Breath control

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Breath Control

Who Has the Bad Breath Problem? What are the Symptoms?

All of us have bad breath problem at one time or another. Many people are not aware of this issue because of their sense of smell already being adjusted to their own odors.

If one suffers from bad breath, he may show the following symptoms:

A white or yellow film on the tongue
Dry mouth
Bitter, sour, or metallic tastes
Post nasal drainage
White nodules on the tonsils
Brushing and dental flossing the teeth makes no difference
Loss of self confidence and self esteem

What Causes Bad Breath?

Bad breath is also called halitosis. It is caused by anaerobic sulfur producing bacteria which normally live within the surface of the tongue and in the throat. Bad breath can be transitory or chronic.

Transitory halitosis is caused by foods such as garlic and onions. This odor actually originates in the lungs, and generally only lasts from 24 to 72 hours. Another major cause of transitory halitosis is cigarette smoking. A smoker's breath smells because of tar, nicotine, and other noxious substances accumulating on the teeth, tongue, cheeks and other soft tissue. Smoking dries the membranes of the mouth, and the amount of saliva. Less saliva means less oxygen or an anaerobic environment which is perfect for sulfur-producing bacteria.

Chronic halitosis does not improve over time. The odor of chronic halitosis emerges when bacteria in the mouth, and on the teeth and tongue cause the formation of volatile sulfur compounds, in the form of hydrogen sulfides. These compounds produce a strong "rotten egg" smell. This is a long-term problem that requires professional treatment.

About 85% of halitosis is linked to dental causes, while the rest linked to medical causes.

Dental causes include:

Extensive dental decay.
Periodontal (gum) disease.
Oral infections or abscesses.
Oral cancers.
Dry mouth condition (Xerostomia). Many medications can contribute to Dry mouth.
Oral conditions resulting from post-nasal drips or discharges.
A growth and multiplication of specific types of anaerobic bacteria.

Medical causes include:

Sinus infections & abnormal sinus anatomies, post nasal drainage (drips)
Tonsilar infections or tonsiloliths
Lung diseases
Kidney diseases
Liver diseases
Diabetes
Gallbladder dysfunction
Menstruation
Carcinomas
Certain foods

When a medical condition is suspected, patients are advised to consult with their family physician.

Some common treatments for bad breath have been through the use of mouthwashes, mints, and gums to cover up odors, but they have not been effective in treating halitosis. Some of these remedies can actually worsen a bad breath condition.

Although there is hardly complete cure for the cause of 90% of chronic halitosis, your dentist can help diagnose the various types and causes of halitosis, and the problem can be more effectively managed.

How Can I Control Breath Odor?

A fresh breath smile will always make a great impression on others in your business activity or in your personal life. Follow these simple tips to get and keep your smile fresh:

Brush your teeth, cheeks and gums with a chlorine dioxide toothpaste.
Brush your tongue.
Wash your mouth with a stabilized chlorine rinse.
Sip room temperature water or mint lemon water.
Avoid alcoholic or caffeinated drinks as they dry your mouth.
Use a mouth moisturizer or a saliva stimulant to keep your mouth moist.
Eat fresh breath herbs like parsley, dill, basil or peppermint.
See your dentist on a regular basis.

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