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What causes bad breath?
What can I do about bad breath? Do I need to see a Medical Doctor? Do I need to see a Dentist? How do I find a dentist who treats bad breath? What is the treatment for bad breath? Where can I get products that will be useful in treating bad breath? How effective are "halitosis kits" and other products that claim to treat bad breath? How can I tell if I have bad breath? What else causes bad breath? Can other medical conditions cause bad breath? Can smoking cause bad breath? How can my dentist help? Can I prevent bad breath? Will mouthwash help? How can I prevent bad breath if I wear dentures? How can I tell someone they have bad breath? Why doesn't my dentist or physician know about this treatment? Whenever I have post nasal drip, the problem gets worse. Doesn't that show that it comes from the sinuses? Once in a while I get these small white round dots that appear on my tonsils and sometimes I even cough them up. They have an extremely strong odor. What are they and is this related to my breath and taste disorder? I scrape my tongue all day, but yet I still have bad breath. My dentist gave me this huge tongue scraper and told me to use it daily because it might scrape off the bacteria. I gag just by looking at it. Is there any truth to this or is it just one of those fads? Which is the strongest of your formulas? I don't have bad breath or any taste problems, but I want to use the best toothpaste and mouthwash you have. Which products should I use? Does Bad Breath Come from the Stomach ? Can Bacteria from Gums or Gum Disease Cause Bad Breath ?. Is Cleaning the Teeth Necessary in Reducing Bad Breath ? Does Bad breath Come From the Sinuses ? Can Mouth Breathing Cause Bad Breath ? Is A Coating On The Tongue Normal ? How Long Do I Need To Use Special Products For? What Products Do You Recommend ? Where does the odor on the back of the tongue come from? What kinds of bacteria have been implicated in oral malodor? Wouldn't it be better if the microorganisms on the tongue were completely eradicated? Do you clean your teeth properly? How important is flossing the teeth? Are toothpicks important? How effective are sprays and breath mints? Should I use mouthwash? When is the best time to rinse? what causes bad breath? What about smoking? How do I know when I have bad breath? How can you tell someone that he/she has bad breath? When does bad breath get even worse? Are you a mouth breather? Can bad breath be transmitted by French Kissing? Do your gums bleed? Is having your teeth pulled a remedy for bad breath? I have a coating on my tongue. Is this normal? What is the treatment for bad breath? What Products Do You Recommend ? |
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Bad breath
What causes bad breath? What you eat affects the air you exhale. Certain foods, such as garlic and onions, contribute to objectionable breath odor. Once the food is absorbed into the bloodstream, it is transferred to the lungs, where it is expelled. Brushing, flossing and mouthwash will only mask the odor temporarily. Odors continue until the body eliminates the food. Dieters may develop unpleasant breath from infrequent eating. If you don't brush and floss daily, particles of food remain in the mouth, collecting bacteria, which can cause bad breath. Food that collects between the teeth, on the tongue and around the gums can rot, leaving an unpleasant odor. Dentures that are not cleaned properly can also harbor odor-causing bacteria and food particles. One of the warning signs of periodontal (gum) disease is persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth. Periodontal disease is caused by plaque, the sticky, colorless film of bacteria that constantly forms on teeth. The bacteria create toxins that irritate the gums. In the advanced stage of the disease, the gums, bone and other structures that support the teeth become damaged. With regular dental checkups, your dentist can detect and treat periodontal disease early. Bad breath is also caused by dry mouth (xerostomia), which occurs when the flow of saliva decreases. Saliva is necessary to cleanse the mouth and remove particles that may cause odor. Dry mouth may be caused by various medications, salivary gland problems or continuously breathing through the mouth. If you suffer from dry mouth, your dentist may prescribe an artificial saliva, or suggest using sugarless candy and increasing your fluid intake. Tobacco products cause bad breath, stain teeth, reduce one's ability to taste foods and irritate gum tissues. Tobacco users are more likely to suffer from periodontal disease and are at greater risk for developing oral cancer. If you use tobacco, ask your dentist for tips on kicking the habit. Bad breath may be the sign of a medical disorder, such as a local infection in the respiratory tract (nose throat, windpipe, lungs), chronic sinusitis, postnasal drip, chronic bronchitis, diabetes, gastrointestinal disturbance, liver or kidney ailment. If your dentist determines that your mouth is healthy, you may be referred to your family doctor or a specialist to determine the cause of bad breath. Eliminating periodontal disease and maintaining good oral health is essential to reducing bad breath. Schedule regular dental visits for a professional cleaning and checkup. If you think you have constant bad breath, keep a log of the foods you eat and make a list of medications you take. Some medications may play a role in creating mouth odors. Let your dentist know if you've had any surgery or illness since your last appointment. Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste to remove food debris and plaque. Brush your tongue, too. Once a day, use floss or an interdental cleaner to clean between teeth. If you wear removable dentures, take them out at night. Clean them thoroughly before replacing them the next morning. Mouthwashes are generally cosmetic and do not have a long-lasting effect on bad breath. If you must constantly use a breath freshener to hide unpleasant mouth odor, see your dentist. If you need extra help in controlling plaque, your dentist may recommend using a special antimicrobial mouthrinse. A fluoride mouthrinse, used along with brushing and flossing, can help prevent tooth decay. Look for products that carry the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance. Products that display the seal have undergone strict testing for safety and effectiveness. What can I do about bad breath? Regular checkups will allow your dentist to detect any problems such as periodontal (gum) disease, a dry mouth or other disorders that may be the cause. Maintaining good oral hygiene, eliminating periodontal (gum) disease and scheduling regular professional cleanings are essential to reducing bad breath. Regardless of what may be the cause, good oral hygiene is essential. Brush twice a day and clean between your teeth daily with floss or interdental cleaners. Brush your tongue, too. If you wear dentures, be sure to remove them at night and clean them thoroughly before replacing them the next morning. If you don't already have a dentist, see Manage Your Oral Health: You & Your Dentist. How do I find a dentist who treats bad breath? Dentists are taught in dental school about the oral causes of bad breath (halitosis). If you have bad breath, you may want to start by talking to your general dentist about treatment options. You can also contact your state dental association to see what resources are available in your area of the _______. What is the treatment for bad breath? If your dentist determines that your mouth is healthy and that the odor is not of oral origin, you may be referred to your family physician or to a specialist to determine the cause of the odor and for treatment. Of course, if the odor is of oral origin, as it is in the majority of cases, your dentist can treat the cause of the problem. If the odor is due to periodontal (gum) disease, your general dentist can either treat the disease or refer you to a periodontist, a specialist in treating gum tissues. Periodontal (gum) disease can cause gum tissues to pull away from the teeth and form pockets. When these pockets are deep, only a professional periodontal cleaning can remove the bacteria and plaque that accumulate. Sometimes more extensive treatment is necessary. If you have extensive build-up of plaque, an invisible layer of bacteria, your dentist may recommend using a special antimicrobial mouthrinse. Your dentist may also recommend that when you brush your teeth, you also brush your tongue to remove excess plaque. Where can I get products that will be useful in treating bad breath? After determining the cause of your halitosis, your dentist will be able to prescribe or recommend those products that can be helpful for you. See Products with the ADA Seal of Acceptance. How Effective Are "Halitosis Kits" and Other Products That Claim to Treat Bad Breath? The ADA cannot vouch for the claims the manufacturers of halitosis kits make. If you are concerned about their safety and effectiveness, you can ask your dentist if the products in the kit will be useful for you. Many antiseptic mouthrinse products, however, have been accepted by the ADA for their therapeutic benefits in reducing plaque and gingivitis and also have breath freshening properties. Instead of simply masking breath odor, these products have been demonstrated to kill the germs that cause bad breath. You may wish to ask your dentist about trying some of these products. How can I tell if I have bad breath? Lots of small signals can show that you have bad breath. Have you noticed people stepping away when you start to talk? Do people turn their cheek when you kiss them goodbye? If you think you might have bad breath, there is a simple test that you can do. Simply lick the inside of your wrist and sniff - if the smell is bad, you can be pretty sure that your breath is too. Or, ask a very good friend to be absolutely honest, but do make sure they are a true friend. What causes bad breath? Bad breath is a very common problem and there are many different causes. Persistent bad breath is usually caused by the smelly gases released by the bacteria that coat your teeth and gums. Bits of food that get caught between the teeth and on the tongue will rot and can sometimes cause an unpleasant smell. So correct and regular brushing is very important to keep your breath smelling fresh. However,strong foods like garlic, coffee and onions can add to the problem. The bacteria on our teeth and gums (plaque) also cause gum disease