Bacteria cause of bad breath

Saliva keeps bad breath at bay because it is rich in oxygen. The bacteria that lead to symptoms of bad breath are anaerobic bacteria, meaning they live in an environment that does not have oxygen. When you have a dry mouth you're creating an environment that is more similar to their home, one that has little oxygen. So the bacteria thrive, and so does bad breath.

Excess bacteria in your mouth have now been found to cause more than tooth decay, gingivitis or gum disease. So, you need to know, even though you might not have gingivitis, how to control these plaque-building bacteria in your mouth.

Bacteria that create gingivitis live in your plaque and cause your gums to inflame, bleed, and separate from your teeth. You can also have bad breath when you have gingivitis. In more severe cases, your gums become sore, teeth hurt, gums recede, and teeth loosen.

Certain foods that are high in protein like meat, and for those who are lactose intolerant, dairy. If you don't digest dairy products well, the bacteria have more of a chance to digest the proteins in milk and produce the volatile sulfur compounds that result in bad breath. Similarly, if you don't floss after a meal, especially if you've eaten meat, the bacteria in your mouth have ample time to break down the meat proteins stuck between your teeth. Inorder to stop bad breath and bacteria in your mouth, brush your teeth when you wake up in the morning and going to bed.

Bad breath and low carb diet

Bad breath is one of the biggest side effects of a low carb diet. Many times bad breath will occur during the breakdown of certain food particles which have sulphur components. Foods that are high in protein will produce large amounts of sulphur compounds particularly at night when there is less saliva to wash away these components. Bacteria found on the tongue and gums are another culprit. Therefore we should brush our teeth regularly or drink a lot of waterespecial after our meal.

bad breath relief : Stop Bad Breath

Most bad breath problems begin in the mouth, and are a result of poor dental hygiene. Persistent bad odor from the mouth is indicative of the presence of bacteria that coat the teeth and gums. Food particles lodged in the cavities and back of the tongue decay and release sulfur compounds, which cause of bad breath. In order to stop bad breath, one must follow a proper cleaning regimen that includes brushing regularly, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash.

Brushing the teeth, gums, and tongue is recommended after every meal, to prevent the buildup of bacteria which feed on decaying food particles. Several types of toothpaste are available in the market today, ranging from regular toothpaste to brands that provide extra care for sensitive gums and teeth. Many dentists suggest the use of fluoride-based toothpaste, as fluoride is a poison that kills bacteria.

Brushing dentures with ordinary toothpaste can result in discoloration and scratches on the surface. It is therefore essential to clean them with either soap or lukewarm water, or specially manufactured denture creams and brushes. It is also advisable to thoroughly clean the area that fits against the gums and teeth. This will prevent plaque buildup on the dentures and keep them fresh and clean.

Mouthwashes tend to disguise bad breath instead of curing or preventing it. In fact, some conventional mouthwashes leave our mouth dry and thereby make it more hospitable to bacteria. Chlorine-dioxide-based mouthwashes are the latest in bad breath prevention. These mouthwashes attack the sulfur compounds responsible for bad odor. The simplest way to rinse the mouth, dislodge food particles, and stimulate saliva flow is by drinking water.

For those who cannot brush after meals or snacks, chewing sugarless gum is advised. The chewing action prevents the mouth from becoming dry by stimulating saliva flow, which in turn cleans the mouth and dissolves sulfur compounds.

By Kent Pinkerton

bad breath relief : A Few Words on Bad Breath

Did it ever cross your mind that your breath might be as stinky as the breath of the person that you met yesterday morning in the bus - while you where heading to your office? He probably didn’t know that he was the reason why you changed seat; if something similar had happened to you, would you recognize that the real reason was your awful breath? Well, it turns out that sometimes we need to learn from the daily lessons that others give us; bad breath is a very good example.

So, let’s talk a little bit about bad breath. What is it? Where does it really come from? Can you do something about it? Answers to questions like the previous ones and many other will be given in the following article.

