Articles on Halitosis | Topic: halitosis
by Rosemary Whitley
Have you ever wondered about the odor escaping from your mouth? Everyone from time to time has experienced halitosis (bad breath) and the embarrassment that accompanies it. There are many different causes for halitosis (bad breath). Among the causes, includes poor oral hygiene, smoking, tooth decay and gum problems.
There are more than 400 different types of bacteria in our mouth, which cause bad breath. These bacteria in the mouth release sulfur odors. Halitosis (bad breath) is stimulated by volatile sulfur compounds (vsc), which are released by the break down of proteins by the bacteria. Most of the odor contributing to halitosis (bad breath) is brought about by anaerobic bacteria, which grow on the back of the tongue. The beneficial effect of anaerobic bacteria is that they aid in digestion by breaking down proteins. People suffering from halitosis (bad breath) due to oral causes, are found to have abnormally high amounts of anaerobic bacteria in the oral cavity
Food that collects between the teeth, on the tongue and around the gums can rot, leaving an unpleasant odor. The things you eat contribute largely to your oral health care, including your breath. Items such as garlic and onions, or spicy foods, are absorbed into the bloodstream, become transferred into the lungs, and become expelled in the air you breathe. Until the body eliminates that food, the potential for it affecting a person's breath is present.
The most effective and obvious way of preventing halitosis (bad breath) is through daily brushing of the teeth and gums, which includes the tongue, flossing, and rinsing. This should be done after every meal and preferably after each time you eat something. Proper cleaning of the mouth is important, particularly after eating foods that are high in protein content. This is because even after you finish a meal, microscopic particles of food still remain in the mouth. Much of this food debris ends up trapped between the teeth and also in the coating found on the posterior aspect of the tongue. Since these are exactly the same locations in which the anaerobic bacteria that cause bad breath live, by not cleaning thoroughly a prolonged food supply is provided for these bacteria.
A tongue scraper is an excellent addition to your oral health care routine. Have you have ever looked at your tongue after brushing? Go ahead, stick it out, and see all the white film on it towards the back? That stuff is not there to help your breath! With a tongue cleaner you can gently scrape the white film off which will go a long way towards fresher breath.
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If you mouth becomes dry, it transforms into a breeding ground for volatile sulfur compounds (vsc). Our saliva has natural antibiotic elements that reduce the number of bacteria in the mouth. When your mouth dries out, saliva production diminishes and halitosis (bad breath) increases. Therefore, if you were to chew gum to stimulate saliva production this would aid in decreasing the foul odor escaping your oral cavity. Another way to stimulate saliva production is to drink the recommended eight fluid ounces of water daily. Besides helping cut down on bad breath, it is also good for your health.
Baking soda is a great aid in the fight against halitosis (bad breath). Although beneficial, some may feel the taste leaves something to be desired. However, the end result is worth the effort. If you do not prefer to dip your toothbrush in the baking soda box, there are several brands of toothpaste on the market now that contain baking soda.
Hydrogen Peroxide is an effective rinse because it adds oxygen to the bacteria that thrive in an environment where little to no oxygen exists thus effectively killing the anaerobic bacteria. Although if you do not have this handy using plain water will also help loosen up the foods and particles that have become lodged between the teeth and gums which if you leave them there the bacteria causing the odors think you left them a buffet and will dine to their delight and to your horror as your breath becomes worse.
If you purchase a "water pik" you can help your oral hygiene because these knock the food particles out from between the teeth and gums. This is often where the bacteria love to hide. You can purchase a "water pik" at almost any store that carries dental hygiene products. Adding lots of fruits and vegetables to your diet helps to kill the bacteria because they are high in acids and fiber as opposed to proteins and sugar.
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