Do you have problems with bad breath or halitosis? Do you know what causes that embarrassing odor? There are several reasons for the presence of bad breath. Believe it or not it is possible for some people to have bad breath and they are not even aware of it. However, if you are concerned about this unpleasant condition, then see your dental care provider.
Why do garlic and onions have such an offensive after effect? Certain foods contain volatile oils and once digested they enter your blood stream and then they are transferred to your lungs. Your lungs will emit this pungent odor until the food is eliminated from your body. Brushing and mouth rinses can only cover the odor temporarily. Order that next cheeseburger, but hold the onions. Crash diets and fasting also cause bad breath as the breakdown of chemicals takes place.
When you fail to brush and floss your teeth properly particles of food are left behind to collect bacteria. Food particles will actually rot as they collect between your teeth and around your tongue and gums. It's the bacteria growth that is actually causing the foul odor. It is very unappealing when you think about it in this light.
What medications are you taking? Several medications play an active part in producing unpleasant breath. It would be a good idea to make a list of foods you eat and medications you use if you are experiencing constant bad breath. Take this list to your dental care professional so he/she can determine what the cause might be.
Have you ever experienced dry mouth? Saliva works to moisten and cleanse your mouth to help remove food particles. When saliva decreases dead cells collect and decompose in your mouth causing bad breath. Do you sleep with your mouth open? I am sure you have experienced morning breath because dry mouth naturally occurs while you sleep.
Do you happen to use tobacco products or drink alcoholic beverages? Not only are these a danger to your health they cause offensive breath odor as well.
Are you suffering from any medical disorder? Respiratory infection, sinus infection, bronchitis, postnasal drip, gastrointestinal problems, diabetes, and liver or kidney conditions are all commonly associated with bad breath.
Finally, gum disease (gingivitis or periodontitis) is usually the underlying issue concerning chronic bad breath. If you suffer from canker sores the may cause foul odor especially if they are associated with gum disease.
The best thing for you to do is see your dentist and get his/her advice on what is causing your bad breath. If it is not related to dental health they will most likely suggest that you see your family physician.
Copyright (c) 2006 SSLI Health Group
Especially during sleep, the tongue is coated with a plaque film of bacteria and other odour causing compounds. The texture of the tongue is very conducive to housing this unwanted bacteria, which is why, fresh breath is difficult to maintain, even after brushing your teeth.
You won't remove the film of plaque by brushing your tongue with your toothbrush, you will only stir it up.
The primary cause of bad breath is the bacteria on the tongue, according to the halitosis experts. This was recently reportedby the American Dental Association News.
This is a recent quote from Time Life Magazine: "When saliva collects in the mouth - particularly in depressions at the back of the tongue - and is digested by oral bacteria, powerful odours can result."
The bacteria release odorous by-products (known as Volatile Sulphur Compounds, or VSCs similar to the gasses released by a rotten egg) as they thrive on the tongue. These "stinkers" also arise from active gum disease. In fact, according to recent research, VSCs may even be the first factor in initiating gum disease.
We know that the volatile sulphur compounds are the main factors in bad breath. Having said that, the bacteria living in our mouths also create other disgusting wastes. The most obvious of these are:
Cadaverine - smells like a dead body
Putrescine - the compound responsible for much of the foul odour produced by decaying meat
Skatole - the characteristic smell of human faecal matter
Isovaleric acid - the smell of sweaty feet
I bet you are surprised to learn that this pleasant cocktail of odour-causing chemicals is found in the human mouth, and everyone has them. Our breath always has some level of these compounds in them.
We don't notice the smell of these noxious chemicals when they are at low levels, but when they get high enough we can pick them up. When they are high enough for others to smell - then we have "bad breath."
Along with normal mucus productions, food particles left over after eating stay on the tongue and create a nice coating which is an ideal hiding place for the bacteria. Also, the rough texture of the tongue aids in their hiding.
If left where they are, the bacteria will happily continue producing all the odour-causing by-products that leave us with bad breath. From their "safe" hiding place on the tongue, away from any oxygen (which would kill them) they continue to grow and multiply exponentially.
Not only is this the main cause of bad breath (halitosis), but also reduces our ability to taste food, and dramatically increases the risks of decay setting in. Remember that your health is your wealth, and it is also your responsibility to act to improve the level you are at.
Both Sung Lee & Del Carl are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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