and dental decay. One of the warning signs of gum disease is that you always have bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth. Again, your dentist or hygienist will be able to see and treat the problem during your regular check-ups. The earlier the problems are found, the more effective the treatment will be. Smoking can cause short term bad breath What else causes bad breath? Bad breath can also be caused by some medical problems. Dry mouth (xerostomia) is a condition that affects the flow of saliva. This causes bacteria to build up in the mouth and this leads to bad breath. Dry mouth may be caused by some medicines, salivary gland problems or by continually breathing through the mouth instead of the nose. Older people may produce less saliva, causing further problems. If you suffer from dry mouth, your dentist may be able to recommend or prescribe an artificial saliva product. Or your dentist may be able to suggest other ways of dealing with the problem. Can other medical conditions cause bad breath? Other medical conditions that cause bad breath include infections in the throat, nose or lungs; sinusitis; bronchitis; diabetes; or liver or kidney problems. If your dentist finds that your mouth is healthy, you may be referred to your family GP or a specialist to find out the cause of your bad breath. Can smoking cause bad breath? Tobacco also causes its own form of bad breath. The only solution in this case is to stop smoking. As well as making your breath smell, smoking causes staining, causes loss of taste and irritates the gums. People who smoke are more likely to suffer from gum disease and also have a greater risk of developing cancer of the mouth, lung cancer and heart disease. Ask your dentist, pharmacist or practice nurse for help in quitting. If you do stop smoking, but still have bad breath, then you need to see your dentist or GP for advice. How can my dentist help? If you do have bad breath, you will need to start a routine for keeping your mouth clean and fresh. Regular check-ups will alloW your dentist to watch out for any areas where plaque is caught between your teeth. Your dentist or hygienist will be able to clean all those areas that are difficult to reach. They will also be able to show you the best way to clean your teeth and gums, and show you any areas you may be missing, including your tongue. Can I prevent bad breath? To keep your breath fresh, you must get rid of any gum disease, and keep your mouth clean and fresh. If you do have bad breath, try keeping a diary of all the foods you eat and list any medicines you are taking. Take this diary to your dentist who may be able to suggest ways to solve the problem. Brush your teeth and gums for two minutes, twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste. Don’t forget to brush your tongue as well. U• Cut down on how often you have sugary food and drinks. • Visit your dentist regularly, as often as they recommend. • Floss your teeth – brushing alone only cleans up to about 60 percent of the surface of your teeth. There are other products you can buy to clean between your teeth (they are called ‘interdental brushes’). • Use a mouthwash – some contain antibacterial agents that could kill bacteria that make your breath smell unpleasant. If you continue to suffer from bad breath visit your dentist or hygienist to make sure that the mouthwash is not masking a more serious underlying problem. • Chew sugar-free gum – it stimulates saliva and stops your mouth drying out. A dry mouth can lead to bad breath. Will mouthwash help? Most mouthwashes only disguise bad breath for a short time. So if you find that you are using a mouthwash all the time, talk to your dentist. Some mouthwashes that are recommended for gum disease can cause tooth staining if you use them for a long time. It is important to read the manufacturer’s instructions or ask your dentist about how to use them. How can I prevent bad breath if I wear dentures? Take them out at night to give your mouth a chance to rest and clean them twice a day. Clean them thoroughly with soap and lukewarm water, a denture cream or a denture-cleaning tablet. Use a denture brush kept just for the purpose. Remember to clean the surfaces that fit against your gums and palate. This will make sure your dentures are always fresh and clean, and avoid the plaque build-up on the denture that may cause bad breath. How can I tell someone they have bad breath? The chances are, we all know someone who has bad breath, but very few people feel brave enough to discuss the problem. It is obviously a very delicate matter to tell someone they have bad breath. There is always the risk that they will be offended or embarrassed and may never speak to you again! However, it is always worth remembering that the bad breath may be the result of any number of problems. Once the person knows they have bad breath, they can deal with whatever is causing it. You could try talking to their partner or a family member, as the bad breath may be caused by a medical condition, which is already being treated. You may like to leave this leaflet where the person in question is likely to see it. Or you could try, for instance, asking if the person has been eating garlic lately! Why doesn't my dentist or physician know about this treatment? The