BAD BREATH II

as promised, here is the continuation of my blog on bad breath.  points 6-10 follow! 

6.   Our lungs can play a part in bad breath.  In most cases, bad breath from the lungs has one of two causes:  either some kind of disease or infection, or something you ate or drank that enters the bloodstream and releases odors when the blood enters the lungs.  Obviously, a lung disease or disorder can and usually will result in bad breath.  Lung cancer causes a distinct breath, as well as cystic fibrosis and asthma.  When we exhale, we're actually removing carbon dioxide carried to our lungs by the blood.  Diabetes causes a distinct "sweet and fruity" bad breath smell.  Again, breath that is so distinct that it can be a clue in diagnosing diabetes.  Kidney and liver disorders can send unwanted smells to the blood.  Getting the disease diagnosed and under control may be the only defense against the bad breath associated with it.

7.  Last blog I discussed foods that contribute to smelly breath.  Onions, garlic and meat are big culprits.  But did you know there are certain foods that make your breath smell good, too?  Take fruits high in vitamin C, for example.  Melons, berries and citrus fruits such as oranges are packed with vitamin C, something that doesn't get along with the bacteria in your mouth.  Rather than continuing to reproduce, the bacteria will begin to die off.  So, the more vitamin C-laden fruits you eat, the more nasty mouth germs you kill.  Other foods that help:  raw, crunchy fruits and veggies. Celery, carrots and apples are all good options to munch after a meal, as these fiber-packed foods help remove food that's stuck in your teeth.  They also stimulate saliva, which is detrimental to bacteria.  Try chasing your meal with green tea or simply sip it throughout the day.  It has antibacterial compounds that fight the germs in your mouth.  Mint, parsley, basil, cilantro and dill release scented essential oils when chewed or crushed.  Chlorophyll is the green pigment that allows plants to photosynthesize energy from light.  It also helps neutralize internal body odors-including bad breath.  Parsley may not be your idea of a great dessert but chewing a little after a meal could do wonders for your breath!

8.  What you drink can cause bad breath, too.  Consuming an acidic drink, including soda, coffee or alcohol, will release compounds into your bloodstream that will, in turn, release odors through your breath.  Plus, they lower the pH level in your mouth.  A lower pH allows bacteria to flourish and release foul sulfur compounds, smelling similar to a rotten egg.  Yuck.  Even if you can't stand the thought of giving up your morning latte, you can still freshen your breath by doing one simple thing: Rinse your mouth with plain water after drinking it.  This will aid in re-balancing your mouth's pH levels.  Try rinsing with water after meals, too.  It will help to remove food particles left in your mouth after a meal, preventing bad breath from setting in.

9.  Cigarettes just plain stink.  If you're one of the 46.5 million Americans who still smoke cigarettes, you no doubt battle bad breath daily.  Not only do cigarettes release a cocktail of chemicals into your mouth, but they also cause a host of other problems.  People who smoke cigarettes are much more likely to experience oral infections and disease.  In addition, they often have excessive plaque buildup on their teeth, and plaque is the perfect place to harbor odor-causing bacteria.  In a nutshell.......DO WHATEVER IT TAKES TO QUIT!!!

10.  One of the most common causes of persistent bad breath is also one of the most overlooked:  a lack of regularly scheduled visits to your dentist.  The American Dental Association recommends that children and adults have a professional cleaning regularly.  For most, twice a year should be enough. For others who experience tartar buildup more quickly, four times a year may be necessary.  The professional cleaning process not only removes tartar from the teeth which, if untreated, could lead to gum disease, but it also can identify any infected areas that need treatment.

REMEMBER, GETTING TO THE ROOT OF THE PROBLEM WILL, IN MOST CASES, ENSURE SWEET-SMELLING BREATH!!!

Hope you've enjoyed the subject.  Now here's to better breath!!!