and cats. they come in pleasant meaty flavors that the animals love - you can slowly train your dog to tolerate a daily brushing with an enzyme toothpaste formulated to dissolve tartar. dog owners who start this routine when the animal is quite young can often avoid bad breath in dogs altogether.

Another way to fight tartar is to give a dog chew toys and bones to literally scrape the tartar off the teeth. Over the years, I've found that many of these aren't very appealing to my pet and thus they don't really work to cure bad breath in my dog, but recently, I discovered the "tartar buster." It's a more or less spherical piece of bone about 3 inches in diameter. My dog loves tartar busters and they work miraculously well to scrape off tartar and clear up bad breath in dogs; in fact, I avoided a costly veterinarian procedure by buying a couple of tartar busters. As with any bone, watch your dog to be sure it doesn't swallow large chunks while chewing on a tartar buster.

If all else fails, you veterinarian may recommend a cleaning under anesthetic to remove heavy tartar. This is expensive and it can be risky for older animals, but it is well worth it to avoid a serious and possibly life-threatening illness later on - bad breath in dogs is not just a cosmetic or social problem. After losing one faithful friend already, I'd be willing to go to considerable lengths to cure bad breath in my dog.

2006-09-01T07:13:00.000-07:00

Coated Tongue and Bad Breath

Look at yourself in the mirror and stick out your tongue - do you have a coated tongue and bad breath? many people who suffer from bad breath (halitosis) have a visible white coating on the back of the tongue. Even if you don't see anything, you do have a coating, sometimes referred to as a biofilm, on your tongue made up of myriad different microscopic organisms, the remnants of food and body cells, and a noncellular matrix that holds it all together.

Some of the organisms living on your tongue are potential pathogens - organisms that can cause infection and halitosis, in fact, the tongue is the site of the greatest number of microorganisms living in the mouth. This is why it is so beneficial to use a tongue cleaner to remove the biofilm, particularly if you have a visibly coated tongue and bad breath. Studies have shown that regular physical removal of the coating brings about a significant reduction in numbers of pathogenic bacteria in the mouth, and in the degree of halitosis.

Physical tongue cleaning will be more effective against your bad breath coated tongue and oral microorganisms because the noncellular matrix of the biofilm actually protects the organisms within it from mouthwashes, natural immune cells and the cleaning action of saliva - think of a firm jelly-like substance enclosing everything in a thin impermeable layer. A good tongue cleaner or tongue scraper gets past the barrier of the matrix by just scraping it all away and alleviating the coated tongue and bad breath. Meanwhile, lower layers that become exposed will be vulnerable to antibacterial substances in the mouth such as saliva or mouthwash while the biofilm is reestablishing itself.

And it will reestablish itself - no tongue cleaner or antibacterial product will ever completely eradicate the unwelcome organisms in your mouth that are causing bad breath coated tongue and even periodontal disease. It is possible, however to keep the numbers of these organism down with a regular program of good oral hygiene including tongue scraping and the use of a mouthwash that targets the bacteria that cause a heavily coated tongue and bad breath.

2006-08-26T17:52:00.000-07:00

Dogs Bad Breath

A dogs bad breath usually has basically the same cause as bad breath in humans: anaerobic bacteria break down proteins in the dog's mouth and release volatile sulfur compounds (VSC), which smell like rotten eggs. These bacteria live in airless pockets in the back of the mouth, between the teeth and the gums and on the back of the tongue. In dogs more often than humans, however, the worst problem lies with a layer of tartar on the teeth.

Tartar is made up of mineral deposits, bits of food, and live bacteria: if you could magnify the tartar on a dog's teeth, you would be able to see that it is actually very rough with numerous hollows and cavities where bacteria can live, digesting the little bits of food that are caught there as well. When the tartar is very advanced, it extends beyond the gum line, creating ideal conditions for the proliferation of bacteria that flourish in the absence of oxygen. This is often the source of halitosis in dogs, and because older dogs often have a considerable buildup of tartar, dogs bad breath is particularly associated with elderly dogs.

It's best to try to prevent halitosis in dogs by avoiding the troublesome buildup of tartar in the first place. There are several ways to do this: get into the habit of brushing your dog's teeth when the dog is very young - toothpastes are available especially for dogs and cats that contain enzymes to break down the tartar and prevent it from advancing. Take your dog to the veterinarian regularly and have his or her teeth professionally examined. Dental cleaning is available to clear away accumulating tartar before it gets too bad. You can also purchase a variety of chew toys and bones that help dogs scrape the tartar off their own teeth while they are chewing. If you do all of these things, you should be able to avoid dogs bad breath.

