KissMeGoodnight
eRomance Series:
My Breath Stinks:
How to Get Rid of Bad Breath...NOW!
Do
Mouthwashes Really Work For Bad Breath?
This article will begin by explaining a little
bit about bad breath (halitosis) and then will take a look
at the effectiveness of the various mouthwashes that are available
both over-the-counter and through your dental provider.
Halitosis
(bad breath) begins with the bacteria found in the average
mouth that accumulates mostly on the person’s tongue
towards the back. The anaerobic bacteria that thrive in this
environment is free of oxygen and they love the amino acids
that are found in mucus, phlegm, dairy, and other high protein
foods and the debris left behind in between the teeth and gums
and then produce Volatile Sulfur Compounds (VSC). Volatile
Sulfur Compounds have the smell of hydrogen sulfide, which
smells like rotten eggs. Bad breath (halitosis) odor can also
come from certain foods after they are digested and this odor
emanates from the lungs, as well as from medications.
If
you don't brush and floss daily, particles of food remain
in the mouth, amassing bacteria, which can cause bad breath.
Food that collects between the teeth, on the tongue and around
the gums can rot, leaving an unpleasant odor. The things you
eat contribute largely to your oral health care, including
your breath. Items such as garlic and onions, or any food,
are absorbed into the bloodstream, become transferred into
the lungs, and become expelled in the air you breathe. Until
the body eliminates that food, the potential for it affecting
a person's breath is present.
As you peruse the hygiene isle at the stores, you may feel
overwhelmed at the choices available at combating bad breath
odors. Most of the products do very little to actually kill
the bacteria residing on the back of your tongue and if your
bad breath is a systemic problem they will help very little.
The most they can do is make your breath smell sweet for a
limited amount of time by masking the odors as opposed to killing
the bacteria. The exception to this rule is mouthwashes
that contain zinc chloride or those obtained for your dental
provider. When purchasing mouthwashes there are certain compounds to
look for:
Cetylpyridinium
chlorides are antibacterial and the compound
helps to control the number of anaerobic bacteria that are
found in a person’s mouth.
Zinc
chloride products help to decrease the concentration
of volatile sulfur compounds as well as bind to the precursor
compounds used by anaerobic bacteria to create volatile sulfur
compounds
Antibacterial
/ Antiseptic mouthwashes ability is to kill
the anaerobic bacteria that produce volatile sulfur compounds.
Though be careful because they contain alcohol and alcohol
is a drying agent.
Chlorine
Dioxide is an oxidizing agent and when taken exposes
the anaerobic bacteria to oxygen which will reduce the amount
living within the mouth.
Hydrogen
Peroxide is an effective rinse because it adds oxygen
to the bacteria that thrive in an environment where little
to no oxygen exists thus effectively killing the anaerobic
bacteria. Although if you do not have this handy, using plain
water will also help loosen up the foods and particles that
have become lodged between the teeth and gums. If you leave
them there, the bacteria causing the odors think you left them
a buffet and will dine to their delight and to your horror
as your breath becomes worse.
When you use a mouthwash there is a proper way to get the
maximum effectiveness of the product. The goal in using a mouthwash
is to kill the bacteria causing the bad breath (halitosis)
odor and those bacteria live on the back of your tongue. Therefore,
when you rinse you should gargle and make an “aaaahhhh” sound.
This will force the tongue forward and the mouthwash will reach
the back of the tongue where the bacteria are hiding and significantly
reduce their number. Definitely do not swallow the rinse rather
spit it out along with the bacteria you just killed.
There are some mouthwashes that you can make yourself from
herbs or a combination of herbs and alcohol.
Do mouthwashes really work towards easing the suffering of
those who experience bad breath (halitosis)? It depends on
the type of mouthwash purchased and whether-or-not it is used
properly and/or in conjunction with an effective hygiene program,
which should include regular visits to your dental provider,
if you do this you, should notice a benefit, as will your friends,
family, and co-workers. #
# # # #
KissMeGoodnight
: 2006
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