Bad Breath And Halitosis
by: Dr. Harold Katz
Did you know that there are specific foods that may lead to bad breath? This is because of volatile sulfur compounds - the culprit in causing bad breath!
For example, if food sits out too long it will spoil. That spoiling action is due to anaerobic bacteria breaking down proteins in that particular food. In milk, the odor of sour milk is caused by relatives of the bugs that create bad breath when they break down proteins in the milk (and basically in all dairy foods). A reaction takes place where ‘the bad breath bugs’ extract sulfur compounds from the amino acids in these proteins. Specifically, the amino acid Cysteine is converted to Hydrogen Sulfide (which has a rotten egg smell) and Methionine becomes Methyl Mercaptan (which smells like a cross between old socks and garlic). The same analogy applies to meat if it sits out too long.
Everyone knows that onions and garlic will create bad breath. But do you know why? It’s because the odorous molecules in onions and garlic are actually sulfur compounds themselves called Mercaptans. Sulfur is nature’s way of creating odors. You’re all familiar with the skunk. Its odor is created by a defense and/or attack mechanism. Skunk odor is made up of skatoles, which are naturally occurring sulfur compounds. In a similar fashion, bacteria in your mouth creates the volatile sulfur compounds of bad breath and taste disorders.
There are 4 food categories that will result in an increase of sulfur production because these categories have a stimulating affect on the bacteria that cause bad breath:
- Drying Agents
- Dense Protein Foods
- Sugars
- Acidic Foods
Let’s look closely at each of these food categories and how they stimulate bad breath!
DRYING AGENTS
The most common drying agent in food is alcohol. Alcohol of course, is the basis of all “adult” beverages such as beer, wine, and hard liquor. It is also used, unfortunately, in many mouthwashes you find in the grocery stores, which only makes a bad breath problem worse.
Alcohol, known chemically as a desiccant, is used quite often in laboratories to “dry out” hard to reach areas in test tubes and beakers. The same end result takes place in the oral cavity.
Although cigarettes are not really food, smoking is probably the quickest way to dry out your mouth, with alcohol being the second. If you smoke, you are bound to have bad breath!
DENSE PROTEIN FOODS
Dairy foods are notorious for creating bad breath. An article that appeared in the “Los Angeles Times” once noted that over 50% of the population in Southern California was “lactose intolerant”. With regards to bad breath, many of these people (numbering in the tens of millions) end up with more dense proteins available as bad breath fuel for the bacteria than those who have no problem with dairy foods like milk, cheese, yogurt, ice cream, etc. The end result is a buildup of amino acids, which are easily converted into volatile sulfur compounds by the anaerobic bacteria found within the surface of your tongue and throat.
To a lesser extent, people have the same problem with other types of food that are considered to be dense in protein such as beef, chicken, and fish.
Another problem, thankfully rare, has to do with people who have an inability to break down certain proteins found in beans. This condition is called TMA (Trimethylaminuria) and is sometimes known as the “Fish Odor Syndrome,” because the odor produced is similar to decaying fish. The odor consists of sulfur compounds, plus nitrogen compounds (amines). People with this condition must abstain from beans and other types of food that are dense in protein.
SUGARS
Wouldn’t it be great if we could get rid of bad breath by chewing on M&Ms? Or what if the cure for bad breath were Hershey Kisses?
That’s what the makers of Altoids would have you believe. Altoids, and other products of the same ilk, are trying to fool the public into believing that a strong “good” taste in your mouth is equivalent to the “freshness” of your breath. This is so anti-scientific it’s absurd! If you think about it for a minute, it really doesn’t make any sense.
By using concentrated mint flavorings, your taste buds pick up mint as a taste. However, Altoids contains two types of sugar which again, are a fuel for the bacteria to reproduce and create more sulfur compounds - thus bad breath. In addition, the frightening part is that other bacteria can take the sugars and produce glycan strands, which in turn end up causing thick layers of plaque on the enamel of your teeth and around your gums. This leads to tooth decay and gum disease - and you guessed it - worse breath than you started with!