If tartar is already a problem, and you are starting to notice your dogs bad breath, you will probably find yourself paying for an extensive cleaning, probably under general anesthetic, by the veterinarian. There is some risk involved when the dog is old, but heavy tartar on the teeth comes with high risk of health complications anyway, so in most cases, it is worth taking a chance. Aside from improving your pet's health, the procedure is effective at putting an end to severe halitosis in dogs.

2006-08-18T08:14:00.000-07:00

Halitosis Social Studies

Bad breath, or halitosis, is well known to everyone - that foul odor that we sometimes encounter on the breath of a person close by. It's familiar enough that we all know it's common, but how common is it? There have been very few halitosis social studies done to answer this question. In fact, the condition was more or less ignored by the medical community and the social sciences until late in the twentieth century.

The cause of halitosis was not clearly identified until the 1960's, when Dr. J. Tonzetich described the production of volatile sulfur compounds in the mouth. These compounds are produced by anaerobic (oxygen hating) bacteria living in the mouth and expelled in the breath. After this discovery, researchers were able to identify which bacteria were the primary producers of VSC, and locate where they were living in the oral cavity. All of this accumulating knowledge guided efforts to produce an effective halitosis treatment, but it did not contribute much to halitosis social studies.

There is no doubt that having bad breath can have a devastating effect on a person's social life. Others avoid close contact with an afflicted person so they won't have to endure the smell. Close friendships and dating become very difficult. A person who knows he or she has bad breath may withdraw and avoid contact with others. In fact, the fear of having bad breath has produced nations of mint sucking, gum chewing citizens, and even halitophobics, who believe they have bad breath when they really do not. In recent years, dentists and doctors have turned more attention on the problems of halitosis sufferers, and a few have done halitosis social studies to find out more about how it affects the population.

In the end, there still aren't enough statistics to allow any definite conclusions, but halitosis social studies suggest that almost 25% of people suffer from halitosis at some time in their lives, with higher numbers in the older age groups. One study found that about 50% of older people have morning breath. Study design differ - in order to gather reliable statistics on the prevalence of halitosis, researchers need to agree on a standard definition of the condition and a reproducible means of measuring it. Halitosis social studies of the social impact of the condition are yet to come.

2006-08-07T06:44:00.000-07:00

Cause of Halitosis

For a long time, no one really understood the cause of halitosis (bad breath) but, fortunately, researchers have been studying the problem, and we now know what the source of bad breath is. In the vast majority of cases, that foul odor we detect on someone else's breath (and fear on our own) is caused by a group of bacteria living in the mouth. These bacteria are anaerobic, that is, they live in the absence of oxygen, and they produce volatile sulfur compounds (VSC), which smell like rotten eggs.

Everyone probably has some of these VSC producing anaerobes in their mouth: these organism are normal in small numbers, and they simply share the oral territory with numerous other microscopic organisms. In order to become the cause of halitosis, the smelly anaerobes have to multiply to abnormally large numbers, pushing out some of the other organisms. Though it is not yet clear why this happens, understanding what is going on helps researchers to design a bad breath product that will effectively deal with the problem.

The aim of an effective bad breath product should not be to wipe out all bacterial organisms in the mouth, but rather to selectively target the anaerobes that are the cause of halitosis. If the other bacteria can be given the chance to reestablish themselves in normal numbers, the anaerobes can be discouraged from over-multiplying again - don't expect to wipe them all out: even the best bad breath product will only reduce them to small numbers that don't produce a detectable odor. Unfortunately, some people will need to continue treating bad breath indefinitely unless science finds an explanation for why anaerobes multiply in the first place.

Sometimes the underlying condition supporting the bacteria that are the cause of halitosis is obvious. Poor oral health - tooth decay, gum disease, or any other chronic inflammation in the mouth, can create ideal conditions for the odor producers. Chronic sinusitis and post nasal drip can also be a factor. More serious things, like malignancies and lung problems, should also be considered. The best bad breath product will not cure halitosis under these conditions, though it may provide temporary relief.

Nonetheless, though chronic and serious health problems can be the cause of halitosis, the simple answer is usually the right one. If you have reason to suspect a health issue, see your doctor. Otherwise, tackle the VSCs and the unpleasant bacteria producing them by purchasing a quality bad breath product and using it as directed.

