Eliminate Bad Breath

Halitosis (bad breath) is a common disorder , often affecting everyone at one time or another. DEFINITION Halitosis is an unpleasant odour in the breath . SYMPTOMS Stale or offensive odour to breath . Unpleasant taste in mouth . Dry mouth . CAUSES Poor dental hygiene. Consumption of garlic, onions, peppers, or other strong foods. Dentures. Braces. Food particles lodged between teeth or in gums. Sinus infection. Cold, flu or virus.

Prescription and non-prescription medications, particularly those which dry the mouth, such as antihistamines, motion sickness medications, diuretics, high blood pressure medications, cancer drugs and angina pills.

Periodontitis, gingivitis and other mouth disorders.

Coffee and tea consumption.

TREATMENTS

Most cases of halitosis are self-limiting and easily treatable. Chronic bad breath that does not respond to treatment warrants a trip to your family physician. There are some disorders, including kidney disease, diabetes and lung infections which cause chronic halitosis.

BRUSH teeth several times a day, especially after eating. Food which lodges in between teeth begins to ferment, leading to bad breath.

FLOSS often to remove debris from teeth and gums.

KEEP the mouth moist by chewing sugarless gum or sucking on hard candy.

DRINK at least 8-glasses of water a day to help remove debris from mouth and keep your body chemistry balanced.

  USE mouthwashes and sprays to freshen breathe between meals and brushings.

USE deodorant mouth treatments which contain "chlorophyll," which absorbs odours and kill bacteria.

MEDICATED mouthwashes also destroy bacteria, limiting offensive odours.

FOLLOW brushings and flossings with a tongue scraping. This can be done with a common toothbrush or specially made plastic or wooden scraper.

MAKE charcoal pills a regular part of your diet. Activated charcoal works from the inside out, absorbing and controlling odours, including bad breath. Take activated charcoal tablets at least two hours before or one hour after medications. Charcoal can be taken