Bad Breath:

How Can You Tell If You Have Bad Breath?

You cannot tell by yourself whether or not you have bad breath. Many people try cupping their hands to their nose to smell exhaled air. Others may try licking and then smelling their wrist. Unfortunately, these simply do not work.

How do you tell if you have bad breath? Many dentists measure breath odour using an instrument called a halimeter. The patient blows into a straw like tube connected to the halimeter and the machine detects the levels of volatile sulphur compounds in the breath. The more volatile sulphur compounds measured by the machine the worst the breath.

If you do not want to use a halimeter the next best way to detect bad breath is to simply ask a trusted friend to tell you whether or not your breath is offensive.

Causes of Bad Breath

· Sleeping (Morning Breath); While you are asleep, your saliva flows more slowly. Since the flow is slower, it is unable to dilute the release of sulphuric gas causing bad breath.

· Smoking causes bad breath for a couple of reasons:
- Tar and nicotine build up on mouth surfaces such as teeth, tongue and sides of cheeks.
- Smoking dries the mouth by inhibiting saliva flow. This, in turn, leads to the growth of bacteria, causing bad breath.
- Smoking can exacerbate gum disease and sinus conditions, such as post-nasal drip, two important bad breath risk

· A Dirty Tongue; has tiny little hairs which are the real culprits for bad breath. These tiny little hairs trap and breed bacteria.

· Dieting; Eating produces saliva to enable the easier swallowing of food, and swallowing dislodges bacteria from the back of the tongue. So, the less you eat, the less saliva you produce, and the less sulfuric gases you dilute.

· Certain Foods; All foods can cause bad breath, but food such as onions, garlic, etc. (you know which ones you avoid when you have an important business meeting or a hot date!) have highly volatile gases that are absorbed into the bloodstream, evaporates into the lungs, and wafts out of your mouth when you speak. Since this form of halitosis is lung-based, flushing the system with lots of water will help.

· Menstruation; Hormones released right before the start of the menstrual cycle create a heavy concentration of sulphuric protein in saliva.

· Poor Oral Hygiene; Food trap within cavities inside the mouth can cause bad breath. Poor oral hygiene (proper brushing and flossing) can result in food particles rotting within your mouth.

Stop and Prevent Bad Breath From
Ever Becoming A Problem

· Proper Brushing; Did you know that when you brush your teeth and gums that you should also brush your tongue and also the roof of your mouth. Brushing these areas helps dislodge bacteria from the microscopic hairs on your tongue. By removing these bacteria you will prevent bad breath.

· Proper Oral Hygiene; If you have dentures, cavities, or other mouth problems make sure that you cleanse the affected area thoroughly. Keeping your mouth free of foreign particles will prevent bad breath.

· Avoid Certain Foods; If you don't want to smell like garlic on the night of a hot date you should avoid eating garlic. Please don't feel like you are going to miss good foods our next tips is helpful as well.

· Drink Plenty of Water; Keeping yourself hydrated does two things. It allows your system to flush out odours from onions, garlic, and other aromatic foods. It also keeps your mouth moist and slows the growth of bacteria preventing bad breath.

· Avoid Alcohol and Caffeine; Alcohol and Caffeine are both diuretics and can cause your mouth to become dry. A dry mouth is a breeding ground for bacteria. (Note: This principle is responsible for the introduction of new, Alcohol free mouthwashes).

· Dental Care; See your dentist twice a year to have your teeth cleaned. If you still have bad breath, see your family doctor to find out what is causing it.

· Quit Smoking; It really is a bad habit that will only shorten your life expectancy.

Get Rid Of Bad Breath
Cure Bad Breath

-Eat plenty of green leafy vegetables, because these contain the plant pigment chlorophyll, a natural breath freshener. Limit your intake of refined carbohydrates, coffee, alcohol, and dairy products, since they encourage bad breath.

-If you also suffer from poor digestion, you may be producing insufficient stomach acid. To boost your digestion, add vinegar to meals of meat, fish, or eggs. Apple-cider vinegar provides acetic acid in roughly the same strength as that of normal gastric acid. Some people benefit from gargling (do not swallow) with a solution of two teaspoons of this vinegar in half a pint of warm water each day.

-Brush your teeth twice daily, than use dental floss. If you are not sure how to do this correctly, consult your dentist. Brushing the tongue also helps get rid of bad breath.

-Don’t forget to visit your dentist twice a year.

-Keep yourself hydrated, It allows your system to flush out odours from onions, garlic, and other aromatic foods. It also keeps your mouth moist and slows the growth of bacteria preventing bad breath.

-Avoid Alcohol and Caffeine.

-If you have dentures, cavities, or other mouth problems make sure that you cleanse the affected area thoroughly. Keeping your mouth free of foreign particles will get rid of and cure bad breath for good.

Home Remedy For Bad Breath

· Boil some cinnamon bark in a cup of water. Store it in a clean bottle in your bathroom. Use it as a mouthwash frequently.

· Parsley leaves are rich in chlorophyll, nature's own deodorizer. Chew some leaves regularly and your breath will remain fresh. (100% vegetarian Toothpaste)

· You can also chew some cardamom seeds to sweeten your breath.

· Avoid mouthwashes that contain alcohol.

· Brush your tongue along with your teeth regularly.

· Clean and replace your toothbrush regularly.

· Floss often.

· Brush your teeth in the morning, after every meal, and before you go to bed.