Disease, Illness and Condition Library
Lately Bob has having lunch at a new restaurant that recently opened right around the corner from his office. The food is affordably priced, gives him much needed energy, but is heavy in some type of very tasty seasoning, which he believes to be garlic. He recently read that garlic boosts immune system function, so this makes his new found restaurant even more appealing. But once Bob returns to the office he is noticing a difference in the way the other employees are reacting to him. In fact, at last weeks sales meeting no one took the chair next to Bob for the first time ever. Jane decided to stand, saying something about sitting too long. Could they just be angry that he hasn’t asked them to lunch, could it be his new deodorant, or could it be too much cologne? These are questions Bob has been asking himself over the last few weeks. Finally Bob had had enough, and decides to ask his friend Howard. When asked, Howard sheepishly told Bob it was his breath, and many in the office were hoping he would notice and take steps to correct his halitosis.
What are the causes? Remember when your dentist told you to brush and floss everyday to avoid cavities? I’m sure you do. There are many causes of bad breath but poor dental hygiene is the most common. While developing good dental health will help with bad breath, it may not solve the problem; there may be other potential causes. Additional cause of bad breath: * Respiratory tract infections * Smoking * Constipation * Liver problems * Colon problems * Gum disease * Kidney problems * Improper diet * Diabetes * Alcohol abuse * Dehydration Morning breath is something most of us experience on a daily basis. We are constantly reminded that we need help with this condition by television commercials and print advertisements. The fact is that morning halitosis results from dehydration and a bacteria buildup due to saliva reduction; saliva is necessary to wash away bacteria in the mouth. Dieting is another common cause of bad breath. Those who are dieting or fasting may notice a change in their breath due to lack of food. Too little food causes the body to break down stored fat and protein for energy; metabolic wastes resulting from this process have an unpleasant odor as they are exhaled from the lungs. Individual Herbs for Bad Breath Herbs have grown in popularity over the past ten years due to their lack of side effects and easier access. Not so long ago, if you weren’t lucky enough to have an herbalist in your neighborhood, you might have had difficulty acquiring herbs. Now with their benefits being embraced by many major retailers they have become readily assessable. Golden Seal – Gum disease is one of the main causes of bad breath. If infection is present place alcohol free golden seal extract on a small piece of cotton and place the cotton over infected gums or mouth sores. Do this for two hours a day for three days. This should quickly heal the infected parts. Myrrh – Use myrrh to brush and rinse. Other breath freshening herbs include peppermint, rosemary, and sage. Alfalfa – Bad breath sometimes begins in the blood stream and colon. The chlorophyll contained in alfalfa works as a natural blood and colon cleanser. Parsley – While raw parsley may not be the greatest tasting snack, chewing a sprig after a meal should help with bad breath. Parsley contains chlorophyll as well. Additional halitosis fighting herbs include: cloves, fennel, and anise. Bad Breath Tips * Drink plenty of water. Dehydration is right at the top of the list of common halitosis causes. * Replace your toothbrush monthly or invest in a toothbrush sterilization kit. Your toothbrush may be harboring large amounts of bad breath causing bacteria. * Avoid foods that get stuck between your teeth or cause tooth decay. Sticky sweets would be one type of food that comes to mind. * Floss, Floss and Floss; if you haven’t flossed for a while take a sniff of your used dental floss. That is the odor others smell! * Keep the bacteria party on your tongue under control. Use a tongue scraper to help remove dead cells and bacteria from your tongue. * Brush your teeth and tongue after every meal * Avoid foods that can cause mouth odor such as garlic, blue cheese, anchovies, sardines, salami, and tuna. Some of these foods leave oils in the mouth that produce mouth odor for up to 24 hours. * Light on the beer, coffee, whisky and wine; This fearsome foursome leave residue on your teeth which can work its way into the digestive system. Each exhalation releases their odor back into the air. * Brush with baking soda. Baking soda naturally absorbs odor. The downside is it is a very abrasive substance which can remove enamel. Check with your dentist to see if this is a good option for you. Natural Supplements for Bad Breath (Halitosis) |
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