Thursday, August 31, 2006

Tonsils Causing Bad Breath

Tonsils Causing Bad Breath

Bad breath, also known medically as halitosis, is a condition that most people suffer from at one time or another. It is caused by a number of factors, but most are associated to the increase of bacteria present in the mouth that produces the so-called “volatile sulfur compounds” where the stinky smell comes from.

One of the most commonly known causes of bad breath is tonsil stones. This is basically where the idea on “tonsils causing bad breath” originates. Well, according to some studies, bad breath is produced when tonsils hold a mass of bacteria on its place. The tonsil stones, also known as tonsilloliths, are characterized by nasty yellowish and whitish colored lumps on the tonsils that smell like hell. These tonsils causing bad breath are caused by the buildup of the bacteria capable of producing volatile sulfur compounds as well as debris that becomes trapped and lodged in the tonsils. The debris, as what most medical studies have shown, may include mucus that drips and purifies in the back of your throat due to post nasal drip. This mucus that forms out of post nasal drip is known as tonsil crypts.

The tonsils causing bad breath may appear small on the surface of your tonsils. They are yellowish and whitish in color and may not be removed by any simple teeth and mouth cleaner. These tonsils causing bad breath may also appear to be extremely inflamed and typically form pockets of pus in the tonsillar crypts. It is this condition that causes an extreme soar throat that is often accompanied by vomiting and fever.

What is more important to know about tonsils causing bad breath is that when the formed pockets of pus are not treated as soon as possible, chances are bad breath may become chronic. Worst of all, the tonsils causing bad breath may create certain infection on the tonsils itself that is often followed by a rheumatic fever. This condition, according to some medical studies, can damage the heart. Because of this, people who are affected by chronic tonsils causing breath are strongly advised to see a doctor and obtain a diagnosis. An antibiotic may be given to you in case of severe tonsil infection.

Tonsils causing bad breath

Natural Gum Disease Remedies

Gum disease otherwise known as periodontal disease is not a pleasurable experience. Although some specific forms of gum diseases are not painful and do not inhibit any signs or symptoms until the disease is on its advanced phase. It is important to avoid gum disease, because not only does the disease ruin the beautiful smile on your face, it also can bring complications like heart disease.
Gum disease is the inflammation and infection of the gums, the connecting fiber that supports and surrounds the teeth, and the bone of the teeth. Gum disease is one of the leading causes of loss of tooth among adults over 30. Gum disease is commonly caused by bacterial plaque. Bacterial plaque is a sticky, colorless substance that forms on the teeth. If the bacterial plaque on the teeth is not removed by way of brushing or flossing the teeth, it will accumulate and hardens into substance called calculus or more known as tartar.

The good news is that, if the gum disease is detected on its early stage, it can be treated and reversed. There are lots and lots of natural gum disease remedies readily available. Using natural gum disease remedies will not only give fast healing process, it will also provide better oral health care. Vitamin C is one of the good natural gum disease remedies found today. Vitamin C is popularly known as an antioxidant. Antioxidants help repair the connective fibers and hasten the regeneration of the bone or bones that were damaged by the gum disease. Individuals who are vitamin C deficient are known to have high probability to experience gum disease.

Also one of the best natural gum disease remedies known today is tea tree oil gel. Tea tree oil gel is proven to be effective against severe chronic gingivitis (a mild form of gum disease). Tea tree oil gel is effective in reducing the degree of gum bleeding and gingivitis. Cranberry juice is also one of the natural gum disease remedies. Cranberry juice prevents the bacteria from sticking to the teeth, thus, reducing the build up of plaque.

Vitamin D is also one of the best natural gum disease remedies easily available. Vitamin D is known to have anti-inflammatory effects hereby reducing or minimizing the susceptibility to gum disease. Researchers found out that individuals who have high vitamin D levels in their blood are less apt to experience bleeding in their gums during gum probing. Vitamin D is the most readily available natural gum disease remedies because sunlight is the most abundant source of vitamin D. Experts recommend 10 to 15 minutes of sun exposure must be done two times a week to have sufficient amount of vitamin D in the blood level.

Always remember that prevention is the always the best cure. Exercise regular oral hygiene routine to have and maintain a healthy and gum disease free smile.

Wednesday, August 30, 2006

What are Gum Diseases and How to Stop Them

Gum diseases, also referred to as periodontal diseases, are infections in the tissues and bones that surround and hold up the teeth. Bacteria found in plaque, a sticky clear substance that builds up and hardens on teeth surface, mainly cause gum diseases.

