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Causes And Solutions To Halitosis

Halitosis, we�ve all had it at one time or other. What is halitosis you ask? Halitosis is another word for bad breath. Bad breath could be cause by several different factors. We�ll cover some of the causes of bad breath and the solutions.

Bad breath is caused by bacteria, which live on our teeth and gum. These bacteria feast on food particles left behind on our teeth creating VSC (volatile sulfur compounds). These VSC gives your breath a foul odor.

Brushing 2-3 minutes and flossing at least twice a day removes the bacteria and food particles left behind so that they can no longer create VSC.
If you�re unable to brush after a meal or snack try chewing on sugarless gum. This action helps clean the teeth and stimulate saliva, which cleanse the mouth, and dissolves odorous VSC.

Hiding deep in the crevices of the tongue you will find the odor causing bacteria which live safe from oxygen under a protective layer of mucous, food particles and proteins.

Cleaning your tongue will remove this layer and much of the bacteria, which resides on your tongue. Clean near the back of your tongue where most of the bacteria reside.

A dry mouth is the ideal home for odor causing bacteria. Saliva normally keeps the mouth moist which help wash away the food particles bacteria feed on and dissolves VSC. Several actions contribute to a dry mouth or a reduction in saliva flow; these include prescription medications, excessive talking, exercising, dieting, drinking alcohol or smoking.

Drink plenty of water. By drinking plenty of water we stimulate saliva flow and wash away food particles and moisten the mouth, making it less inviting to the odor causing bacteria.

A dentist can diagnose problems that have a result in bad breath such as abscesses, periodontal disease, and impacted teeth. Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection of the gums, which creates new hiding spots in the gums for odor causing bacteria.

A yearly dental check up with routine cleanings and x-rays are recommended to stop the onset of gum disease and cavities before they start.

To help fight bad breath visit your dentist on a regular basis. Have your teeth cleaned periodically by a dental hygienist. Practice good hygiene at home by flossing daily, brushing your teeth and gums properly and thoroughly cleaning your tongue gently all the way back. Drink plenty of liquids. Chew sugar-free gum after meals or when your mouth feels dry. Ask your dentist to recommend a mouthwash effective in fighting bad breath.

Practicing good dental hygiene everyday will also set a good example for your children. It is recommended that a child have his or her first dental check-up by the age of two. This will encourage good dental habits and teach a child from a young age that a dental check up can be a painless experience. From the time your child is born you should wipe its gums with a soft rag. When he cuts his first tooth gently clean the tooth and gum around it. Never place a baby to bed with a bottle of milk or juice. If a bottle is necessary to pacify your baby or toddler back to sleep, do so with a water bottle. The sugars in the milk or juice will form a build up on your baby�s teeth and gums causing tooth decay. Use a pea size drop of toothpaste to gently cleanse your toddlers teeth and floss if possible. Ask your pediatrician if fluoride tablets are recommended for your child, some areas add fluoride to their local drinking water.

By fighting off bad breath you will also keep your teeth and gums healthy. A shiny healthy smile means healthy gums and fresh breath. No more embarrassing bad breath. You will have remarkable smile and along with it goes opportunities of a lifetime.

Watch out a smile is so contagious; pass it on from person to person in just a mere second.