Bad Breath That
Bad Breath Facts
Bad breath is a problem that everyone suffers from at one time or another. The more you know about it, the more likely you are to successfully fight it. In this article, we feature some facts regarding halitosis(bad breath) so that you can learn a little more about it.
- Approximately sixty five percent of all Americans suffer from bad breath. Of these, over forty million experience symptoms of chronic halitosis - a case of bad breath that won't go away.
- While there are many causes of bad breath, approximately ninety percent of all bad breath cases are due to the presence of bacteria in the mouth.
- Americans spend huge amounts to try to our bad breath problems. Over a billion dollars per year is spent by people trying to cover up their problem.
- Bad breath is often caused by the presence of anaerobic bacteria within the mouth. These bacteria release compounds known as volatile sulfur compounds, or VSCs, which are responsible for the smell we associate with bad breath. Hydrogen sulfide, methyl mercaptan, and many other compounds are present in this mixture.
- The bacteria that are responsible for the release of VSCs may be increased when we eat a diet rich in high-protein foods. Milk and cheese are two surefire ways of adding to a problem with bad breath that is caused by anaerobic bacteria.
- One good way to fight bad breath that many people don't realize is to increase the amount of saliva in your mouth. A dry mouth is a perfect breeding ground for these bacteria, so you must stimulate your salivary glands by ensuring that you are getting enough water on a daily basis. Chewing gum to aid saliva production is also recommended. Also, it is good to avoid drinking alcohol, because in addition to causing digestive troubles, it dries out the mouth.
- Be aware that bacteria doesn't actually live on the surface of the tongue. It actually lives in between the fibers that make up the tongue, so although a tongue brush can be helpful in fighting bad breath, it will not fully solve the problem.
- Sometimes bad breath can reveal an underlying problem. For example, diabetics may discover that they have a sweet odor to their breath. A unique case of bad breath that just won't go away may require a trip to a doctor, as there are over twenty different diseases that can cause chronic bad breath.
These are just a few tidbits of information about halitosis. The more that you know about the problem, the more successful you will be in handling it. If you suffer from bad breath, gather as much information as you can to help rid yourself of it for good.