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Bad Breath - Affects 1 In 4 U.S. Citizens!
By Richard H Ealom | June 24, 2009
INTRODUCTION: Bad breath is created by odor-producing bacteria that breed in the mouth. Medically it is named halitosis, and can come from poor oral hygiene habits and may be a sign of other health conditions. It can also be produced by dry mouth (xerostomia), which happens when the flow of saliva decreases but it is not contagious, so you cannot catch it or pass it along to others.
Bad breath can also be worsen by the types of foods you eat and other bad habits. It’s a problem that is shared by millions of people in the U.S. and affects one in four people on a regular basis.
BACTERIA: Micro-organisms, just like humans, go through their lives eating foods and excreting wastes. If you do not brush and floss daily, particles of food stay in the mouth, collecting germs, which can cause bad breath. Dentures that are not cleaned correctly can also harbor odor-causing germs and food particles.
Millions of bacteria live in the mouth, particularly on the back of the tongue. The mouth’s warmth and moist conditions are ideal for the growth of these bacteria. Plaque is a great place for bacteria to live and yet another reason why your breath can turn foul. Oral hygiene helps to prevent the build-up of the bacteria that forms on your teeth, tongue and gums that causes halitosis. Brush your tongue, also, because bacteria can grow there.
TREATMENT: If you have bad breath, you may want to begin by talking to your dentist about treatment options. If your dentist determines that your mouth is healthy and that the smell does not originate from the mouth, you may be referred to your family MD or to a specialist to determine the origin of the odor and treatment.
At the moment, chronic halitosis is not very well understood by most Doctors and dentists, so effective treatment is not always easy to find. A prime ingredient to look for in a product for treatment is Zinc Acetate. This is number one as a controlling agent for volatile sulphur and volatile organic compounds (the actual “smelling stuff” of halitosis). It is not intended and should not be construed as a substitute for real hands on dental/medical attention, diagnosis or treatment.
CONCLUSION: Bad breath may be the symptom of a medical disorder, such as a local infection in the respiratory tract, chronic sinusitis, postnasal drip, chronic bronchitis, diabetes, gastrointestinal disturbances, liver or kidney ailments. It is also caused by dry mouth (xerostomia), which happens when the flow of saliva becomes reduced. When caused by chronic sinusitis it may keep coming back, especially if it is created by a structural abnormality of the sinuses.
Halitosis that comes from a systemic illness may be a long-term condition. It can be transient, often disappearing after eating, brushing one’s teeth, flossing, and rinsing with a special mouthwash. It can also be persistent (chronic), which is a more serious condition, affecting some 25 percent of the population in varying degrees. If you’re concerned about your breath, please visit your dentist.
Topics: Bad Breath |