Since you can’t smell your own breath, you just go merrily along with that great strong mint taste in your mouth, while others close to you are backing away - backing away from your increased bad breath, decayed teeth, and gross, swollen, bleeding gums!
Stay away from candies, mints, and chewing gum if they contain sugar! Instead, let me recommend an alternative created by TheraBreath called the TheraBreath Oxygenating Chewing Gum (www.therabreath.com/products.asp?CAT=5). It releases Oxygen molecules directly into your mouth and also contains the antibacterial agent, Zinc Gluconate. This agent is found in many cold medications. In addition it contains Xylitol, which is a natural sweetening agent with an anti-decay compound.
ACIDIC FOODS
Foods with a high acidic content are a problem as well. pH is a term used to describe the acidity of an environment. The oral cavity has a normal pH of 6.5 (7 is considered neutral). Some of the foods you should watch out for are coffee and many citrus juices. Both decaffeinated and regular coffee contain acids. However, tea is okay. Among the citrus juices the ones with the highest acidic content include tomato juice, orange juice, pineapple juice, and grapefruit juice.
We know that acids make the bacteria reproduce much faster. In order to decrease the production of odorous sulfur compounds, the acid environment needs to be neutralized.
What can you learn from all this? Avoiding foods that contribute to, if not cause, bad breath is vital if you want to have clean fresh breath. While this is a difficult task, being aware of these bad breath causing elements is the first step in developing confidence in your breath. In addition, it is important to use oral care products that are free of alcohol, sugar, and that also have a high pH level.
About The Author
Dr. Harold Katz is the worldwide expert on the topics of bad breath, halitosis, and dry mouth. Searching for a bad breath solution? To receive your FREE copy of his easy-to-read “Bad Breath Bible” visit: http://www.TheraBreath.com/web/art/L-FTCBB.asp
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You’ll discover what is possibly the MOST common cause of bad breath, and find out the ONE habit practiced by billions of people across the globe that can contribute to it possibly more than anything else (HINT: you’re probably doing it this very moment)! |
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Discover also the bodily condition that can cause your mouth to become a “rent-to-own” property for bad breath-causing bacteria, and you won’t believe your eyes when you read about the ONE delicious “junk” food that can boot them right back out and have your breath smelling fresher today. |
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You’ll be guided step-by-step on what to do and what NOT to do- when cleaning your tongue so that germs and bacteria won’t stand a chance when you brave the world with your “freshly-minted” mouth, and I will reveal the one beverage that can diminish all the hard work you’ve done to exterminate your mouth of that embarrassing stench! |
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You’ll also learn a bad breath-zapping cure that is easy to use- just gargle with it for seconds- and best of all, it can be purchased for less than a dollar at any local drug store! And no - it is NOT another commercial “miracle mouthwash!” |
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And you’ll also discover every possible test that a doctor can conduct to confirm that you have bad breath. Yes, it is a legitimate medical condition. |
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You’ll even come across a special machine that is designed to measure down to the molecular level the amount of breath-souring bacteria in your mouth… with this clinically-advanced piece of technology, not a single molecule will be able to “hide” in your mouth any longer! Guaranteed. |
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Did you know, you may be unknowingly contributing to your own bad breath every time you take a bite of that burger or a sip of your favorite cola?