information is out there in many microbiology and dental journals. If your health care professional were interested in treating you, I'm sure they would have taken the time to look for this research. In fact, I will soon be entering the 8th year of performing this treatment, and just recently, The American Dental Association finally agreed with what I have been saying all this time..."Bad breath originates on the back of the tongue and in the throat." This differs from the disinformation that they initially put out back in 1995 when the Sacramento Bee wrote about my clinical treatment. They attempted to "disqualify" my patient successes and instead urged the public to use ADA approved products which contain high levels of Alcohol, SOAP (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate) and Saccharin. The ADA Seal of Approval is no assurance that an oral product will assist your bad breath problem. In fact, the ADA has ignored the entire problem of Halitosis and has classified it as "cosmetic". A very sad state of affairs from an organization that was intended to help the public. One last story on this topic. In early 1997 I appeared on TV in Detroit, where I received nearly 700 phone calls about The TheraBreath System. One of the callers was a dentist in a Detroit suburb, whose young daughter had a bad breath problem. The dentist tried the TheraBreath products the young girl and called the next day to tell me that it worked like a miracle. When I asked the dentist if she were interested in providing TheraBreath to her own patients, she told me that she couldn't because my products did not have an ADA Seal of Approval, however, she uses the products for her daughter! The reason: She was afraid of pressure from the ADA, of which she was a member, if she would provide non-ADA seal products to her patients! Whenever I have post nasal drip, the problem gets worse. Doesn't that show that it comes from the sinuses? No. That's because the anaerobic sulfur-producing bacteria that create bad breath live and breed within the back of the tongue and in the throat. They have the ability to digest mucous (because of high protein content) & then break it down into sulfide molecules, which cause the bad breath & bitter, sour taste. The correct way to fight bad breath due to post nasal drip is to use a combination of our TheraBreath Nasal Sinus Drops and AktivOxigen tablets, creating an oxygenating solution to cleanse the throat and tonsil area. Can I still use my regular toothpaste and mouthwash if I use TheraBreath? No. Almost all commercial toothpaste's contain Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SOAP), placed in toothpaste in order to create a foaming action, so that you think that something is actually happening. It has no beneficial effects at all. Unfortunately it will also inhibit the potency of the active ingredients. That is why those who use Oxyfresh toothpaste should read the ingredients in their toothpaste: It contains Sodium Lauryl Sulfate! This will negate the benefits of the oxidation process. Do I have to do this treatment for the rest of my life? The only way to effectively stop these bacteria from producing these Volatile Sulfur Compounds, is to use an Oxyd-8 based product. No other compounds will perform this action. The bacteria reproduce every 10-12 hours and that is why the treatment must be done throughout the day. After several months, there is a residual effect, whereby the medication has a longer lasting feeling. Some patients are then able to get by with performing the procedure only twice daily, however, for the best results, most perform the procedures three times daily. Many patients use between 2-3 bottles of rinse per month. A large toothpaste lasts about 5-6 weeks. If you stop, the problems will come back again, because the bacteria will recognize the difference within a few days. The products were designed to become your daily oral hygiene system and now with tooth whitening (TheraBrite) and periodontal treatments (PerioTherapy) as part of our entire system, you'll never need to use other products. By the way, most people spend less than $1 per day to maintain their fresh breath and taste. Once in a while I get these small white round dots that appear on my tonsils and sometimes I even cough them up. They have an extremely strong odor. What are they and is this related to my breath and taste disorder? Those little round globules are known as Tonsiloliths and they are most definitely related to Halitosis and sour taste. They are created by sulfur gases produced by these bacteria (which are located across from the tonsils in the throat area). The sulfur gas mixes with the mucous and thick saliva in the back of your throat and after a period of time, condense into these concentrated, odorous globs. They are only present when one has tonsils, but not in all cases. I have had many patients who have actually had their tonsils removed due to misinformation from physicians about this problem. Of course, these patients still had bad breath after having the tonsillectomy, because BAD BREATH DOES NOT START IN THE TONSILS! (only on the back of the tongue). However, it can branch off into the tonsils, secondarily. Important: To reduce Halitosis (if you have Tonsiloliths) here's what my patients