There are several cases of gum diseases, the mildest of which is gingivitis. A person with gingivitis has red or inflamed gums, which bleed easily. Good oral hygiene is the first defense against gingivitis or any other gum diseases. Going to your dentist regularly is another way to prevent and treat this disease.

When gingivitis is not treated, it can lead to a more severe infection called periodontitis.

Periodontitis damages the teeth’s supporting bones and tissues, creating gaps between teeth and gums and eventually causing tooth loss.

While bacteria in plaque are the primary cause of gum diseases, other contributing factors are smoking and stress, both of which decreases the body’s ability to stave off infection.

Persons with diabetes and other diseases that weaken the body’s immune system are also at a high risk of developing gum diseases. Lack of proper nutrition can worsen this condition. Hormonal changes such as during puberty, pregnancy and menopause may also make a person vulnerable to this kind of infection. In some cases, gum diseases are genetic and early detection is usually the best way of prevention and treatment.

The following are symptoms of gum diseases: mouth pains, frequent gum bleeding, gum swelling, mouth sores, pus in between gums and teeth, bad breath, sensitive teeth, loose teeth and receding gums. If you have any of these symptoms, consult your dentist immediately.

If it is determined that you have gum disease or periodontal disease, the next best step would be to seek treatment from a periodontist or a specialist in this condition. A periodontist will be able to tell you if you should proceed with non-surgical or surgical treatment.

Usually, the first step to treating gum diseases is a procedure called scaling which involves removing plaque and tartar in between teeth and gums all the way to the roots.
Root planing is another way to smooth the surface of the roots. These methods are usually enough to get rid of the problem but if your condition persists, surgery is another option. Surgical treatment may include flap surgery where gum tissue is pulled back to clean the roots completely, grafts to replace destroyed tissues and bones, and other procedures that stimulate tissue and bone growth.

Prevent gum diseases by brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing and visiting your dentist regularly. These simple reminders are the key to keeping your gums healthy and your teeth intact.

Tuesday, August 29, 2006

Causes of Bad Breath

Causes of Bad Breath

There are many myths and rumors about the causes of bad breath. From underlying medical conditions to teeth cavities to decaying food particles left in the mouth. Although all these can be considered as causes of bad breath, the real cause could be traced back to one single culprit – bacteria, or more precisely, the anaerobic sulfur producing bacteria that normally live in our mouths.

These bacteria make their homes in the surface of the tongue and in the throat where they are responsible for assisting us in digestion. They help by breaking down proteins found in certain specific foods, mucous or phlegm, blood, and in diseased or “broken down” oral tissue.

When certain conditions identified as the causes of bad breath are present, these bacteria break down proteins at a much higher rate than normal. This also means that they release higher levels of waste products than normal.

The proteins in foods contain two major amino acid components – cysteine and methionine. Both of these amino acids are dense with sulfur, an extremely odorous substance. When bacteria metabolizes proteins, these sulfur components of amino acids are released as Hydrogen Sulfide, Methyl Mercaptan, and other odorous bad tasting compounds. Together, these compounds which are the causes of bad breath are known as volatile sulfur compounds.

Now, one thing you should know about these bacterial causes of bad breath is that they are anaerobic, which literally means “without oxygen.” In other words, they thrive in places where the environment contains ZERO oxygen.

You might ask why bacteria that supposedly live without oxygen could survive in the mouth where oxygen can flow freely through. Well, for the simple reason that these bacteria are smart little critters. Smart in the sense that they don’t exactly expose themselves to the oxygen-rich parts of the mouth and instead choose to hide in places where oxygen couldn’t get to them.

And where are these places? The back of your tongue, under layers of plaque, beneath food debris, and other such convenient hiding places.

So if you are wondering why you still have bad breath even though you regularly scrape your tongue and use mouthwash, then wonder no more. These bacterial causes of bad breath don’t live on the surface of your tongue. Instead, they live in between the papillae located in the back of your tongue where oxygen couldn’t get to them.

In addition, mouthwash does not normally get rid of these bacterial causes of bad breath. And make no mistake that having these bacteria in your mouth is a normal occurrence. Everyone has some type of bacterial flora in the mouth, since, as already mentioned, these microorganisms actually help in digestion. They only become a problem when these bacteria go on overdrive and release more volatile sulfur compounds, causing bad breath to be expelled.


Causes of Bad Breath

Sunday, August 27, 2006

Home Remedies for Curing Bad Breath

Home Remedies for Curing Bad Breath


Who would want to have bad breath or halitosis? I don’t think anybody would want to have bad breath. Unfortunately, no matter how much we hated to have one if we do not take good care our oral and dental health, it is possible that we can have bad breath. But, do not think that proper oral and dental hygiene is the only reason for your bad breath. Of course not! There are several factors that can affect the odor of your precious mouth. Whatever the reasons maybe for your bad breath condition, it has to be cured. Before you buy any over the counter remedies, try and see if home remedies for curing bad breath work for you.

