Freshen Your Breath. Freshen Your Life.

Having a problem getting a date? Or a job?  

The cause may be more esoteric than your personality, looks or business qualifications.

Bad breath or halitosis is a condition that very few people talk about upfront. It’s an awkward topic that is usually discussed about you, after you have left the room. Most of us are afraid that it may create embarrassment or awkward feelings if actually discussed with you.

So let me set the record straight. If you are supposedly a GOOD friend to someone who has a halitosis problem, live up to your reputation and BE a GOOD friend, and tell your

buddy that they have a problem. It is very correctable, usually within a short period of time. But it will NEVER get fixed if your friend doesn’t know he has a problem.

Photo credit Creative Commons: Bob Muceto

There are many reasons for bad breath. The most obvious dental reason is infected gums (periodontal disease) or rotting teeth (cavities).  A simple visit to the dentist will usually get this under control quickly. 

But there are other causes; usually not so obvious. Below is my list of the most common causes of halitosis:

1.       Infected gums

2.       Cavities

3.       Residual infections from root canal

4.       Sinus problems

5.       Tonsil stones (tonsilloliths)

6.       Digestive problems (GERD, constipation, etc)

7.       Medication side effects

8.       Dry mouth  due to diet

9.       Overuse of alcoholic mouthwashes

10.   Cigarettes

11.   Odorous foods

12.   Ketosis (usually in diabetics and people on hi protein low carb diets)

13.   Chronic illness

The challenge is what to do for the person who has perfect teeth and gums? Well, in my 30+ years of actively treating halitosis, I can honestly say that the answer is “Plenty!”

Here’s a simple list of do it yourself fixes. If these don’t work, it is definitely time to see a professional for help. There is no reason for anyone to feel hopeless about their breath problem.

1. Visit your dentist to make sure that your teeth and gums are healthy.
2. Drink more water. At least half you weight in ounces.
3. Cut back on cigarettes, alcohol and caffeine as these will continue to add to the problem.
4. Get you sinus condition/ allergies under control. As long as there is a congestion or dripping you will still have a problem.
5. Read up on your meds and speak with your physician about their side effects. Also, have your physician check to make sure that you are not diabetic (many people are and don’t even know it!).
6.   Limit intake of onion, garlic, etc.
7.  Actively work on rebuilding your immune system and digestive tract.
8.  Use non-alcoholic mouth rinses.
9.   Use sugar free gums and mints (xylitol preferred).
10.   Floss and brush after every  snack or meal.

Bad breath can be cured. But no cure can be found until you know the cause.  If you come to our office for a halitosis evaluation and treatment, all these causative factors mentioned (and more) are exposed in detail. Our natural holistic approach is 99% effective and everyone leaves after the first visit feeling the difference.  

Einstein once said that “The problems we face today cannot be solved at the same level of thinking that created them”. Conventional mouthwash is not the answer to curing bad breath. It’s time to think outside the box and try a comprehensive holistic approach.  

What are you waiting for?

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