Halitosis
Do you have Halitosis (Bad Breath)?
Bad breath is particularly
bothersome because people rarely know they have it
unless they are told of it. Yet it can spoil one's
social and even economic life. And mouth washes
are not always useful. When bacteria stagnate, or
remain in one place, they multiply and give off
toxins and odors. So the treatment/ prevention is
to avoid having bacteria accumulate in one spot.
In the nose this means salt water nose spray or
Pulsating Nasal Irrigation if you have crusts and
other sources of odor. For the throat, check the
teeth. Any open cavities? Any gum disease? I
strongly recommend eating yogurt in order to bring
in the good bacteria that make the mouth
healthier. If the gums are red and swollen, better
brushing and flossing is a must. Most dental
disease responds to twice daily dental irrigator
with the Water Pik®. This brings increased blood
flow to the area and removes food particles. A
common cause of breath problems are the deep holes
in the tonsils, known as crypts. These holes are
supposed to be there, they provide areas where the
good white cells of the body can fight the bad
bacteria. Then the dead bacteria and dead white
cells are extruded and swallowed. Sometimes the
holes are too wide or crooked and the material
gets to accumulate and cause odor. Here, pulsatile
throat irrigation can be very effective because
the pulsation removes the dead material.
The mouth may be extra dry for
lack of fluids. Try increasing fluid intake.
Indigestion may be a factor. An excellent remedy
is to take Clear·Ease™ tablets for digestion. If
you are milk intolerant, there are lactase tablets
for digesting milk and milk products. If you have
an acid stomach check with your doctor about
reducing excess acid with Tagamet or Zantac. It is
best not to self diagnose on hyperacidity in the
stomach.
The mouth wash people spend
millions trying to convince every living soul that
they have bad breath. As a result I see patients
in consultation who DON'T have any unpleasant
odor, they just have seen too many advertisements.
so unless someone is complaining, if you don't
have nasal problems, or dental disease or unusual
material out of your tonsils, I would recommend
doing nothing. On the other hand, my patients like
to use the throat irrigator before a heavy date
"to be sure". |
