Root of Bad Breath and solution to get rid of it

 

Good dental hygiene should help you clear up a bad case of halitosis. But what's causing your stinky breath in the first place? If you're constantly popping mints or chewing gum to cover up bad breath, you're not alone.

Why? Most cases of halitosis are caused by improper dental hygiene. If you don't brush and floss your teeth after every meal, bits of food that get stuck in your teeth and gums and on your tongue will begin to decay and emit foul odors.

An unclean mouth also means that bacteria can grow, potentially leading to gum disease, which is also one of the causes of bad breath. In addition, certain foods and drink are more likely to cause bad breath, including:

·         Garlic

·         Onions

·         Cheese

·         Orange juice

·         Soda, including diet varieties

After these foods or drinks are digested, their oils make their way into your bloodstream and are then carried into your lungs. The odor is then released through your breath.

Other Causes of Bad Breath

Aside from what you eat and drink, bad breath can also be linked to:

·         A dry mouth. Saliva is your mouth's natural cleanser, so when your mouth is dry, dead cells can build up, which is what causes morning breath. This is an even bigger problem if you sleep with your mouth open. Smoking and certain medications can also cause dry mouth. In more extreme cases, you could have a problem with your salivary glands that leaves your mouth unusually dry.

·         Chronic diseases. Sometimes underlying health conditions can cause bad breath. Lung infections, cancers, kidney or liver failure, diabetes, and gastroesophageal reflux disease, for example, are all associated with halitosis.

·         Respiratory, mouth, throat, and nose conditions. These conditions are also often associated with bad breath. For example, discharge from a sinus infection is known to cause bad breath. If you have an upper respiratory infection such as bronchitis, the sputum coughed up can also cause halitosis.

·         Tobacco products, particularly smoking. Tobacco products can dry your mouth and result in bad breath. People who use tobacco are also at greater risk of developing gum disease, poor general oral health, and oral cancers.

Malnutrition. Starvation or intense dieting can result in bad breath due to ketoacidosis, which is a breakdown of chemicals that occurs during fasting.

Here are the Signs of Bad Breath and unhealthy bacteria inside

There is quite a lot that can be done about bad breath, and most of the tips to halt halitosis are quite simple. It all starts with looking out for the subtle (and not-so-subtle) signs of bad breath:

•          You sleep with your mouth open. According to research, sleeping with your mouth open is a surefire way to dry out your mouth. And a dry mouth will cause halitosis. Often, people who sleep with their mouth open are having trouble breathing through their nose, so addressing any allergy or nasal issues before bed might be a good place to start. You also might find working with a sleep specialist helpful.
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• ·         You smoke or chew tobacco. Both of these bad habits also are guaranteed to give you bad breath. "They decrease the amount of saliva in your mouth. "Saliva contains oxygen, which keeps your mouth healthy and fresh." Here, the answer is obvious: QUIT !
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• ·         You have a white-coated tongue. This is a predictable sign of bad breath. "That white coating is comprised of sulfur compounds that have risen to the tongue's surface and cause bad breath.
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• ·         You have gastric reflux. The churning acid produced by gastric reflux is not only uncomfortable but can also lead to bad breath. "Unfortunately, gastric reflux results in bad breath in a way that's hard to solve. "Ask your doctor about prescribing a medication to get this condition under control."
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• ·         You eat suspect foods. "In the end it's true: You breathe what you eat. "High-protein foods, coffee, onions and garlic, sugar, acidic foods and drinks, and dairy products all result in worse breath because they create an environment for the bad bacteria to grow. It needs to be balanced with fruits, veggies, and alkalinizing good foods."
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•      You take certain prescription or OTC medications. A number of medications can cause dry mouth as a side effect, which in turn can lead to bad breath. In these situations, you can ask your doctor if any alternatives exist to your current medications, prescription or over-the-counter, that might help with the problem.

How you can Beat your Bad Breath

To combat bad breath, try the following:

·         Avoid foods and beverages that you know cause bad breath; this may also mean minimizing your intake of alcohol.

·         Brush for two to three minutes after every meal and floss your teeth at least once a day.

·         Brush your tongue gently to remove dead cells, including the back of your tongue, because that's where bacteria often collect.

·         Drink lots of water to keep your mouth moist and clean. And water really is what's best here: Other beverages, particularly caffeinated beverages, don't work as well as water for halitosis treatment and prevention.

·         Eat less meat and more vegetables and fruits each day.

·         Get dental checkups at least twice a year that include an exam and cleaning.