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Within minutes, you’ll find out if your mouth is emanating the notorious type of odor that raises the red-flag for a debilitating - and possibly fatal - oral disease that can cost thousands of dollars to treat over the period of many long, painful years. |
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You are about to be placed in-the-know with this “grocery-list” of natural herbs and supplements that have been trusted for decades to cure bad breath. And no stopping there. In my book, I shine the spotlight on the shameless imitators and snake oils that are nothing but “natural scams” designed to line the pockets of greedy executives. |
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Little known facts: That piece of garlic or onion on last nights pizza isn’t the only thing causing you to wake up with unpleasant breath every morning! I leave no stone unturned in my book, and reveal every possible cause of bad breath, from the foods that seem to cook “un-appetizing” oral aromas in your mouth to several deadly but stealthy medical conditions that are totally undetectable. You really must devour every word in this section. |
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If you’re the one who is being forced to suffer through someone else’s bad breath, then purchasing this book will be the wisest decision you make all year. I will share all the various tips and resources to help you let that someone know about his or her problem. Thought this would be a great addition… |
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And there’s just so much more I’ll be teaching you in “Bad Breath Killer” |
To Find Out More About “Bad Breath Killer”
by: Joe Barton
So do you have bad breath? Simply worrying about your bad breath or keeping your fears to yourself is not a good solution. Ask honest opinions about your breath from trusted family and friends may be the first step to a ‘call to action’ against bad breath. To learn what halitosis is and five natural remedies to treat halitosis, please keep reading.
What is Halitosis?
Chronic halitosis is a condition in which a person produces an offensive odor from their oral or nasal regions that they are unable to eliminate with normal oral hygiene techniques, such as brushing, flossing and rinsing. The occasional “morning breath” most people experience is not true halitosis. Bad breath may be affected by many different factors including what you eat, dry mouth, smoking and not brushing/flossing correctly. It can also be a sign of a medical disorder, such as a local infection in the respiratory tract, chronic sinusitis, postnasal drip, chronic bronchitis, diabetes or gastrointestinal disturbance, liver or kidney ailment.
Where does Halitosis come from?
Typically, the bad breath odor comes from activity of bacteria in the mouth, usually from the back part of the tongue. Simply put, microorganisms in the mouth break down proteins and produce foul smelling gasses leaving the victim with ‘bad breath’.
Five Main Types of Mouth Odors that contribute to Bad Breath.
1. Periodontal - odor from the crevicular fluid in the periodontal pockets (between teeth)
2. Nasal - odor from nasal cavity
3. Denture- odor emitted from removable dentures (false teeth)
4. Tongue - odor from posterior tongue dorsum (back part of tongue) (most common)
5. Smoker’s Breath - odor emitted from habitual smoker
Help is Around the Corner!
Fortunately, you can cure the disease of halitosis by practicing some common oral hygiene procedures. Unfortunately, most people have common ‘bad habits’ for brushing, flossing and scraping. Could you be making some ‘bad breath’ mistakes?
Tips for Brushing, Flossing, and Scraping
Brushing your teeth is paramount for fighting bad breath! You should use a soft bristled tooth brush and brush at least twice a day. All surfaces of teeth (outer, inner, and top) need to be brushed back and forth in short one-tooth strokes. Many halitosis sufferers will often not brush long enough.
Flossing should be done with fluoride floss that is about 15 inches long. Make sure you guide floss (back and forth) between teeth and not snap floss between your teeth. Make sure the floss touches all edges of side teeth and gum line. Start a pattern so you do not miss any teeth, including the back of molars.
Scraping the tongue is often a forgotten oral hygiene practice. To scrape the tongue of the ‘bad breath causing’ bacteria, take regular tooth brush and dip the toothbrush into mouthwash. The toothbrush now can be used to gently brush the back of tongue. You should repeat this step until the yellow/white film is brushed off of tongue.
You can also change your diet to fight halitosis.
A Halitosis-Fighting Diet
1. Water is your Best Friend! Drink as much of it as you can! We would recommend up to 10-12 glasses per day! Dry mouth is linked with bad breath
2. Finish that Fruit! Fruit is loaded with water, vitamins and minerals! We should have listened to “An apple a day keeps the doctor away”.
3. Vegetables! You are not a kid anymore, eat those vegetables. Besides having ample water they will also help your overall health.
4. Lower your Dairy! Eating dairy foods will often produce a foul odor!
5. Lower your Protein! Eating meats will also create a ‘bad breath’ reaction.
6. Drink Tea NOT Coffee! Compounds found in green or black tea have been found to stop the growth of bacteria that cause bad breath.
