Lots of small signs can show that you have bad breath. Have you noticed people stepping away from you 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. Just lick the inside of your wrist and sniff - if the smell is bad, you can be fairly sure that your breath is too.
Or, ask a very good friend to be absolutely honest with you; but do make sure they are a true friend.
Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth may be a warning sign of gum (periodontal) disease. Gum disease is caused by the buildup of plaque on teeth. Bacteria cause the formation of toxins to form, which irritate the gums. If gum disease continues untreated, it can damage the gums and jawbone.
Other dental causes of bad breath include poorly fitting dental appliances, yeast infections of the mouth, and dental caries (cavities).
The medical condition dry mouth (also called xerostomia) also can cause bad breath. Saliva is necessary to moisten the mouth, neutralize acids produced by plaque, and wash away dead cells that accumulate on the tongue, gums, and cheeks. If not removed, these cells decompose and can cause bad breath. Dry mouth may be a side effect of various medications, salivary gland problems, or continuous breathing through the mouth.
Many other diseases and illnesses may cause bad breath. Here are some to be aware of: respiratory tract infections such as pneumonia or bronchitis, chronic sinus infections, postnasal drip, diabetes, chronic acid reflux, and liver or kidney problems.
Treatment for bad breath (halitosis) will depend on its cause.
Usually, the most effective treatment is improving your dental hygiene. As part of your daily routine, you should:
You may want to consider investing in an electric toothbrush, which can make cleaning easier and more effective.
Your dentist will probably recommend that you brush your teeth at least twice a day using fluoride toothpaste.
Below are some tips on how to brush your teeth and keep your mouth healthy. You should:
Your dentist may recommend that you rinse your mouth daily using an antibacterial or anti-odor mouthwash. This shouldn't replace brushing, but can be included as part of your daily routine.
If you wear dentures, you should take them out at night to give your mouth a chance to rest. Clean your dentures thoroughly before putting them in the next morning:
Your dentures should stay clean and fresh if you follow this routine. It will also help prevent the build-up of plaque, which can cause bad breath.
To help keep your breath fresh, you should:
You should visit your dentist for regular check-ups. Having regular dental check-ups will ensure any plaque and calculus – previously known as tartar – is removed from your teeth, particularly in areas that are difficult to reach.
Your dentist can recommend the best way to clean your teeth and gums, and point out areas you might be missing. They can also identify any signs of gum disease and ensure early treatment.
Bad breath can be caused by a gastrointestinal problem, such as an H. pylori infection or gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD). You may be referred to a gastroenterologist.
The treatment recommended will depend on the type of gastrointestinal condition you have. For example, if you have a stomach ulcer, you may need a combination of two or three different antibiotics and a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). This is known as eradication therapy.
Chronic halitosis is a common problem. More than 50 million people suffer from chronic halitosis in the United States alone. Some people find that common halitosis remedies like mouthwashes and breath mints are enough to mask their chronic halitosis. But for others, who want to address the causes of halitosis and find a halitosis cure, these drugstore halitosis treatments simply fall short.
Leading Halitosis Causes
90% of people with chronic halitosis suffer from excessive build up of certain halitosis causing bacteria on the back of the tongue. People with chronic halitosis have large amounts of volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) produced from the breakdown of proteins by bacteria in the mouth. As one of the leading halitosis causes, these VSCs are responsible for the offensive breath odors that define halitosis.
Diagnosing Chronic Halitosis
Not all sufferers of chronic halitosis are aware of their condition. Though awkward, one of the best ways to tell if you have halitosis is to ask a friend. Dentists are generally poorly informed about halitosis causes and halitosis treatment; however some dental offices now have equipment that can detect VSC levels in the breath.
Common Halitosis Treatment Options
Since chronic halitosis causes severe repercussions, suffers are anxious to find a halitosis cure. Halitosis treatment products have spurred a billion-dollar industry, but the most popular means of combating chronic halitosis – tooth brushes and mouthwash – do not solve the problem. Toothbrushes can’t reach the back of the tongue where the bacterial causes of halitosis reside; so although brushing plays an important role in oral hygiene, it is not a halitosis cure. Since mouthwashes only temporarily mask and do not eliminate the odor-causing bacteria, they too are not an effective chronic halitosis treatment.
Tongue scraping, together with proper oral hygiene is the most effective “common” treatment against the causes of halitosis. Yet, the underlying halitosis causes remain: VSCs that rebuild, continuing the cycle of chronic halitosis.
Finally a Halitosis Cure
In 1992, Dr. Jon L. Richter founded the first U.S. clinic dedicated to finding a halitosis cure. In a clinical trial study, he discovered that a safe germicide called chlorine dioxide was highly effective in removing the leading halitosis causes (mainly VSCs). Remarkably, he found a halitosis cure! More than 99% of the 600 patients undergoing halitosis treatment found that using the chlorine dioxide rinse after tongue cleaning eliminated their chronic halitosis.
Dr. Richter has administered his halitosis treatment to over 6,000 patients with equal success. His revolutionary halitosis treatment attacks chronic halitosis by:
The ProFresh Breath Care System: Your Halitosis Cure
Dr. Richter’s halitosis cure is now available for use in your home. The ProFresh Breath Care System includes everything you need. By following this easy 2-minute halitosis treatment plan twice daily, you too can experience the benefits of ProFresh – the halitosis cure.
Please remember, preventing halitosis is always easier than treating it. By developing the right habits, you can effectively help prevent it.
Therabreath, profresh, nhs.uk, dentalhealth.org, webmd
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