Halitosis, otherwise known as bad breath, is a condition which most people attribute to poor dental hygiene. Though that can contribute to halitosis, it is not the actual cause of the foul odor that comes out of your mouth when you speak. The smell itself is the result of bacterial sulfur emissions that come from anaerobic bacteria which live in the back of your mouth, your throat, and even your nasal passages. If you’re going to get rid of halitosis, you need to address the cause, which is the presence and activity of these bacteria. Poor dental hygiene is a contributor, not a cause.
How do you begin? The first step in the process is learning what makes these anaerobic bacteria produce sulfur. There are certain conditions in your mouth which are optimal to the reproduction and activity of these organisms. That “poor dental hygiene” thing is one of them. Bacteria can feed on the plaque How Much Do Braces Cost In Indonesia and food particles that are left behind after a person eats. If you’re not brushing and flossing properly, you’re just leaving food on the table for them. Over time, as that plaque and those food particles build up, bacteria can go into the gum line between teeth and cause periodontal disease.
This brings up another important consideration that you need to take into account in your quest to get rid of halitosis. There are certain types of oral care products that can actually contribute to the spread of bacteria, not eliminate it. Mouthwashes with alcohol in them can dry out the mouth, a condition favored by anaerobic bacteria that will give you that “cotton mouth” taste which is actually sulfur. Drinking heavily, smoking, and excessive coffee consumption can lead to the same result.
Toothpaste that contains an ingredient called sodium lauryl sulfate can indirectly lead to halitosis and oral diseases also. SLS is soap, disguised as a foaming agent, but soap nonetheless. Unfortunately, it has been a main ingredient in most major brand name toothpastes for decades now. Extended use of this chemical over time will lead to the drying out and chapping of the lining of the mouth, opening doors for bacteria to get in. Examine your toothpaste and make sure it doesn’t include this ingredient. The best type to buy is an oxygenated, natural gel or paste.
Sugar can also be found in oral care products. If you’re trying to get rid of halitosis, avoid sugar. Bacteria feed on it. If you’re going to chew gum or use mints, make sure they are sugar-free. You’ll also want to avoid foods with high protein concentrations, or diets that require more than average protein consumption. With some of them you might lose weight, but your breath will stink.
Saliva is the body’s natural defense mechanism against anaerobic bacteria sulfur emissions. Oxygen is a deterrent, and saliva is loaded with oxygen. If you want to give it a little boost, buy oxygenated oral care products. These may not be easy to find in your local pharmacy or convenience store, but if you put the keyword ” get rid of halitosis ” into your search box, you’ll be rewarded with a list of companies that provide those products. Choose the one with experience that offers the widest range of products.
There are rare instances where halitosis is not caused by bacteria. If you suffer from liver, kidney or heart disease, you may find that your breath will smell. Some medications may also cause you to have bad Dental Benefit Management breath. None of these conditions are common, and some may even be contributors and not causes. If you really want to get rid of halitosis, you’ll want to treat the causes. In most cases that is bacteria.