Shattering the Myths About Bad Breath
Most of us regard bad breath (halitosis) as little more sinister than an embarrassing but perfectly natural and normal health complaint and therefore trivialize it with nary a second thought.
In most cases, this is precisely the right attitude to take because it typically tends to be nothing serious other than the sufferer has either had rather pungent food or has not brushed their teeth for a while.
However, bad breath can also be attributed to a host of other, more potentially serious issues and it is for this reason that if you find that you are suffering from chronic halitosis that you consult your dentist straight away.
One of the most curious aspects of bad breath is that whilst it is an extremely common problem, it is one that people have a severe lack of understanding about and as such, there is a significant amount of misinformation, myths and speculation surrounding it making actual appreciation of the subject much more difficult and problematic.
Many people assume that it is spicy food and decaying food particles that are lodged in between the teeth, this is wrong.
So what causes bad breath? In actual fact, the bad breath that we all suffer from is caused by bacteria which resides in our mouth and which rely on the food debris and the like as a food source with these commonly found between the teeth.
As the bacteria works away and breeds, they will product sulfur compounds as a by product and it is the sulfur that creates that unpleasant smell.
If you see any products which claim to cure bad breath (or at least mask it) by tackling problems in your stomach, then give these a body swerve because they are utterly useless and will be of no use whatsoever.
The simple truth of the matter is that the bad smell is to be found in your mouth, not in your stomach or throat.
Another common myth that is extremely prevalent is the notion that bad breath can be permanently eradicated with a "one-off" solution.
In truth, if you want to keep bad breath at bay then you need to make sure that you actually maintain the anti-halitosis regime and this includes ensuring that you maintain good oral hygiene on a regular basis.
Otherwise, the bacteria which you have managed to keep at bay for so long will return in their droves and with a passion, eager to pick up where they left off.
Your dentist can play an important part in keeping the bacteria away for good.
In most cases, this is precisely the right attitude to take because it typically tends to be nothing serious other than the sufferer has either had rather pungent food or has not brushed their teeth for a while.
However, bad breath can also be attributed to a host of other, more potentially serious issues and it is for this reason that if you find that you are suffering from chronic halitosis that you consult your dentist straight away.
One of the most curious aspects of bad breath is that whilst it is an extremely common problem, it is one that people have a severe lack of understanding about and as such, there is a significant amount of misinformation, myths and speculation surrounding it making actual appreciation of the subject much more difficult and problematic.
Many people assume that it is spicy food and decaying food particles that are lodged in between the teeth, this is wrong.
So what causes bad breath? In actual fact, the bad breath that we all suffer from is caused by bacteria which resides in our mouth and which rely on the food debris and the like as a food source with these commonly found between the teeth.
As the bacteria works away and breeds, they will product sulfur compounds as a by product and it is the sulfur that creates that unpleasant smell.
If you see any products which claim to cure bad breath (or at least mask it) by tackling problems in your stomach, then give these a body swerve because they are utterly useless and will be of no use whatsoever.
The simple truth of the matter is that the bad smell is to be found in your mouth, not in your stomach or throat.
Another common myth that is extremely prevalent is the notion that bad breath can be permanently eradicated with a "one-off" solution.
In truth, if you want to keep bad breath at bay then you need to make sure that you actually maintain the anti-halitosis regime and this includes ensuring that you maintain good oral hygiene on a regular basis.
Otherwise, the bacteria which you have managed to keep at bay for so long will return in their droves and with a passion, eager to pick up where they left off.
Your dentist can play an important part in keeping the bacteria away for good.