2006-08-03T08:09:00.000-07:00

Bad Breath Probiotics

The science of probiotics is a growing area of research that has now extended to include bad breath probiotics. The idea is that communities of bacteria in any ecosystem should live in balance with each other, and that anything that affects only some of the bacteria will throw the balance off. This approach has already been used in some types of aquaculture where the proliferation of dangerous bacteria can render the product dangerous for humans to eat. The addition of good bacteria to counter the bad restores a kind of balance. The same approach has been used in natural medicine, and even in some instances of conventional medicine, where antibiotics or other processes have upset the balance of normal bacteria in the body. If you have persistent diarrhea, for example, taking capsules of 'friendly' bowel bacteria can restore things to normal.

In the case of bad breath probiotics, the theory is the same. If halitosis is caused by the proliferation of too many anaerobic bacteria in the mouth producing foul smelling volatile sulfur compounds, then the addition of 'friendly,' non-odor producing bacteria should drive the anaerobes out and establish a normal balance of oral bacteria. It's an appealing approach because it does not involve the use of drugs, and the beneficial bacteria can be obtained in capsule form. If you have bad breath, the bug to take is Streptococcus salivarius.

It's not just any Streptococcus salivarius however - this species of bacteria includes many different strains, some of which are implicated in tooth decay and, rarely, various types of infection. There is one specific strain that reportedly fights odor-producing bacteria in the mouth: BLIS Streptococcus salivarius K12. BLIS stands for bacteriocin-like inhibitory substances, or substances naturally produced by the bacterium that limit the growth of other bacteria. Interestingly, this same strain has been found to inhibit the growth of the Streptococcus species that causes strept throat, so it may have value in more than just bad breath probiotics.

The probiotic approach holds much promise for the management of many health and environmental situations where circumstances have thrown a healthy balance off kilter. Though it is not always clear what has affected the ecology of the mouth, the use of antibiotics for some other condition may be a factor (many antibiotics kill some types of bacteria, like Streptococcus salivarius, and other organisms, while leaving others unharmed). The use of more antibacterial products to tackle the halitosis, therefore, may simply upset the balance further. A bad breath probiotic approach, rather than an antibiotic approach, may be the best solution.

2006-08-03T07:57:00.000-07:00

Sinus Drops for Bad Breath

The use of sinus drops for bad breath is a novel approach to an old problem. The theory behind this idea is that sinus problems, and the resulting constant drainage of mucus down the back of the throat, is a contributing factor to halitosis. Sinus drainage, often called post nasal drip, is rich in proteins - proteins found in inflammatory cells, sloughed off mucosal cells from the lining of the sinuses, blood cells, antibodies, and other things. And proteins are what bacteria in the back of the mouth need for nutrients: a group of bacteria that live on the back of the tongue, and other secluded oral locations, break down protein for food, and produce bad smelling sulfur compounds that cause bad breath.

When bad breath is associated with post nasal drip, tonsiloliths (tonsil stones) are often a problem as well. These are hard little accumulations of decaying material from the sinus drainage that lodge in the tonsils. They quickly become colonized by the bacteria from the back of the tongue - the same bacteria responsible for bad breath, and can be the source of a nasty odor. Treatment with sinus drops for bad breath, often in combination with other oral care products, is aimed at decreasing the numbers of bacteria and preventing the formation of tonsiloliths.

The very back of the mouth is the site of most of the problem. In that relatively small area, we have tonsils and adenoids, mucus draining from the sinuses, and many odor producing bacteria living primarily on the back part of the tongue. Conditions are perfect for the proliferation of the bacteria and a buildup of waste materials in the form of tonsil stones. Oral preparations for treating bad breath may not adequately contact all the tissues in question - contact with the tonsils and the higher areas where the sinuses are draining is limited with these products. Sinus drops for bad breath, however, take the same route to the back of the throat that the drainage takes; thus, it provides for maximum contact with the affected areas and the troublesome bacteria.

It's recommended that sinus drops for bad breath be used in combination with other bad breath products. If you have tonsiloliths, this is even more strongly advised. A daily program of good oral hygiene with an appropriate toothpaste, mouthwash, regular tongue cleaning, and, of course, sinus drops, is often very effective.