·         If you wear dentures, bridges, or removable braces, clean them thoroughly at least once a day.

·         Suck candy or chew gum (preferably sugarless) to stimulate saliva production, which helps wash away food particles and bacteria.

When to See Your Dentist about Bad Breath

If you still feel like you have bad breath after trying these tips, ask someone who is close to you for confirmation. Sometimes, you really are your own worst critic. If it is indeed an issue, make an appointment with your dentist to try to uncover what could be causing your bad breath.

Avoid drinking, eating, chewing gum, or brushing your teeth before your dental appointment. Skip the perfume or other scented products too, so that your dentist can truly assess your halitosis. Your dentist will likely ask you a number of questions, ranging from your dental hygiene habits to your general health.

In some cases, halitosis may be due to a buildup of plaque, which is a layer of bacteria on your teeth. If this is the case, the dentist may have you use a special antimicrobial mouth rinse.

Toothache: here is some home remedies

Grab some clove oil. Oil of clove is an age-old home remedy. It works thanks to the chemical eugenol contained in the oil, which has anesthetic and antibacterial properties. To use it for tooth pain, soak a cotton ball with a mixture made of two to three drops of clove oil and ¼ teaspoon of olive oil. Put the cotton ball in your mouth near the tooth that hurts and bite down to keep it in place. One caution: Don’t go to sleep with the cotton ball still in your mouth. The FDA no longer considers this treatment effective enough to recommend it, although some dentists still believe it has benefits.Clove oil is available at pharmacies and health food stores.

Pop in a cough drop. Cough drops or lozenges usually contain a small amount of anesthetic (menthol and sometimes benzocaine) — which means they may relieve minor tooth pain, too. Pop one or two in your mouth and suck on them (don’t chew!). Another solution? Apply a dab of Vick’s VapoRub on the outside of your cheek where your tooth hurts, then place a paper towel on your pillow and lie down on that side.

Flush it out. Sometimes, the root of your toothache is food that’s trapped between your teeth. In this case, try flossing, rinsing with mouthwash, or using interdentally brushes (small brushes shaped like Christmas trees that work between the teeth). In fact, this home remedy can save you a trip to the dentist’s office — but if food is constantly getting stuck in your teeth, talk to your dentist, because there could be an issue with your gums that needs medical attention.

Try these other kitchen staples. Some other home remedies that have proven to help toothaches include applying a hot tea bag directly to the tooth. Tea contains tannic acid, which reduces swelling. Other solutions: A cucumber slice placed on the tooth or a cotton ball soaked in brandy - alcohol has numbing properties, too. Some people also report that garlic, onions, spinach, wheat grass, or a simple salt water rinse relieves tooth pain.

Good oral health goes beyond brushing and flossing.

Your mouth is made up of more than just teeth, so good oral health goes beyond simply brushing and flossing. In addition to your teeth, your mouth is made up of gums, oral mucosa, the upper and lower jaw, the tongue, salivary glands, the uvula, and the frenulum. All of these structures play an important role when it comes to good dental health and are routinely examined when you receive dental care.

The Oral Mucosa

When you open your mouth and look in the mirror, everything that isn’t a tooth is covered by a protective lining called the oral mucosa, which is a mucous membrane similar to the mucous membranes that line your nostrils and inner ears.

The oral mucosa plays an essential role in maintaining your oral health, as well as your overall health, by defending your body from germs and other irritants that enter your mouth. A tough substance called keratin, also found in your fingernails and hair, helps make the oral mucosa resistant to injury.

The Gums

Your gums are the pinkish tissue that surrounds and supports your teeth. Also covered by oral mucosa, gums play a critical role in your oral health. Healthy gums are firm, cover the entire root of the tooth, and do not bleed when brushed, poked, or prodded. Gum disease can ultimately lead to tooth loss, so taking care of your gums by flossing daily is just as essential to dental care as brushing your teeth.

The Upper and Lower Jaw

Your jaws give your face its shape and your mouth the structure it needs for chewing and speech. Human jaws are made up of several bones: The upper jaw contains two bones that are fused to each other and to the rest of your skull, while the lower jawbone is separate from the rest of the skull, enabling it to move up and down when you speak and chew.

The Tongue

The tongue is a powerful muscle covered in specialized mucosal tissue that includes your taste buds. The tongue is not just important to your oral health — it's also considered an integral part of the body's digestive system — it's responsible for moving food to your teeth, and when chewed food is ready to be swallowed, the tongue moves it to the back of the throat so it can proceed into the esophagus. In babies, the tongue and the jaw work together to enable the infant to breastfeed.Additionally, the tongue plays an essential role in the ability to speak by shaping the sounds that come out of your mouth.

