Bust Up Bad Breath

Most of us have bad breath at one time or another. We all wake up with "morning breath" it's just a fact of life. There is really no way to alleviate that unless you just don't sleep...ok, that's not a good idea!

Studies show that 90% of bad breath comes from the mouth, usually from the back of your tongue and from bacteria in between your teeth. The bacteria produces sulfur compounds, which in turn, causes the "rotten egg" odor.

Brushing your teeth, at least twice a day (three times is better), and flossing daily will naturally help remove the bacteria. Be sure to brush the back of your tongue, also.

When you floss, notice the amount of food that comes out...that is what causes the bacteria growth.

Halitosis, or chronic bad breath, can be caused from a diet that is high in proteins, poor dental hygiene, dry mouth or some type of medical condition.

How does your diet cause bad breath?

Eating a diet high in proteins and less carbohydrates causes your body to produce ketones. Ketones give your breath a foul smelling odor.

We all know about onion and garlic breath. This happens because the odor causing chemicals in onions and garlic are digested in your bloostream. The blood flows back into your lungs for oxygen. Then as you exhale it smells foul. Until it is eliminated from your body it will affect your breath. You can use mints or gum to cover it up, but they won't completely eliminate it.

Also, coffee and tobacco products will give your breath an unpleasant odor.

How does poor dental hygiene affect your breath?

A build-up of plague means that bacteria from food debis is sitting around on your teeth. (This was discussed earlier) It must be removed by regular flossing, brushing and visits to your dentist. Bad odors can come from unfilled cavities or gum disiease. These give bacteria a place to hang out and grow.

A dry mouth causes odors to form.

Your saliva helps to clean the food particles from your mouth, so when your mouth is dry odors form. Drinking plenty of water naturally helps your breath by stimulating the saliva glands. Eating more fiber will contibute to this, also.

Sometimes taking decongestants, antihistimines, muscles relaxers, antidepressants, diurectics or other blood pressure medications can cause dry mouth and produce odors. Drinking extra water will help with this.

How do medical conditions cause bad breath?

Respiratory infections, such as sinusitis, post-nasal drip or bronchitis can affect your breath. In addition, a gastrointestinal disorder, liver or kidney problems can contibute to bad breath. These conditions would need to be determined by your physician.

Let's look at some natural Home Remedies that will help cure your bad breath:

* Rinse your mouth with water mixed with pure lemon juice.

* Use hydrogen peroxide as a mouthwash daily. Be sure to swish it around in your mouth thoroughly and gargle for a few seconds. This will foam up in your mouth, which means the oxidizing and anti-microbial properties are at work! Spit out as much as you can, then rinse with water. Your mouth will feel refreshed.

FYI: Always avoid mouthwashes with high concentrations of alcohol.

* Brushing your teeth with baking soda helps prevent the growth of bacteria in your mouth. Adding a little peroxide will give an added benefit.

* Eat parsley after a meal. It has natural properties that freshen the breath. Many fine restaurants will place a piece of parsley on your plate; it's not only for decoration!

* Cloves will help prevent sulfur producing bacteria that cause bad breath.

* Fresh mint will help alleviate a foul odor in the mouth.

As always, some remedies work better than others. Try them all and see which works best for you. I believe that you will be able to find a few that you can't live without!