Halitosis

By Bonnie Jenkins, Advanced Natural Medicine

Though eating onions and garlic can help ward off diseases like heart disease and cancer, they don’t do much for your social life. In many cases, however, people don’t have a clue that their breath is anything but sweet. Halitosis sufferers may only get the message from the body language of others – who recoil at the smell.

Bad breath can interfere with friendships or business relationships. It's even been known to ruin many a love affair. You can easily check your own breath, however, by cupping your hands over your mouth and sniffing. Just don’t be too alarmed if you smell an offensive odor. Most of us suffer from a bout with bad breath on occasion – and it’s easily treated.

Bug-A-Boo

Ninety percent of bad breath problems are caused by bacteria in the mouth, mostly on the very back of the tongue. Even clean mouths harbor bacteria that produce sulfur compounds, giving breath that pungent odor. If you forget to brush your teeth, these bacteria quickly make your mouth their home. Fortunately, oxygen-rich saliva helps keep odor-causing bacteria in balance when you’re awake. But when you’re asleep or dieting, the mouth’s pH takes a turn for the worse, leading to that dreaded “morning breath.”

Other things that can trigger halitosis include tooth decay, gum disease, dry mouth, postnasal drip, tobacco use, sinus or respiratory infections, certain diseases, some medications and indigestion. While some of these things can be fixed with a trip to the doctor or dentist, there are other things you can do yourself to tackle a temporary bout of bad breath.

Healthy Habits

While this should go without saying, it’s important to brush and floss daily. The American Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once a day. If you don’t, food particles remain in your mouth, collecting bacteria – and causing bad breath.

In addition to brushing and flossing, you should also clean your tongue first thing in the morning and last thing at night with a tongue scraper. No tongue scraper? Brushing your tongue with a toothbrush is also effective.

It’s also important to keep your mouth moist. Saliva cleans the mouth and removes odor-causing particles. A dry mouth, on the other hand, allows bacteria to collect and can contribute to bad breath. If you suffer from a dry mouth due to allergies or because you breathe through your mouth, try using a humidifier in winter, drinking water frequently, eating fruit or sucking on sugar-free candy.

The Denture Dilemma

Dentures can also have a big impact on the quality of your breath. This is especially true if you sleep with your dentures in your mouth. Not only do the dentures themselves tend to accumulate bacteria in the microscopic pores and spaces between the denture base and teeth, but the denture surface that is in contact with and holds the denture to the lower jaw or roof of the mouth can collect a great deal of bacteria, yeast, fungi, food particles and shedding cells from the tissue surface. These break down into the volatile organic compounds which are very similar to the bad breath compounds that people with their natural teeth have.

If you have dentures, make sure they fit well. Weight loss, weight gain or simply getting older may affect the fit, creating gaps for food particles to hide in. And, of course, keep them clean. Your best bet? An ultrasonic cleaner that can get into the crevices your toothbrush or denture soak can miss.

A Breath of Fresh Air

Nutritional supplements can also help control bad breath, particularly if it is due to periodontitis. If you’re prone to periodontal disease, you may be deficient in vitamin C. In one study of 75 volunteers, those with low levels of vitamin C had unhealthy pocket depth and bleeding when their gums were probed. If you are deficient, boost your levels with 1,000 mg. of supplemental C daily.

Preliminary research has also demonstrated the ability of zinc to reduce the concentration of volatile sulfur compounds in the mouth. One study found that the addition of zinc to a baking soda toothpaste lessened halitosis by lowering the levels of these compounds. While some brands of toothpaste do contain zinc, you can also take this mineral in supplemental form. But don’t overdo it. You only need 15 mg. of zinc per day. .

One Last Thing ...

Don’t rely on mints, gum or mouthwash to freshen your breath. For the most part, these products simply trade one odor for another. Their only saving grace is that these breath aids stimulate saliva flow, which may help keep mouth odor under control.

Instead, try chewing on bacteria-fighting herbs that have long had a reputation for freshening breath. Parsley, cloves, cinnamon, allspice, fennel, anise and mint all possess odor-reducing properties. If you don’t like nibbling on or cooking with these spices, try their aromatic essential oils. Simply rub two to three drops across your gums and tongue.

This Just In ...

Want to lower your risk of diabetes? Make sure you’re getting enough magnesium. A growing body of evidence strongly suggests a link between a low magnesium intake and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.

A recent analysis of seven previous studies found that the risk of developing type 2 diabetes dropped 15 percent for every 100 mg. increase in dietary magnesium. And an analysis of nine studies of people with type 2 diabetes revealed lower fasting blood sugar levels for participants taking anywhere from 250 to 600 milligrams of supplemental magnesium a day. (The current Daily Value for magnesium is 400 milligrams.)

Here’s how this mineral may work its magic: Experts have long known that magnesium plays an important role in carbohydrate metabolism by influencing the release and activity of insulin, the hormone that allows sugar to enter cells. Studies have shown that a higher magnesium intake can improve insulin sensitivity, which means that cells better “recognize” insulin and work to keep blood sugar from building up.

Magnesium’s ability to improve insulin sensitivity and tame blood sugar levels has been found among almost everyone studied, whether they are men and women, African-Americans, Hispanics and middle-aged and older adults. But it appears especially effective among women who are overweight.

The richest magnesium sources include green leafy vegetables, whole grains, nuts, low-fat dairy and beans. But to make sure you’re getting enough, take 250 mg. of supplemental magnesium a day. Just bear in mind that while making sure you’re getting enough magnesium, it can’t take the place of managing your weight and staying physically active. Both will likely do more than magnesium to help keep you free of type 2 diabetes.

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References:

He K, Song Y, Belin RJ, et al. “Magnesium intake and the metabolic syndrome: epidemiologic evidence to date.” Journal of Cardiometabolic Syndrome. 2006;1:351-355.

Rösing CK, Jonski G, Rølla G. “Comparative analysis of some mouthrinses on the production of volatile sulfur-containing compounds.” Acta Odontologica Scandinavica. 2002;60:10-12.

Väänänen MK, Markkanen HA, Tuovinen VJ, et al. “Periodontal health related to plasma ascorbic acid.” Proceedings of the Finnish Dental Society. 1993;89:51-59.

Yaegaki K, Coil JM, Kamemizu T, et al. “Tongue brushing and mouth rinsing as basic treatment measures for halitosis.” International Dental Journal. 2002;52:192-196.