2006-08-03T07:48:00.000-07:00

Bad Taste in Mouth

Many people complain of having a bad taste in mouth some or all of the time. If you have bad breath, you may notice this symptom more than you notice the odor on your breath because it is very difficult for individuals to detect their own halitosis. An odd taste is not always associated with halitosis, however - there are other possible causes.

Some drugs can cause a bad taste in mouth. If you read the information on side effects for a variety of prescription and over the counter drugs, you will probably be surprised at how many of them list a mouth bad taste or something similar. This does not mean that all of the people who take that medication will experience a bad taste in mouth, but a certain percentage will - if you are taking any medication, you should consider the possibility that this is the cause of the problem.

Many pregnant women complain of a mouth bad taste for at least part of the pregnancy. If it is bad enough, it may be nauseating and make the discomfort of morning sickness considerably worse. Commonly, women turn to strong mints or lemon flavored candy to make a bad taste in mouth less bothersome. The good news is that it will eventually pass, and it often does so long before the birth, so it is just a matter of waiting it out.

Some diseases, of course, cause a bad taste in mouth, or at least an odd taste. Diseases that affect the tissues of the mouth and throat are the most obvious: gum disease, tooth decay, cancers, bacterial infections and other conditions are included here. Some systemic diseases contribute to a mouth bad taste because of byproducts that get carried into the saliva or excreted in the breath. If you suspect that you have a medical problem, see your doctor or dentist immediately.

Again, some cases of mouth bad taste are simply caused by bad breath. Bacteria in the mouth that break down protein and produce sulfur molecules that you can smell on your breath, also produce byproducts that can be tasted. The taste of anaerobic bacteria and their byproducts is a rotten, unpleasant taste. Trapped food particles between the teeth, tooth decay, and gum disease all encourage the growth of these organisms and make the taste and smell worse. If you suspect that you have tooth decay or gum disease, see your dentist; if it's just uncomplicated bad breath, establish a personal oral hygiene routine and use a good mouthwash with other breath products to manage the condition.

2006-08-02T07:44:00.000-07:00

Oral Care

Many people pay insufficient attention to oral care. This is probably partly because good oral hygiene takes effort; it is something we have to commit time to every day, and we are often short of time. Doubtless, the high cost of dentistry plays a role in people neglecting their teeth and gums as well. It may also be because our mouths are not as visible as other things, like hair and skin; if you keep your mouth shut, no one will ever know if you have rotten teeth and bad breath. Unfortunately, it impossible to keep your mouth shut all the time - sooner or later, bad breath will out.

Even though many of us can't afford the level of professional dentistry we'd like, the individual can do a lot to contribute to good oral care. Daily brushing and flossing go a long way toward keeping your teeth and gums healthy and your breath fresh. If you visit the dentist even once a year for a cleaning, you will often be given a free toothbrush and a package of dental floss to keep you going. And you will be informed about the state of your oral care and whether any problems are on the horizon.

A good mouthwash may be a part of your oral care routine, particularly if you have occasional or chronic bad breath. Be sure to use a product that reduces oral bacteria that cause bad breath, rather than just using something to temporarily mask the smell. Many mouthwashes also help to reduce the buildup of plaque on the teeth, and fight gum disease. One of these mouthwashes would be a good purchase if you feel you can't see your dentist as often as you'd like. Use it according to the package directions.

Food particles left lodged between teeth and in pockets and grooves in the oral cavity, and mineral deposits allowed to build up on tooth surfaces, lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath. Sugary foods in the diet, use of tobacco products, and other habits can contribute to these conditions. There's no doubt that a good program of oral care to minimize these factors is worth the extra effort - the old adage is true: "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."

2006-08-02T07:36:00.000-07:00

Tongue Bacteria

For most cases of uncomplicated halitosis, the root cause can be summed up in two words: tongue bacteria. Though it might be hard to believe, most of that bad smell comes from the back of your tongue where many organisms are thriving in the warm moist airless conditions.

Mouths are full of bacteria. This is normal: from the time of our birth, bacteria are getting into our mouths in food, on other objects, on hands, in water, even in the air that we take in when we breath through the mouth. Some of the bacteria that get in don't survive, but many do, and before very long, the oral cavity becomes a complex ecosystem of mixed organisms: organisms that live on the teeth, on the gums, in the throat, and even tongue bacteria. Many of these organisms are actually beneficial: they help break down food particles and mop up shed body cells. They compete with other organisms that are potentially harmful, thus protecting us from infection.