tell me they have done to solve this problem: Swallow 1-2 capfuls of the solution created with the AktivOxigen tablets, before bedtime. They say that it feels as if the odor and lousy taste are neutralized as the Rinse solution passes the tonsil area. I scrape my tongue all day, but yet I still have bad breath. My dentist gave me this huge tongue scraper and told me to use it daily because it might scrape off the bacteria. I gag just by looking at it. Is there any truth to this or is it just one of those fads? Now, that's a good question! In my opinion, and based on helping tens of thousands of people who have suffered with bad breath, tongue scraping by itself is NOT the answer. In fact, I have seen dozens of cases in my clinics where people have just scraped too hard and for too long, resulting in damage..painful tongue, dry tongue, and burning tongue! We prefer to use the tongue cleaner as an application device with a very gentle cleansing motion on the tongue from the back to the front. This helps to apply the TheraBreath gel below the tongue's surface to where the bacteria actually live. The Bacteria cannot live ON the tongue surface...Remember they are anaerobes and by definition, they can't survive on the surface. How do I get TheraBreath products afterwards, or if I move? You will find an order form for our products enclosed with your first order or when you come to see us. Just fill it out and send it to us (or fax it to us at 323-933-1317) and you should receive your order within 7-10 working days, depending on where you live. We have been shipping these medications all over the world (to 59 countries at last count). And most importantly, any improvements in our treatment, any significant research on these topics, and any information on the enhancement in these products will be sent to you immediately. We have been fortunate to now have our basic TheraBreath products in thousands of s tores across the U.S. (Walgreens, Eckerd, Genovese, selected GNC stores, Meijer stores, Wegmans, Price-Chopper, Kinney Drug, and more) Which is the strongest of your formulas? TheraBreath PLUS contains a great combination of anti-microbial agents as well as components that are great for oral health in general. The products in the PLUS line include Oral Rinse, Toothpaste, Spray, PowerDrops, and Gum. I don't have bad breath or any taste problems, but I want to use the best toothpaste and mouthwash you have. Which products should I use? I would recommend the PerioTherapy line of Oral Rinse and Toothpaste. It's similar to the TheraBreath PLUS line, but focuses more on gum health, which is still the number one oral disease in the world - more of a problem than cavities by far! And because chronic gum disease can lead to other health problems, such as heart attacks, strokes, pneumonia, and birth problems for pregnant women, we highly recommend PerioTherapy products. My boyfriend sometimes has bad breath. Is it possible for him to give it to me when we French kiss? Simply put, you can't give bad breath to someone else. The bacteria that create this problem are actually good bacteria and are part of the normal oral flora (the mix of bacteria that you need to function properly). It's possible that the bacteria in your boyfriend's mouth (tongue, throat, tonsils) are reacting to his dry mouth, which could have been created by smoking, medication, or alcohol (in beer and wine). Tell him about TheraBreath and both of you will soon be able to kiss with confidence. I can smell the bad breath coming from my nose when I exhale. What can I do about this? Am I imaging things? You are not imagining anything. There are odors that can be detected in some cases as they emanate from the nostrils. This type of odor is due to mucous in the nasal passage and its reaction to bacteria in the nostrils (not in the sinus). It may also be a by-product of the reaction between mucous, post nasal drip, or allergies in the area beyond the sinus (in the naso-pharyngeal area and the throat/tonsil area). The solution is quite simple - TheraBreath Nasal Sinus Drops are the only oxygenating/zinc formula to attack this type of problem. Is there any way I can whiten my teeth and get rid of bad breath at the same time? I don't have the time to use dozens of different products several times a day. Actually, our TheraBrite toothpaste is BOTH a whitening toothpaste AND a breath toothpaste. Just use it in conjunction with any of our oxygenating rinses - TheraBreath, AktivOxigen, TheraBreath PLUS, and PerioTherapy - All of our products are designed to work together. Does Bad Breath Come from the Stomach? The answer is no. After eating the muscles at the top of the stomach close over it stopping any leakage of stomach contents. If ever there is leakage you would smell a burp, which definitely smells different to proper bad breath or you would have indigestion. Bad Breath comes form the Mouth, throat and nasal passages. Our unique BREEZE KITS can help all breath and halitosis problems Can Bacteria from Gums or Gum Disease Cause Bad Breath? Once again it is most unlikely. What is a more likely scenario, is that the bacteria on the tongue, not only cause the bad breath problem, but also would be supplying food sources to the bacteria in the gums. Therefore a coated tongue could be making your