Thursday, August 17, 2006

bad breath relief : Bad Breath (Halitosis)

What Is Halitosis?
More than 90 million people suffer from chronic halitosis or bad breath. In most cases it originates from the gums and tongue. The odor is caused by bacteria from the decay of food particles, other debris in your mouth, and poor oral hygiene. The decay and debris produce a sulfur compound that causes the unpleasant odor.

CAUSES

Anaerobic Bacteria
Studies have shown that about 85% patients suffering from halitosis have an oral condition as the source.If a person has healthy teeth and gums (i.e. no cavities, periodontitis, or abscesses), the next most common source of oral malodour is the tongue. Bacteria which produce volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) have been found to congregate on the tongue, especially the posterior one third.These bacteria can be found on the surface of the tongue, throat, teeth, and periodontal pockets in the gums.

Tongue and Throat Collect Bacteria
Saliva from nearby glands drips down on the posterior region of the tongue, which is full of irregularities where bacteria love to hide. The anaerobic bacteria (bacteria which thrive without oxygen) break down specific components (amino acids) of the saliva, creating certain gases or VSCs. These VSCs have been implicated as a major contributing factor to halitosis.If your Tongue has a white coating, this is evidence of excessive anaerobic bacteria buildup.

Medications
One of the most common side effects of thousands of medications is dry mouth (xerostomia). Bacteria tend to thrive in this environment.

Dry Mouth /Mouth Breathing
Mouth breathing during sleep dries the mouth, creating the dreaded 'morning breath'. Other causes of dry mouth include medications, exercise, dieting, alcohol or alcohol based mouth rinses, smoking.Other contributing oral factors of halitosis include inflammatory conditions, oral cancer, oral candidiasis,etc.

Systemic Conditions
While the oral cavity is by far the most common source of bad breath, systemic conditions can also be responsible for this condition. Nasal and sinus problems, including foreign bodies inserted in the nose and neglected for a period of time, can be a cause. Repetitive tonsillar infections, infections of the oropharynx, pulmonary diseases (such as bronchitis and pneumonia), and gastrointestinal problems are all possible contributing factors. Certain systemic diseases produce particular odours. A few of these relationships include liver failure producing a rotten egg smell, diabetes producing a sweet smell, intestinal dysfunction producing heavy sour breath, and scarlet or typhoid fever producing a musty smell.

Diet
Many foods (ie: Dairy) contribute to the ability of bacteria to create VLCs.Very spicy foods, such as onions and garlic, and coffee may be detected on a person's breath for up to 72 hours after digestion. Onions, for example, are absorbed by the stomach and the odor is then excreted through the lungs. Studies even have shown that garlic rubbed on the soles of the feet can show up on the breath.
Acids in foods such as coffee decrease oxygenation and can cause this bacteria to thrive.

Copyright © 1998-2006 Dr.Rajiv S. Khosla All rights reserved

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