First things first: Where does bad breath really come from? Some of us believe that it is because we have a bad stomach. Others think that it is because they haven’t eaten something all day long. Well, those can be potential reasons to have a stinky breath but the real reason behind bad breath are those nasty, little monsters inside our mouth, the bacteria!

It is an absolute truth that by the moment you are reading this, there might be millions of bacteria living inside your mouth. Do they all cause a bad breath? Definitely No! Then, what can one do in order to eliminate bad breath? Well, there are a few things you can try; here is a list.

Remember to always brush your teeth after a meal. If what I’m asking is too much for you, try to at least wash your mouth before you go to sleep and after you have woken up.

When brushing your teeth, don’t forget to also clear the back of your tongue. Your tongue can carry a really disgusting odor if you don’t treat it well.

Try to drink more water; it helps both your mouth and your organism.

Practice chewing a sugarless chew gum.

If the above don’t help, you can buy special mouthwashes dedicated to solving this problem. You will easily find them in any pharmacy or supermarket.

If none of the above helps, you should definitely visit your doctor. If a tooth is hurting you, you should visit your dentist. This will not only relief you from the pain but you might also discover that the reason of your bad breath was a bad tooth!

by John Gibb

bad breath relief : Simple Tips To Prevent Bad Breath

Bad breath simply comes and goes for some people. Perhaps we only wake up with bad breath in the morning. Or eating certain foods, like onion or pizza. These are more obvious triggers for bad breath. But the bacteria that release the volatile sulfur compounds of bad breath find a great breeding ground in tongues that are coated or lined with cracks. Mucous and phlegm also contain proteins, and these bacteria exist to break down proteins. So if you suffer from phlegmatic nasal conditions, there's a good chance there is an associated increase in bad breath.

However, despite any existing conditions like fissured tongues or excess phlegm, that are more difficult to change, there are things we can avoid to minimize bad breath occurring.

What makes bad breath worse?

A dry mouth:
Saliva keeps bad breath at bay because it is rich in oxygen. The bacteria that lead to symptoms of bad breath are anaerobic bacteria, meaning they live in an environment that does not have oxygen. When you have a dry mouth you're creating an environment that is more similar to their 'home', one that has little oxygen. So the bacteria thrive, and so does bad breath.

This is a problem for people who sleep with their mouths open, in particular. Breathing through your mouth all night dries out your mouth so you wake up with less-than-pleasant morning breath.

Certain foods that are high in protein like meat, and for those who are lactose intolerant, dairy:
If you don't digest dairy products well, the bacteria have more of a chance to digest the proteins in milk and produce the volatile sulfur compounds that result in bad breath.

Not flossing:
Similarly, if you don't floss after a meal, especially if you've eaten meat, the bacteria in your mouth have ample time to break down the meat proteins stuck between your teeth.

Acidic foods and drinks like coffee:
Acidic foods and drinks create an environment in which bacteria will multiply faster

Alcohol:
Even if its in a mouthwash, alcohol will dry your mouth out, and then you have all the bad breath problems associated with a dry mouth

Sugar:
Sugar is food for bacteria. Enough said!! And this is why even mint flavored sugar products won't make your breath smell any better.

Toothpaste containing SLS, or sodium laureth sulfate:
SLS is a harsh chemical that damages the lining of the mouth, albeit on a microscopic level. In the lab, SLS is used to destabilize membranes, and make protein and fats soluble. That's why it has a 'soapy' or foaming effect. Because it is a soap, it has a drying effect in your mouth. This of course leads to bad breath. It has also been linked to canker sores, and many people who suffer from these have found relief by switching to a toothpaste that doesn't contain SLS.

By Rebecca Prescott

bad breath relief : Metallic Smell Bad Breath

Bad breath, or halitosis, usually smells like rotten eggs. Sometimes other unpleasant smells or odors may also be noticed. The cause could be traced back to sulfur compounds that are released as waste products by bacteria living inside the mouth. However, there are instances when metallic smell bad breath occurs. This unusual symptom could indicate that the individual is suffering from a condition other than simple bad breath.