gum disease worse. We recommend our Triclosan with Peroxide mouthwash to control bacteria numbers. Our Oral Grade Patented Triclosan Rinse was developed specifically for mouth and gum problems. It is recommended by Dentists. Is Cleaning the Teeth Necessary in Reducing Bad Breath? Yes it is. Cleaning the teeth removes plaque build-up on the teeth and gums. Plaque not only contains bacteria that can be a problem, but sugars and acids that can cause decay. If you attend our Breath Clinic we examine the whole mouth including teeth and gums in our consultation, including their cleaning. If you can't get to the dentist we recommend a very good chewing gum called RECALDENT. It contains a peptide as well as Xylitol to stop bacteria converting sugar to acid. By doing this is will stop decay. Also chewing gum is a mechanical action that cleans the teeth and gums. Does Bad breath Come From the Sinuses ? No it does not, because the anaerobic sulphur-producing bacteria that create bad breath live and breed within the back of the tongue and in the throat. They have the ability to digest mucous (because of high protein content) & then break it down into Sulphide molecules, which cause the bad breath & bitter, sour taste. However smells can still come from the sinuses. That is why we have developed our BREEZE NASAL KITS. Can Mouth Breathing Cause Bad Breath? Most definitely Yes. Mouth breathing will cause dryness of the mouth. This in turn will allow the anaerobic bacteria to grow greatly in numbers and cause a bad breath problem. Many times people mouth breath as they are congested and therefore can not breath through their nose. If this is the case the excess mucous they are making will become the food source for the bad breath bacteria. Worse still are the antihistamines that people take to dry up this mucous. This causes the mucous to crust on the floor of the sinuses and cause further swelling and sometimes even bleeding. We recommend our BREEZE NASAL IRRIGATION SYSTEM Can Kissing Pass On Bad Breath? This topic is little understood. It is widely believed that the answer is no. Kissing cannot pass on bad breath. Of course the anaerobic bacteria can be passed from one mouth to the other, just like any infection. But for the problem to exist the person they have passed too must also have a dry mouth or nasal problems or something similar to let the bacteria grow in numbers. Does this happen? I have spoken to patients that insist this is how they caught bad breath. I suppose time will tell. If you have been kissing someone with bad breath, I suggest that you clean your mouth with a Triclosan mouthwash to remove the introduced bacteria, and also chew gum such as Recaldent to stimulate saliva flow. this is the body's way of removing the bacteria. Are Feces (Fecal Odor) and Bad Breath Related? It is unlikely that feces and oral odor are the same for obvious reasons. What we find in this instance is that the bacteria of the mouth use the same metabolic chain mechanism to break down proteins and therefore can cause the same smells. This is similar to other smell likeness such as rotten eggs and hydrogen Sulphide, or parmesan cheese and regurgitation. Is A Coating On The Tongue Normal? Most people have some sort of coating on their tongue. This is difficult to quantify. If you have a thick coating of a white or yellow color, then this is a definite cause of bad breath and should be seen to immediately. Remember that the bacteria that live on the tongue can not only cause bad breath, but also cause tooth decay and gum disease. On the other hand if you have a very fine washy coating with a bi of froth, this could be a sign of dry mouth. Most people with dry mouth also notice a metallic taste at the back of the tongue. Chew some sugarless gum such as Recaldent, this will stimulate saliva flow and should reduce the metallic taste. How Long Do I Need To Use Special Products For? Bad breath is not a disease but rather a lifestyle problem. Of course some people are far more prone to this embarrassing problem, and this is because they have extra factors such as post nasal drip, dry mouth, increased dairy intake or such like. These factors are discussed in detail in the site proper. If you are prone to bad breath, or you generally have high counts of anaerobic bacteria (genetic makeup), then it is essential that you keep on using special bad breath mouthrinse and toothpaste to maintain a healthy fresh mouth. All you need to do is replace your current system with a special halitosis system. What Products Do You Recommend? We have put many years of research and study into helping develop bad breath products. The ingredients and products we recommend are used on our clinic patients with great success. Also we recommend a lifestyle guide to help reduce your risk factors for this embarrassing problem. Can I smell it myself? Where does the odor on the back of the tongue come from? What kinds of bacteria have been implicated in oral malodor? Wouldn't it be better if the microorganisms on the tongue were completely eradicated? Do you clean your teeth properly? How important is flossing the teeth? Are toothpicks important? How effective are sprays and breath mints? Should I use mouthwash? When is the best time to rinse? what causes bad breath? What about smoking? How