Curing bad breath need not to be expensive. There are lots home remedies for curing bad breath that you can take advantage of. These home remedies for curing bad breath may or may not work for you, but there are halitosis sufferers who are cured from these home remedies.

Some of the home remedies for curing bad breath that might solve your problem include:

  • Brushing your teeth properly and regularly. Brushing your teeth is best done in the morning, every after meal, and before bead time. Don’t forget also to include brushing your tongue every time you brush your teeth. In doing so, you will fresh health teeth and gums, not to mention fresh breath.
  • Flossing can help remover the deep seated food particles in between your teeth. These food particles if not taken will form into plaque and become the breeding ground of odor-causing bacteria. Dental floss should be one of your “tools” in your oral and dental kit.
  • You may use mouthwash, but avoid those that have alcohol and dyes.
  • Chewing mint leaves will give you fresh breath, especially after eating certain foods that give odor to your mouth like raw onions and garlic. This might give you temporary relief, still it helps remove bad odor in your mouth.
  • Gargle with a cup of lukewarm water mixed with baking soda.
  • Chew and entire clove or keep it in your mouth if you find it too spicy. It’s good for bad breath.
  • Dip your tooth brush into baking soda and brush your teeth using it as your toothpaste. After that, you can brush again your teeth with toothpaste this time to give your breath fresh scent. This is best done in the morning and in the evening before bed time.
  • Gargle a cup of lukewarm water mixed with salt or half a lemon juice. This is also best done before going to bed.
  • Tea tree oil can also be used as your toothpaste or mouthwash. Put a few drops of tea tree oil on your toothbrush alone or top it with toothpaste, and then brush your teeth. You can use it as a mouthwash to help keep your gums healthy. Tea tree oil can also cure gum disease, which is possibly the cause of your bad breath. You can even soak your dental floss in tea tree oil.

Keeping your mouth smelling fresh and healthy will take a lot of effort, especially if you already have bad breath. Try and use any of the home remedies for curing bad breath listed above. Some works to other bad breath sufferers, they might work for you, too.

Home Remedies for Curing Bad Breath

Causes of Bad Breath

Causes of Bad Breath

There are many myths and rumors about the causes of bad breath. From underlying medical conditions to teeth cavities to decaying food particles left in the mouth. Although all these can be considered as causes of bad breath, the real cause could be traced back to one single culprit – bacteria, or more precisely, the anaerobic sulfur producing bacteria that normally live in our mouths.

These bacteria make their homes in the surface of the tongue and in the throat where they are responsible for assisting us in digestion. They help by breaking down proteins found in certain specific foods, mucous or phlegm, blood, and in diseased or “broken down” oral tissue.

When certain conditions identified as the causes of bad breath are present, these bacteria break down proteins at a much higher rate than normal. This also means that they release higher levels of waste products than normal.

The proteins in foods contain two major amino acid components – cysteine and methionine. Both of these amino acids are dense with sulfur, an extremely odorous substance. When bacteria metabolizes proteins, these sulfur components of amino acids are released as Hydrogen Sulfide, Methyl Mercaptan, and other odorous bad tasting compounds. Together, these compounds which are the causes of bad breath are known as volatile sulfur compounds.

Now, one thing you should know about these bacterial causes of bad breath is that they are anaerobic, which literally means “without oxygen.” In other words, they thrive in places where the environment contains ZERO oxygen.

You might ask why bacteria that supposedly live without oxygen could survive in the mouth where oxygen can flow freely through. Well, for the simple reason that these bacteria are smart little critters. Smart in the sense that they don’t exactly expose themselves to the oxygen-rich parts of the mouth and instead choose to hide in places where oxygen couldn’t get to them.

And where are these places? The back of your tongue, under layers of plaque, beneath food debris, and other such convenient hiding places.

So if you are wondering why you still have bad breath even though you regularly scrape your tongue and use mouthwash, then wonder no more. These bacterial causes of bad breath don’t live on the surface of your tongue. Instead, they live in between the papillae located in the back of your tongue where oxygen couldn’t get to them.

In addition, mouthwash does not normally get rid of these bacterial causes of bad breath. And make no mistake that having these bacteria in your mouth is a normal occurrence. Everyone has some type of bacterial flora in the mouth, since, as already mentioned, these microorganisms actually help in digestion. They only become a problem when these bacteria go on overdrive and release more volatile sulfur compounds, causing bad breath to be expelled.

