Saturday, July 08, 2006
Bad breath: Please keep your mouth shut
By Henrylito D. Tacio
FOR many centuries bad breath has torn thousands of relationships apart and drove many a people to a life of solitude. With the advent of hundreds of products dedicated to mouth care -- from toothpaste to mouthwashes -- it remains to be a wonder why bad breath continues to run rampant in this modern age.
What causes bad breath? "Microorganisms living in our mouth indirectly cause many instances of the bad breath," says the American Dental Association (ADA).
"While these microorganisms are beneficial in breaking down the protein in food particles, foul-smelling gases are released as by-products during this process."
What you're eating also contributes to how your mouth smells. Eating certain foods such as garlic and onions can affect the odor of the air you are exhaling. Once the food is absorbed into the bloodstream, it is transferred to the lungs, where it is expelled.
Brushing, flossing and mouthwash will only mask the odor temporarily. Odors continue until the body eliminates the food. Smoking, chewing tobacco, drinking alcohol and anything else that dries the mouth can also promote bad breath. Certain medications, including antihistamines and some antidepressants, also can cause dry mouth.
Bad breath can also be caused by dry mouth, which occurs when the flow of saliva decreases. Saliva is necessary to cleanse the mouth and remove particles that may cause odor. Dry mouth may be caused by various medications, salivary gland problems, or continuously breathing through the mouth.
Bad breath may be the sign of a medical disorder, such as a local infection in the respiratory tract, gum disease, chronic sinusitis, postnasal drip, chronic bronchitis, diabetes, gastrointestinal disturbance, liver or kidney ailment.
For instance, one of the warning signs of gum disease is persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth. Gum disease is caused by plaque, the sticky, colorless film of bacteria that constantly forms on teeth. The bacteria create toxins that irritate the gums. In the advanced stage of the disease, the gums, bone and other structures that support the teeth become damaged.
Here are few things you can do to kiss that nasty halitosis goodbye:
* Don't dine with the garlic family. Garlic-spiced foods linger long after the party's over. Aside from garlic, other foods that must be shunned include onions and hot peppers.
* Avoid cheese before the big event. If you are going to have a date or an interview, keep away from cheese and other dairy products as they get fermented by the bacteria found in the mouth.
* Carry a toothbrush.
* Rinse your mouth out. If you forget to bring your toothbrush, you can at the very least rinse your mouth with plain water.
* Brush your tongue. This is the most overlooked way of eliminating bad breath.
* Stick with water. Avoid the following: beer, whiskey, and wine.
* Chew a mint or some gum.
* Clean your dentures. Since dentures can absorb odors in the mouth, brush them regularly. Another way is to dip your dentures into oxidizing liquids (made by dissolving an oxidizing tablet available in supermarkets in water) and leaving the dentures for a few hours each time.
When bad breath continues despite your best efforts to remedy it, your problem may be more than just going a little too heavy on the garlic. It can be a warning sign of a serious medical condition.
For comments, write me at tasyo2002@yahoo.com.
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