Overall, it's good thing to have a healthy population of organisms living in your mouth, and tongue bacteria are no exception. The problem comes when certain types of organisms gain a foothold and start to proliferate, producing larger populations. Chief among these are anaerobic bacteria - bacteria that live in places where there is very little or no oxygen. Anaerobes are common in the bowel, in some abscesses, in very wet places in the environment where organic material is rotting, and in the mouth.

If you think about it, bowel contents, abscesses, wet rotting organic material, and mouths all have something in common: they can smell very very bad. This is because anaerobic bacteria produce a bad smell when they break down proteins for nutrients. The process produces volatile sulfur compounds - molecules that contain sulfur that are readily dispersed into the air. Sulfur smells bad, and these compounds smell worse. The odor associated with bad breath, and with tongue bacteria, is essentially the same odor that we detest in feces and rotten eggs.

Bad breath comes from tongue bacteria simply because the tongue happens to be a great place for anaerobes to live. They flourish in all the tiny grooves between papillae and taste buds on the surface of the tongue, covered by a blanket of mucus and other non-cellular material. There, they can safely carry on the business of breaking down proteins that they find floating around in the mouth, and producing volatile sulfur compounds to make us all hold our noses.

2006-08-02T07:29:00.000-07:00

Clean Mouth

The key to avoiding bad breath is to have a very clean mouth. This means clean, not just in the sense of brushing and flossing, but also in the sense of controlling the growth of bacteria on the teeth, gums, and tongue. For many people, regular brushing and flossing, and yearly trips to the dentist for professional cleaning, will do the trick, But for others, the process is more complicated.

Step one for a clean mouth is to develop great oral hygiene habits. Brush with a good toothbrush after every meal. It should be a soft bristle toothbrush so it will not damage your gums. Brush for several minutes, if you can, to remove as much plaque from the surfaces of your teeth as possible. Brushing with a toothpaste that contains fluoride is a good choice, as fluoride has been shown to strengthen tooth enamel and help prevent tooth decay. At least once a day, floss your teeth to be sure that no food is caught between them.

Next in your clean mouth routine is your tongue, and this is particularly important if you re having trouble with breath odor. Most of the bacteria that cause the offensive odor we associate with bad breath live at the back of the tongue: scrape the surface of your tongue gently but firmly to remove as many of them as possible. you can do this with your toothbrush, or with an inverted teaspoon, or you can buy a tongue scraper specially designed for the task.

If you're doing all this, you already have a relatively clean mouth; however, there may still be too many odor producing bacteria in your mouth to prevent bad breath. You can reduce their number further by using a good antibacterial mouthwash. Many mouthwashes have one or more ingredients that kill oral bacteria. Some are chemical antibacterials, like disinfectants, while others are marketed as natural remedies, which are either derived from natural products like herbs or olive oil, or simply aim to change the conditions in the mouth to make it an unfriendly place for the odor producing bacteria.

Too many odor producing bacteria in the mouth lead to a foul odor on the breath, so when you find that you have pleasant smelling breath once again, you'll know that you have achieved a truly clean mouth.

2006-08-01T05:38:00.000-07:00

Flossing Benefits

We all know that we should floss our teeth at least once a day, but how many of us really understand the range of flossing benefits? Using dental floss not only prevents tooth decay between our teeth, but it also plays a role in preventing gum disease, guarding against bad breath, and keeping our teeth clean and healthy looking. It is an integral part of good oral hygiene that many of us don't pay enough attention to.

One of the most obvious benefits of flossing is that it enables us to remove large particles of food from between the teeth. Have you ever gotten a bit of popcorn or a stringy piece of orange caught between your teeth? It can be stuck fast and seem impossible to remove. If you worry at it with the tip of your tongue, you can make you tongue quite sore - or you can get a piece of dental floss and easily remove it, proving one of the great flossing benefits - comfort.

Those same chunks of food caught between the teeth (and many are not as obvious as things like popcorn - they can go unnoticed) can foster tooth decay. When food is left in contact with the tooth surface, cavities can begin to form. It's a good idea to prevent this by using dental floss daily to remove the undetected trapped food. Flossing benefits the gums similarly, by removing trapped food that might contribute to gum disease.

The key factor in bad breath is bacteria - bacteria that can live in the spaces between the teeth and use trapped food particles as a food supply themselves. Flossing benefits your breath by limiting the food supply of these organisms and dislodging many of those that do get established. These bacteria can also play a role in inflammation of the gums, and eventual gum disease. Then gums begin to recede and pull away from the teeth, bacteria get into the little pockets that are formed and proliferate, making the situation worse. When you consider this unpleasant scenario, the benefits of flossing clearly outweigh any inconvenience.