Causes of Bad Breath

Friday, August 25, 2006

Get Rid of Bad Breath

Get Rid of Bad Breath

What causes bad breath? There are many rumors surrounding this embarrassing condition. Some people believe the odor comes from the mouth while others suppose that it must come from somewhere in the gastrointestinal tract.

Well, let the rumors be dispelled right now, as air can only escape from the esophagus in the form of the occasional burp. So unless you burp more often than normal, the cause of your bad breath may just come from something in your mouth.

While it is true that some forms of chronic bad breath may actually be caused by an underlying physical illness affecting the gastrointestinal tract, most bad breath cases are caused by bad oral hygiene. This goes without saying that one effective way to get rid of bad breath is to brush and floss your teeth and clean your mouth often.

In addition to practicing good oral hygiene, there are also certain steps you can take to get rid of bad breath. Below are just some of these steps:

Watch the Food You Eat

More often than not, the cause of temporary bad breath is the foods you eat. For instance, you may have eaten a meal and then suffered embarrassing bad breath later. You can blame the garlic, cabbage, or onions contained in your foods as these are rich in sulfur compounds which cause bad odor.

To get rid of bad breath caused by foods you ate, it is necessary to brush your teeth thoroughly after eating these kinds of foods. Or you can minimize your intake of these foods. You may also get rid of bad breath by using a good mouthwash but note that these liquid washes are only good for masking the odor. They do not really get rid of bad breath; at least not in the permanent sense.

Bacteria

Bacteria are also another cause of bad breath. Over 170 different types of bacteria live in the mouth. It’s no surprise really considering how bacteria love damp places and your mouth certainly is conducive to bacterial flora.

Now, if you do not brush your teeth after a meal, the bits of food left in your mouth become a virtual “feast” for these living bacteria. And in the process of metabolizing these, these bacteria produce volatile sulfur compounds which are extremely odorous.

To get rid of bad breath, you therefore need to remove these bacteria from your mouth. How? Well, take the fact that these bacteria are mostly anaerobic, meaning they cannot live in the presence of oxygen. In fact, the only way they even manage to survive in your mouth where oxygen passes through often is if they hide themselves behind plaque and food debris. If you get rid of these – plaque and food debris – then you get rid of bad breath.

Get Rid of Bad Breath

Thursday, August 24, 2006

Bad Breath


Bad Breath

Bad breath, or halitosis, is a condition that is most often a source of embarrassment for the person affected. Yet, not many people with bad breath are even aware that they have this problem.

So how do you know if you have this problem?

A person can’t be expected to know right away that they have this problem. However, there are certain factors that may cause bad breath. To save yourself from embarrassment, watch out for these.

Food

Bad breath emanates from the mouth. It, therefore, makes sense that the first thing you should look into is your mouth – or more precisely, what you place in it.

The foods that you eat could affect how your breath smells. For instance, foods like garlic and onions are known to be highly aromatic and can contribute to objectionable odor in your breath. Some food leftovers will remain in your mouth, in the back of your tongue or in your saliva, and this could lead to bad breath. Additionally, after the food is absorbed in your bloodstream, they could be transferred to the lungs where their residual odor is expelled through the breath.

Brushing and flossing every after meal should solve the problem of bad smelling breath due to the foods that you eat. Mouthwash will also kill of bacteria and mask the odor temporarily.

Dry Mouth

The condition is known as xerostomia and it occurs when the flow of saliva decreases. Your saliva is not only useful for digestion but it also helps cleanse your mouth of food particles that may cause odor. If, for some reason, your mouth experiences a decrease in supply of saliva, the result is dry mouth which in turn will lead to development of bad breath.

Dry mouth may be caused by taking certain medications or problems with the salivary glands (responsible for secreting saliva). Increasing fluid intake should help solve this problem, just as sugarless candy and artificial saliva which your dentist may suggest.

Tobacco

Smoking is a major source of bad odor in the mouth. Not only cigarettes but all tobacco products may cause bad breath. Ask your dentist for some tips on how to prevent bad odor due to tobacco. He may suggest a particular type of mouthwash that would mask the odor. However, if you really want to get rid of bad breath, consider kicking the habit entirely.


If even after learning to avoid these factors and following all suggested treatments you still have bad breath, then perhaps it’s time for you to go see your dentist. If it is an oral condition, then he or she should be able to come up with a plan to treat it. Sometimes, however, bad breath may be a sign of a medical disorder. It may be caused by an infection in the respiratory tract, chronic sinusitis, and other ailments.

Bad Breath