Home > Your Breath Stinks!

You're not alone. It is estimated that about half of the people in the U.S have bad breath. Bad breath is called Halitosis in the dental field. The term Halitosis was made famous years ago with TV commercials showing what appeared to be green clouds coming from the actor's mouth.Why green (my favorite color) was used I am not sure, but the image worked. I have flashbacks to those commercials and even use the green clouds in the stories I tell my children for graphic effects. (It always makes them laugh). Most people may not even know they have bad breath (your friends won't say a word). Just step onto an elevator and you will know what I mean.

Most incidences of bad breath are believed caused by one of the following:

• Faulty dental work
• Impacted food
• Poor oral hygiene
• Periodontal disease
• Throat infections
• Coating on the tongue
• Sluggish Digestion

Not that smelling bad isn't penalty enough -- these same gasses may also lead to periodontitis (inflammation of the gums).The worst part is that periodontal disease can also be a cause of bad breath, so the end effect could be a continual downward slide in oral health and bad breath.

The number one way to address bad breath is by improving oral hygiene. Decrease the amount of left over food particles and bacteria, and you are usually home free. This may seem oversimplified, but regular brushing and flossing may be all you need. The advent of electric toothbrushes makes accomplishing your goal easy. While brushing your teeth, don't forget to brush your tongue.Yes, it may sound silly, but it works. If not, buy a tongue-scraper.Those little bumps on your tongue could be where the little buggers are hiding.

Drinking more water can also be helpful.As your mouth dries out, your bad breath will probably get worse. Regretfully,many American's take medications that contribute to having a dry mouth. Combine this with poor hydration and there is no wonder half the population stinks.

Decreasing consumption of certain foods can also play a huge role in freshening your breath.Obviously foods that smell bad should be eliminated. Foods such as garlic, onions, meats, and fish will make your situation worse. Alcohol and refined foods can also contribute to odor problems and should be avoided as much as possible.

Besides improving oral care by more brushing and flossing, consider adding a good natural mouthwash. Many products contain oils from peppermint, clove and myrrh. Yes, these all smell great, but also have the ability to naturally kill bacteria.

Lastly, dietary supplements can be very beneficial. Using supplements that promote good oral health like CoQ10, folic acid, vitamin C and Zinc is a great way to start.These supplements are helpful in the treatment and prevention of periodontal disease -- one of the risk factors for bad breath. Zinc (used in toothpaste or mouthwashes, not tablets) have been shown to reduce the concentration of sulfur in the mouth.