7. Sugarless Yogurt! Researchers have found that sugarless yogurt reduces compounds that create bad breath.
Finally, do not stop here! You have finally started on the path to eliminate bad breath for good! This is just the tip of the iceberg for information to fight against halitosis. Remember that educating yourself on halitosis will be the main tool to ridding yourself of bad breath. Imagine no more bad breath, no more awkwardness, no more worrying! Please don’t wait another day counting the hours until your next ‘bad breath situation’… A guaranteed solution is just clicks away. Check out our research-based site today! You will not regret it… guaranteed!
About The Author
by: Dr. John Anne
Bad breath is the general name for the medical condition known as halitosis (means ha-luh-toe-sus). Bad breath often happens after eating strongly flavoured foods, such as onions and garlic. Bad breath that’s of oral cavity source can be traced to a sulfur compound produced by bacteria.
Bad breath sufferers should feel confident to seek treatment because of the high achievement rate in managing the problem. It is obvious from this that there is no one easy bad breath cure, but, entertainingly, bad breath remedies used by our grandparents are still very popular and often work fairly well, usually by reducing the amount of bacteria in the mouth.
Bad breath can cause obscurity in both your private and professional lives. Bad breath can be very uncomfortable, but it is a general condition that affects millions of people. Bad breath can usually be eradicated with good dental hygiene. Bad breath is common and occasionally occurs in even the youngest children.
Bad breath causes
Bad breath can be linked with food, poor dental hygiene, tobacco use and certain medical situations. Bad breath can have systemic or oral basis. Poor oral hygiene leads to bad breath because when you leave food particles in you mouth, these pieces of food can rot and begin to smell. Sometimes sinus troubles, and seldom liver or kidney problems, can cause bad breath. Smoking is also a main cause of bad breath. Mouthwash only gets rid of bad breath momentarily.
A person’s mouth can be a home for hundreds of dissimilar varieties of bacteria. And on going in our mouths at all times is a steady battle for living space between the types of bacteria which do generate misuse products that cause bad breath and those that don’t. And it is the precise balance between the relative numbers of these kinds of bacteria that will finally determine the quality of a person’s breath.
Here is a list of some best Home Remedies for Bad Breath
Home Remedies for Bad Breath
1) Successful Home Remedy for Bad Breath is avocado, which is far superior to any mouth lotion or remedies for this state. It efficiently removes intestinal putrefaction which is one of the most significant causes of bad breath.
2) Unripe guava is helpful in halitosis. It is a good source of tannic, malic, oxalic, and phosphoric acids as well as calcium, oxalate, and manganese. Chewing it is a great tonic for the teeth and gums. It assists cure bleeding from gums and stops bad breath. Chewing tender leaves of guava tree also end bleeding from gums and bad breath.
3) Parsley is a precious Home Remedy for Bad Breath. Two cups of water should be boiled and a number of sprigs of parsley coarsely cut should be steeped in this water along with two or three whole cloves or a quarter teaspoon of ground cloves. This mixture should be stirred infrequently while cooling. It should then be strained and used as a mouthwash or gargle numerous times a day.
4) Chew a mint or some gum for bad bad breath cure. Like mouthwash, a breath mint or mint gum is just a cover-up, good for a short talk, a short ride in a compact car, or a very short date.
5) Spice is good. Many herbs and spices you keep in your kitchen are natural breath enhancers. Hold a tiny plastic bag of cloves, fennel, or anise seeds to chew after odorous meals.
6) Chew up peppermint or carnation for superior breath smell.
7) Consume one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar before each meal.
To lose the bad breath consume pumpkin every day
9) Effective Home Remedy for Bad Breath is to dissolve baking soda in water and wash the tongue with this.
About The Author
Dr John Anne is an Ayurvedic doctor having years of experience in the field of Ayurveda and Alternative medicine. Find out more Home Remedies for Bad Breath at http://www.natural-homeremedies.org
He has an exclusive website on Home Remedies for various diseases. You can also contribute to the Home remedies by visiting the website