do I know when I have bad breath? How can you tell someone that he/she has bad breath? When does bad breath get even worse? Are you a mouth breather? Can bad breath be transmitted by French Kissing? Do your gums bleed? Is having your teeth pulled a remedy for bad breath? I have a coating on my tongue. Is this normal? How can I know if I have bad breath? There are many signals that can indicate that you have bad breath. Have you ever noticed people stepping away when you start to talk? Do your dear ones turn their face away when you kiss them good bye? If you think you might have bad breath, there is a simple test that you can do. Simply lick the inside of your wrist and sniff. If the smell is foul, you can be pretty sure that your breath is too. How can I tell some one that you have bad breath? It is obviously a very delicate matter to tell some one they have bad breath. There is always the risk that they get offended and never speak to you again. However, bad breath may be the result of any number of problems. Once the person knows he has bad breath, he can deal with whatever is causing it. What causes bad breath? Bad breath is a very common problem and there are many causes. Persistent bad breath is usually caused by the smelly gases released by bacteria that coat your teeth and gums. Bits of food that get caught between the teeth and on the tongue will decay and sometimes cause an unpleasant smell. So correct and regular brushing is very important to keep your breath smelling fresh. However, strong foods like garlic, coffee and onions can add to the problem. The bacteria on you teeth and gums(plaque) also cause gum disease and dental decay. One of the warning signs of gum disease is that you always have bad breath or bad taste in your mouth. Earlier the problem identified, more effective shall be the treatment. What else causes bad breath? Bad breath can also be caused by some medical problems. Dry mouth (Xerostomia) is a condition that affects the flow of saliva. This causes the bacteria to build up in the mouth and this leads to bad breath. Dry mouth may be caused by some medicines, salivary gland disease or by continuously breathing through the mouth instead of the nose. Some times bad breath may have its origin from the stomach for which an expert may be consulted. Can other medical conditions cause bad breath? Other medical conditions that cause bad breath include: Infection in the throat/nose or lungs. Sinusitis, bronchitis, Diabetes, Liver disorder and kidney problems. If your dentist finds that your mouth is healthy, you may be referred to your family physician to find out other possible causes of bad breath. Can smoking cause bad breath? Tobacco also causes its own form of bad breath. The only solution in this case is to stop smoking. Smoking causes staining, causes loss of taste and irritates the gums. People who smoke are more likely to suffer from gum disease and also have a greater risk of developing cancer of the mouth, lung cancer and heart disease. How can my dentist help? If you are suffering from bad breath, you need to start a routine for keeping your mouth clean and fresh. Regular checkups will allow your dentist to watch out for any areas where plaque is caught between teeth. Your dentist will be able to clean all those areas that are difficult to reach. They will be able to show you the best way to clean your teeth and gums and show you any areas you may be missing including your tongue. Will mouth wash help? Mouth washes mostly only disguise bad breath for a short time. So if you find that you are using a mouth wash all the time, talk to your dentist. Some mouth washes that are recommended for gum disease, can cause tooth staining if you use them for a long time. Furthermore, long term use of mouth washes has been discouraged as it causes damage to the taste buds of the tongue. How can I prevent bad breath if I wear dentures? Take dentures out at night to give your mouth a chance to rest and clean them twice a day. Clean the dentures thoroughly with soap and lukewarm water. Use a denture brush which is just designed for this purpose. Remember to clean the surfaces that fit against your gums and palate. These things will make sure your dentures are always fresh and clean and avoid the plaque build-up on the denture that may cause bad breath. Now lastly, please tell me how can I have fresh breath? To keep your breath fresh, you must get rid of the gum disease and keep your mouth clean and fresh. If you do have bad breath, try keeping a diary of all the foods you eat and list of medicines if you are taking. Take this diary to your dentist who may be able to suggest ways to solve your problem. Rest, the other tips are; 1 Brush your teeth and gums twice a day with fluoride tooth paste. 2 Clean your tongue with a tongue cleaner. 3 Don’t forget to rinse after you have sugary snacks and drinks. 4 Visit your dentist at least once a year for identification and correction of all possible causes.. 5 Floss your teeth. Brush alone cleans only up to 60% of your tooth surface. There are other products you can buy to clean spaces between your teeth. 6 Chew sugar free gum. It stimulates saliva and stops your mouth drying out. 7 Rinse with saline water (Salt water) before going to bed provided you are not hypertensive. |