How to Identify the Problem

Metallic smell bad breath is a rare symptom. Only very few people have metallic smelling breath and usually it is due to an underlying condition that may have caused unusual symptoms like metallic smell bad breath.

It should also be noted that persons who claim to have metallic smell bad breath may only describe the condition as such because their sense of smell is a little off, due to viral infection or some other cause. As such, metallic smell bad breath may well turn out to be illusory for these people. That’s why it is important to have a doctor confirm the symptom first.

There are many things that can cause a metallic taste in the mouth. But having a metallic taste in the mouth does not mean that the odor coming from the mouth is also metallic. Stated otherwise, you should not make the mistake of assuming that you have metallic smell bad breath if you experience a metallic taste in your mouth.

What Causes the Problem?

As previously mentioned, metallic smell bad breath may be due to an underlying condition that the individual is not quite aware of. For instance, stomach problems, such as heartburn, jaundice, metal poisoning, and other types of poisoning, has been known to cause a metal-like taste and create a metallic smell bad breath. Dental problems, many drugs, and pregnancy are also factors that could make a person prone to this condition.

If you have any of these problems, then you now have an idea where this metallic smelling breath comes from. But again, consult your doctor before making any assumptions about your condition. Getting a second opinion would not hurt either.

Treat the Problem

Since metallic smell bad breath is just a symptom of a completely different condition, solving the condition is the best treatment option you have for metallic smelling breath. But while undergoing treatment for the underlying problem, you can temporarily solve the malady of metallic smell bad breath by taking strong breath mints or other strong flavors that can overpower an unpleasant one. Lemon cloves and cinnamon are often very effective for temporary relief.

Furthermore, oral hygiene is a must, whether you have bad breath or not. There are over 170 different types of bacteria that thrive in your mouth, feeding on the leftover foods there. As they digest these foods, they release odorous substances that cause bad breath. By keeping your mouth and teeth clean, you minimize the population of bacteria in your mouth and cure bad breath.

By Milos Pesic

bad breath relief : Coated Tongue and Bad Breath

Look at yourself in the mirror and stick out your tongue - do you have a coated tongue and bad breath? Many people who suffer from bad breath (halitosis) have a visible white coating on the back of the tongue. Even if you don't see anything, you do have a coating, sometimes referred to as a biofilm, on your tongue made up of myriad different microscopic organisms, the remnants of food and body cells, and a noncellular matrix that holds it all together.

Some of the organisms living on your tongue are potential pathogens - organisms that can cause infection and halitosis, in fact, the tongue is the site of the greatest number of microorganisms living in the mouth. This is why it is so beneficial to use a tongue cleaner to remove the biofilm, particularly if you have a visibly coated tongue and bad breath. Studies have shown that regular physical removal of the coating brings about a significant reduction in numbers of pathogenic bacteria in the mouth, and in the degree of halitosis.

Physical tongue cleaning will be more effective against your bad breath coated tongue and oral microorganisms because the noncellular matrix of the biofilm actually protects the organisms within it from mouthwashes, natural immune cells and the cleaning action of saliva - think of a firm jelly-like substance enclosing everything in a thin impermeable layer. A good tongue cleaner or tongue scraper gets past the barrier of the matrix by just scraping it all away and alleviating the coated tongue and bad breath. Meanwhile, lower layers that become exposed will be vulnerable to antibacterial substances in the mouth such as saliva or mouthwash while the biofilm is reestablishing itself.

And it will reestablish itself - no tongue cleaner or antibacterial product will ever completely eradicate the unwelcome organisms in your mouth that are causing bad breath coated tongue and even periodontal disease. It is possible, however to keep the numbers of these organism down with a regular program of good oral hygiene including tongue scraping and the use of a mouthwash that targets the bacteria that cause a heavily coated tongue and bad breath.

By R. Drysdale

bad breath relief : Bad Breath and Allergies

Got bad breath and allergies at the same time? There’s nothing new with that. Bad breath and allergies are closely related in a way that the other is caused or triggered by the other. Yes, people who are suffering from allergies may tend to develop bad breath.

Let’s find out how bad breath and allergies are related.