And don't forget, we all get food lodged in visible places from time to time. No one likes to discover that there is a chunk of spinach stuck between two front teeth where everyone can see it every time you smile. One of the nice things about dental floss is that it comes in very small portable packages, so you can cash in on the benefits of flossing any time, anywhere, and always have a perfect smile.

2006-08-01T05:25:00.000-07:00

Scrape Your Tongue

Has anyone ever advised you to scrape your tongue? This might seem like a very odd idea, but it does not seem so odd when we understand that the majority of the bacteria that cause bad breath actually live on the tongue in most cases. Though your tongue seems quite velvety and smooth to you, it actually has a very rough surface. It is covered with little mounds called papillae with grooves between them, and the papillae are covered with taste buds that enable you to enjoy the taste of your food. Oral bacteria are so small that all those little groves and channels between papillae and taste buds, are like the grand canyon to them - great places to live.

Many of the bacteria that live in our mouths are harmless commensals - they live their lives and cause us no trouble. A few, however, can cause odor trouble if there are too many of them. These bacteria are anaerobes, bacteria that live in environments deprived of oxygen. They not only dislike oxygen, but will actually die if they are exposed to it - another reason why they like the hidden canyons in your tongue: there's less air down there. Typically, a layer of non-cellular material coats the tongue to give them even better cover. They are so well protected down there that they are hard to dislodge unless you do something specific, like scrape your tongue.

What makes these anaerobes so undesirable is their habit of producing a terrible smell when they break down protein. There's no lack of protein in your mouth: it's found in antibodies and other molecules in saliva, in dead skin cells that have sloughed off the oral lining, in red and white blood cells and inflammatory cells that are often found in the mouth, and in tiny particles of food left in your mouth after you have eaten. Anaerobic bacteria need protein in order to live: they break down protein, producing foul-smelling volatile sulfur compounds as a byproduct of their digestion.

Even if you are using a good antibacterial mouthwash that kills bacteria, it's very helpful to scrape your tongue. This dislodges many bacteria so that they are physically removed from the tongue, and removes the layer of protective material so that oxygen and antibacterial ingredients in the mouthwash can reach the bacteria. Though a few organisms will always remain, if you both scrape your tongue and use a good oral rinse product, their number swill be vastly reduced, and your breath will be proportionally more pleasant.

Scrape your tongue with a teaspoon held upside down so that the rounded edge contacts the surface of the tongue. Alternatively, buy a commercial tongue scraper - some are simple scraping devices, while others come with removable pads that gently scrub the tongue and deliver antibacterial substances to the surface. The first time you try it, you will be surprised how much material can be removed this way.

2006-08-01T05:18:00.000-07:00

Does Gum Freshen Breath

Most of us have carried a package of mint chewing gum around in a pocket, as much for a quick breath fix as for the pleasure of chewing it, but does gum freshen breath? With very few exceptions, chewing gums contain no ingredients that have any lasting effect on your breath - they just temporarily replace the odor on your breath with a mint odor, or some other odor like cinnamon or fruit.

So the answer to the question, "Does gum freshen breath," is both yes and no. Yes - if all you need is momentary freshness, or something to cover the smell of a recently smoked cigarette until it dissipates on its own, gum will probably work just fine (though a strong mint candy might be even better). Choose one of the brands that makes a claim about freshening breath for the best results. A few brands of gum do contain ingredients that do more than mask odor. Chlorophyll, for example, seems to soak up odors and neutralize them, though it doesn't address the source of the odor, and specialized products now deliver oxygen to the back of the mouth, where odor producing bacteria thrive, to actually reduce odor production. These specialized products, however, are not available in the candy lane at the grocery store.

And no (does gum freshen breath) - if your halitosis problem is chronic and you'd like to say goodbye to it for good, think about trying something a little more effective than a stick of gum. Good oral cleaning products are available that help remove plaque and trapped food particles from the mouth and fight off the bacteria that cause halitosis in one way or another. Many of these products have been around for years, while others use new and novel approaches to the problem of halitosis. Choose one that claims to be antiseptic or antibacterial. Some contain chemicals that kill bacteria; others contain oil that picks up the bacteria and carries them off; some contain oxygenating ingredients that deliver oxygen (the odor producing bacteria in your mouth don't do well in the presence of oxygen). Check how your chosen product is supposed to work, and if you don't get good results, try a different product with a different approach.