The Salivary Glands

You have three sets of salivary glands in your mouth and neck: the parotid, submandibular, and sublingual glands. These glands produce saliva, which contains special enzymes that help break down food, making it easier for you to swallow. Saliva is critical to good oral health, because it protects your teeth and gums by rinsing away food particles and bacteria and by helping to counteract acidic foods that can wear down the protective enamel on your teeth.

The Uvula

The uvula is the small flap of tissue which hangs down at the back of your throat. The uvula is composed of muscle fibers as well as connective and glandular tissues. Like other soft tissue structures in the mouth, the uvula is covered by oral mucosa. The uvula has long been a source of curiosity for scientists as all of its functions are not yet fully understood. However, it seems to play some role in speech and in keeping the mouth and throat moist.

The Frenulum Linguae

The frenulum is a flap of oral mucosa that connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth. This tissue allows the tongue to move about as it does its job. If an infant is born with a frenulum that is too short, or not elastic enough, he or she can have trouble breastfeeding. A short frenulum can also affect speech.

The next time you’re brushing spend a minute looking at the parts of the mouth that lie farther inside the oral cavity. Knowing what these structures do and what they look like can help you to maintain optimal oral health.

Maintaining Good Dental Care Habits, Your dentist is only a partner in your dental health. 

5 right intake every time

1. How much fruit and veg/non-veg?

Everyone knows you’re supposed to have five portions a day, but how much is a portion? Think of a portion of fruit or vegetables as being the size of your fist. This could be one apple or orange, two satsumas, three tablespoons of peas or a cereal bowl filled with salad – whatever works for you.

Another handy tip for veg portions: for main meals, fill at least one third of your plate with vegetables. And remember, potatoes don’t count.

 

2. How much bread, rice or pasta?

Bread, rice, pasta and other starchy carbohydrates like cereal and potatoes help release energy slowly and keep you feeling full between meals, essential for avoiding unhealthy snacks.

Depending on your age, gender and activity levels you’ll need between five and 11 servings of these filling carbs. A single serving is around the size of a grapefruit.

3. How much milk or dairy?

Make sure you get the recommended daily dose of two to three portions, or three to four portions for children and pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Milk is an obvious source: one portion is 200ml (you can include milk in hot drinks or sauces). A small pot of yoghurt, 30g of hard cheese or 100g of cottage cheese also count as one portion.

 

4. How much meat?

The World Cancer Research Fund recommend eating no more than 500g cooked red meat per week, equivalent to around 700g of raw meat. If you eat red meat every day, a cooked piece the size of a pack of playing cards should be your daily limit.

 

5. How much alternative protein (fish, eggs, beans, nuts)?

Meat isn’t the only source of protein – sustainably caught fish, eggs, beans, pulses, nuts and seeds are healthier and better for the environment.

Aim to get two to three servings, which could be 150g of white fish (like cod or haddock), 100g of oily fish (like mackerel or sardines), two medium eggs, three heaped tablespoons of beans and pulses or 25g of nuts and seeds.

How these small changes can improve your fitness or lifestyle

Improve your tennis game

Try a long rally competition rather than a standard match. By keeping the ball bouncing back and forth, you’ll have to move about a lot more than if you’re going for a winner every time.

 

Get more from cycling

Surface should be flat. Make the most of your ride on the flat by doing speed and intensity intervals. Cycle fast (safely) for one minute then ease off. Then try cycling at the same speed, but uphill or in a higher gear.

 

Skipping workout

Okay, so maybe you haven’t picked up a skipping rope since primary school but it’s a great way to get fit, burning around 130 calories in 10 minutes.

Try forward jumps, then backward, followed by run skipping. Then start jumping to the left and right each time the rope passes by before trying a star jump, spreading your legs apart or together with each jump. Try to keep going for at least 10-15 minutes without stopping.

 

Swimming workout

Different strokes target different areas in swimming, so here’s a rough rule of thumb to make it easier: backstroke for posture, crawl for cardio, breaststroke for leg-toning and butterfly for core.

Try using only your arms for one length and then only your legs on the way back to give them both a tough ride – and don’t stop swimming for at least half an hour to get the maximum benefit.

 

Running

When it comes to running, mix long, slow, jogging sessions with sprints to make the most from your time outside. You’ll burn fat with a low slow run for 40 minutes but more calories from doing high intensity sprints for 20 minutes.