Bad breath is in the first placed caused by the buildup of bacteria in the mouth. This too is caused by a number of factors, and one of the most common is dryness of the mouth.

According to some studies, a dry mouth serves as a perfect hub for the odor-causing bacteria. It is in this condition actually where bacteria causing bad breath thrive and grow in numbers. The bacteria typically settle on the side, back and top of the tongue, and the more their number is, the more intense the bad breath. Well, the connection between bad breath and allergies emerge as allergies can cause mouth dryness. The idea behind this is that people who are suffering from allergies may tend to intake medications that may temporarily leave a disgusting odor into the mouth. Most of the medications prescribed for allergies may also trigger dryness of the mouth, then creating a perfect environment for bacteria to thrive and proliferate. If this happens, bad breath no doubt occurs.

Several experts have further noted that bad breath and allergies in closely linked in a way that when a patient takes an anti-allergy medicine, chances are the medication may alter the saliva production. The less saliva you have, the dryer your mouth is. It is interesting to note and understand that our saliva typically contains oxygen which in turn keeps our mouth fresh and clean. Now, the production of saliva is altered due to certain anti-allergy medications, the more the oral bacteria develop. The bacteria are anaerobic, meaning they can’t thrive and produce volatile sulfur compounds that cause bad breath in the presence of oxygen. So when you have less saliva in your mouth, the lesser the oxygen is present, the creating an environment perfect for the odor-causing bacteria to buildup.

Another idea that may explain the connection between bad breath and allergies is the idea on post nasal drip. Post nasal drip is a said to be the formation of mucus into the back portion of the person’s tongue. This happens when an area in the person’s soft palate is opened and this is so common with people who have allergies. The mucus is actually the portions where the bacteria live, and when the mucus is discharge it creates a foul smell, and even a foul taste. Worse, the oral bacteria will feed upon the discharge, creating their own stinky waste products. This condition which is usually common among allergy patients is what adds problem to bad breath.

So that’s basically how bad breath and allergies are closely related. If you want to eliminate bad breath, the start eliminating allergies.

By Milos Pesic

bad breath relief : Bad Breath Cures

So you know that you have bad breath, and want to find a way to relieve it simply and quickly? The following bad breath cures work in the majority of cases, though if you have a really bad case or these cures make no difference, you should consult your physician.

Bad breath is associated with a dry mouth, so taking steps to not have such a dry mouth can reduce the smell.
- Make sure that you drink sufficient quantities of water so that you're not generally dehydrated.


- Dieting or missing can reduce saliva and dry the mouth, so be sure to eat at regular intervals.


- Chew on special sugar-free gum, to cause salivation.


- Don't drink excessive alcohol as that dries the mouth.


- Smoking dries the mouth, and is also bad for a number of other well known reasons.

Bad breath also has a component that comes from lack of hygiene.


- Teeth should be brushed after every meal Be sure to be thorough and remove all the food particles.


- While you're brushing your teeth, brush also the roof of your mouth and your tongue, using regular toothpaste, as this will help to clean adverse compounds.


- You should also floss between the teeth at least once a day, to dislodge any entrapped particles.

What you eat can cause troubles for various reasons.


- Eat a low-fat diet rich in fruits and vegetables.


- Avoid too much meat and protein, as the protein is fuel for the bacteria which cause bad breath.


- Avoid particular smelly foods, such as garlic and onions. When these get to the stomach, the smell transfers to the bloodstream, and the air you breath out picks up the smell from the lungs.

Visit your dentist to discuss the matter. Bad breath may be caused by dental problems, including gum disease (periodontal disease), and your dentist will be able to advise, and may save you more pain and expense in the long run. You should visit your dentist regularly, at least once every six months, for a regular checkup and cleaning. This will dig out the stubborn food particles that your brushing and flossing have missed.

You can use a mouthwash for temporary relief of the bad breath smell. Be aware, however, that many mouthwashes have alcohol content, which is detrimental. If you seek temporary relief by sucking a breath mint, like Altoids, you should also note that the high sugar content is a disadvantage.

By Peter Stewart