So does gum freshen breath? Well, no, not usually, but many of us enjoy chewing it anyway - just for the taste.

2006-07-31T06:05:00.000-07:00

Oral Rinses

The first line of defense against bad breath is a variety of oral rinses, or mouthwashes. It's a simple idea really: you take a mouthful of the solution and swish it around in your mouth, making sure you get it into every little nook and cranny, and even gargling with it to expose and wash the tissues at the back of the tongue and the top of the throat. When the solution contains something that kills or physically dislodges oral bacteria, it can be quite effective at reducing the unpleasant odor of bad breath.

Oral cleaners are tools for mechanically removing the same troublesome bacteria. Tools like toothbrushes, tongue cleaners, and similar products make valuable partners for oral rinses in a good oral hygiene program. Tongue cleaners scrape a layer of noncellular material and oral bacteria off the tongue, physically removing them from the mouth (One drop of this material can contain literally billions of microscopic bacteria, so this kind of scraping can make a significant difference, especially when it is done regularly.) Toothbrushes and other handheld scrubbers for the teeth remove plaque, which is a buildup of mineral deposits, food particles, other proteins, and a healthy population of bacteria that are thriving in tiny crevices there.

Some commercial brand names include a whole line of oral products including oral rinses and oral cleaners. Some even market their products in kit form, so that you can get the tools and the first bottles of mouthwash at a better price. Once you have everything you need, you only have to replace the mouthwash as you use it up. Tongue cleaners don't last for ever, of course, but they only need to be replaced periodically. Kits are probably a practical approach if you can find one that you like.

Many people just settle for oral rinses, adding the use of mouthwash to their routine a couple of times a day. When the mouth is healthy, and the person hasn't got a serious problem with bad breath, this approach is probably perfectly adequate; however, if there is a chronic problem, and the bad breath is the really bad rotten egg kind, much better results will be obtained by using oral cleaners as well. It should go without saying that when there is a chronic underlying problem, such as gum disease, even oral rinses and mechanical cleaning will have limited effect - see your dentist or doctor to get some professional help with reestablishing a healthy mouth. Fresh breath will probably follow.

2006-07-31T05:55:00.000-07:00

Stop Bad Breath

It's challenging to stop bad breath once it gets established. This is because it's produced by oral bacteria that are difficult to get rid of, and because there may be some chronic underlying condition that is supporting the problem, but which is equally difficult to clear up. Underlying conditions that support bad breath bacteria include periodontal disease, sinusitis, and post nasal drip, among other things. All of these things either provide nutrients for the bacteria or furnish them with perfect places to live.

The key to stopping bad breath lies in eradicating the oral bacteria that produce it, or at least reducing their number significantly. These bacteria are anaerobes: they live in the absence of oxygen and they thrive in the tiny grooves on the tongue, between the teeth, and in the pockets formed between teeth and gums in periodontal disease. They break down proteins in the mouth, like inflammatory cells found in periodontal disease and sinusitis, food particles caught in the mouth, or shed skin cells washed away in post nasal drip. It's difficult to stop bad breath when you can't stop providing food to these bacteria.

Stopping bad breath is not an entirely hopeless pursuit, however. If you have gum disease, you can see your dentist and get started on treating it. Sometimes sinus problems can be cleared with a little professional help as well. And though these things do take time, you can get on with stopping bad breath by establishing a routine of good oral hygiene that includes strategies to fight the anaerobic bacteria that produce bad odors.

Start with the basics: brush your teeth with a soft bristle toothbrush after every meal and floss between your teeth every day. Clean your tongue - you can use your toothbrush or the smooth edge of a small spoon to do this, but there are also commercial tongue cleaners available. You'll need to add a good mouthwash or mouth rinse to effectively stop bad breath. Choose one that acts on the bacteria in some way: there are a number of products that do this so read labels and package inserts. Some producers have come up with new and novel approaches, so if you've tried all the common ones without succeeding in stopping bad breath, try one of these newer products. They are easiest to find on the internet, so you can shop around without visiting endless stores.

Don't expect an instant permanent fix: even if you do stop bad breath quickly and easily with the right oral product, it's likely to recur when you stop using them, especially of an underlying problem still exists. Plan on continuing your oral routine long term.