 

Walking

Brisk is best on the walking front and intervals are the key. Plan to do a 30-minute walk and break it up into bursts of high-speed power walking for 4-5 minutes split up with 1-2 minute slow walking breaks. Carry weights or a backpack to make things a bit tougher. Also, give hiking or beach walking a go – the uneven ground will work your muscles even more.

How to feel refreshed and happy in morning

Looking to start your day with refresh? Here are some hints for happy mornings.

We all know the feeling as your arm reaches for the snooze button for the third time and you can’t honestly believe that it is that time already. So here’s how to get a better night’s sleep, so you don’t wake up feeling tired, but ready for the day ahead and with a spring in your step.

 

Go to bed early

While you might not fall straight to sleep, your body will start to relax and your mind will start to rest. This also means that if you do nod off sooner then you can rise earlier too, giving you time for a proper breakfast.

Get smart with sleep apps

While we don’t recommend updating your status or checking out your news feed when your head hits the pillow, there are lots of apps that can help you get a better night’s sleep and make you feel more refreshed come morning. So get searching and find one that suits you.

 

Create a soothing sleep space

De-clutter your bedroom to avoid distractions and decorate the space with warm or pastel tones to make it relaxing and peaceful. Pull the duvet back during the day to give the mattress a good airing and then make your bed when you get in from work so that it’s cozy when bedtime comes.

 

Plan the following day

Make a to-do list in the evening so your mind doesn’t start racing when you lie down. Pick out and iron your clothes ready for work and make your packed lunch and pop it in the fridge. You’ll be able to relax knowing you have tomorrow already planned and you won’t have to rush in the morning.

 

Start a wind down routine

Get into the habit of winding down your day with some of your favourite things. Perhaps a long luxurious bath, sitting on the sofa with a good book or curling up with a hot milky drink. Give yourself time for this each evening before you go to bed, it’ll help you nod off easier.

 

Banish the booze

We’re not being spoilsports when we say this, but cutting out the common culprits of bad sleep from your diet will make you feel better when the alarm goes off. Try to avoid alcohol, caffeine and sugary foods before bed and make sure you hydrate during the day. Start your mornings with a glass of water and try to drink at least eight 200ml glasses throughout the day. Not only will you feel refreshed, your skin will thank you too.

 

Airy room

If it’s not too cold outside, keep your bedroom window ajar throughout the night to encourage fresh air to circulate. The carbon dioxide and moisture that we breathe out builds up in our bedrooms when we’re asleep, so keeping the room ventilated will replenish the oxygen that helps our bodies regenerate.

Keep on toe for better health, Lifestyle while caring Health

A number of dietary habits and lifestyle factors can affect on health

Sugar consumption. “Having a sugar-laden diet will contribute to tooth decay and gum problems, as the bacteria in the mouth thrive in this environment,” producing tooth and gum-destroying enzymes and acids.

Smoking. Dental care experts have long known that smoking cigarettes and cigars and using tobacco products can cause periodontal disease (gum disease), tooth decay, and oral cancer. Cigars can also cause periodontal disease and throat, or pharyngeal, cancer. “The smoke from tobacco has a toxic effect on gum tissue, and can interfere with blood flow,” Price explains. “Smoking also stains the heck out of teeth, is a direct cause of oral cancer, and can contribute to bad breath.”

·         Drinking alcohol. “Drinking can contribute to oral problems indirectly by resulting in a dehydrated mouth, which can allow bacteria to run rampant,” research says, people who have alcohol addiction issues are probably less likely to consistently follow good dental care habits.

·         Changes in weight. For those who wear dentures, changes in body weight tend to affect the way dentures fit, research says. “Just as weight gain or loss affects the way clothes fit, that gain or loss also affects the gum pads on which dentures rest. To help maintain a healthy weight and fight tooth decay, advises people to eat a diet rich in high-fiber fruits and vegetables.

·         Medication. “Some medications, for example, some antibiotics, can cause internal staining of teeth, such as tetracycline staining, depending on the age at which you take them. Also, there are 200 to 400 medications, prescribed or over-the-counter, that have the side effect of drying up saliva. A dry mouth is more prone to gum disease and tooth decay, as well as bad breath.”

Healthy Mouth, Healthy Body

To maintain your oral health — and overall good health, you should see your dentist regularly to head off any problems early. You should also practice good oral hygiene at home by carefully brushing and flossing your teeth regularly in order to prevent plaque from accumulating and causing problems. There is nothing a dentist can do that a patient can’t undo by neglecting their dental care.

Toothbrush Tips to Keep Your Teeth in Shape

Brushing your teeth seems easy enough. But some toothbrushes are better than others and there is a right and wrong way to brush your teeth.

Brushing your teeth regularly is the key to maintaining healthy teeth and gums and preventing periodontal (gum) diseases, but it's also important to make sure you choose the right toothbrush for your teeth and use proper brushing techniques. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day — in the morning and in the evening before going to bed, for at least three minutes — can help ensure long-term dental health.

Most important tips for a flatter stomach

Quick fixes to beat the fats without spending money on a gym membership

 

Stand up straight

That old trick of sucking your stomach in might actually work but you need to keep at it. Standing up straight with your shoulders, hips and ankles in a line and sucking your belly button towards your spine will tone and lengthen your abs area – try doing it as you brush your teeth every morning.

 

Get rid away from the gum

Chewing gum can trap air causing a bloated feeling. Switch it for mints (ones with peppermint oil) for fresh breath and to relax your stomach.

 

Chew properly

Elder’s was right all along when they said, “Don’t rush your food”. Wolfing it down means you swallow air causing you to bloat, plus taking your time will make you feel fuller quicker, meaning you can eat smaller portions and lose weight without missing a meal.

 

Go for a spin

It’s not the start of a joke, dancing will keep yourselves in shape. Pinch the kids’ hoops when they’re not looking or buy a weighted version for faster results. Join dance class and keep fit plus removing fat while exercise.

 

Hold a plank

Tighten up your abs with a plank: Lie face down, supporting yourself with your forearms, elbows under shoulders. Keeping your toes on the floor, suck in your belly and lift your legs so you’re in a straight line – a plank – from head to heels. Hold for as long as you can – or start with 15 seconds if it’s your first go.

 

Add herbal tea to remove fatty stomach

If your rounded tummy is due to a big meal or water retention, sip an herbal tea. Look out for stomach-soothing peppermint, chamomile, ginger and liquorice and cleansing fenugreek seeds, fennel and cloves. Gentle enough to be taken during pregnancy, herbal teas can also help ease colic in children and toddlers.

 

Try to stress less

Cortisol, the hormone that is released when we are stressed, directs your body to store fat round your middle. It also slows down your digestion, causing food to hang around in your gut, which can lead to bloating. Try to relax and unwind by going for a daily walk, having a bath or curling up with a good book.

Swimming is the best way to lose weight and get fit quickly

 

Tone up, sleep better and feel happier while swimming

Any type of exercise is better than none, but swimming is proven to be one of the best. Great for both mind and body, here’s why spending more time in the water is a seriously smart choice.

Swimming helps to manage weight

Expect to burn around 367 calories after just 30 minutes of breaststroke – that beats walking, cycling and even running.

Swimming reduces stress levels and raises self-esteem

According to a survey of 4000 swimmers undertaken by Speedo, 74% agree that swimming releases stress and tension, 68% say that being in the water helps them to feel good about themselves and 70% feel mentally refreshed after swimming.

 

Swimming boosts your mood

Another study shows that swimmers, no matter what level, are less prone to tension, depression, anger and confusion when they’ve been swimming. It means that novice and amateur swimmers can feel just as good as the pros, thanks to the release of feel-good hormone serotonin.

 

Swimming strengthens muscles

The resistance of water can be 44 times greater than air, meaning you have to work harder to move through it. It’s like working out with weights or machines without the need for expensive equipment, which makes swimming an affordable way to strengthen your muscles.

 

Swimming is low-impact exercise

You’re only bearing about 10% of your weight when you swim due to the buoyancy of water. With greater ease of movement and less strain on bones, joints and muscles, swimming has a lower risk of injury than many other forms of exercise.

 

Swimming improves your sleep

People who undertake vigorous exercise such as swimming are around twice as likely to report on having a good night’s sleep, according to a poll by the National Sleep Foundation. They’re least likely to report sleep problems, with most avoiding problems like insomnia and waking too early.

 

Swimming is sweat-free

As a swimmer, you’ll never get overheated or feel sweaty because the water around you is constantly cooling you down.

 

Swimming lowers disease risk

Not only is swimming kind to your heart and a great form of cardiovascular exercise, it’s also shown to control blood sugar levels, lower blood pressure and reduce levels of bad cholesterol in your blood. So by swimming regularly, you’re less likely to develop illnesses like type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke.