Embarrassed By Bad Breath! How To Naturally Treat Halitosis With Your Diet!

You are reading this right now because you or a loved one suffers from the disease of bad breath… halitosis! And one word you can use to describe the disease which affects 50-80 million Americans is…. Embarrassed! In fact, in many cases, people voice how 'bad breath' has created social and psychological barriers and has even affected personal relationships with their significant other. Constant worry about the smell of halitosis can even have a negative effect how people perform professionally. At work, dates, parties, gatherings, and daily life, bad breath can be devastating to anyone.

So do you have bad breath? Simply worrying about your bad breath or keeping your fears to yourself is not a good solution. Ask honest opinions about your breath from trusted family and friends may be the first step to a 'call to action' against bad breath. To learn what halitosis is and five natural remedies to treat halitosis, please keep reading.

What is Halitosis?

Chronic halitosis is a condition in which a person produces an offensive odor from their oral or nasal regions that they are unable to eliminate with normal oral hygiene techniques, such as brushing, flossing and rinsing. The occasional "morning breath" most people experience is not true halitosis. Bad breath may be affected by many different factors including what you eat, dry mouth, smoking and not brushing/flossing correctly. It can also be a sign of a medical disorder, such as a local infection in the respiratory tract, chronic sinusitis, postnasal drip, chronic bronchitis, diabetes or gastrointestinal disturbance, liver or kidney ailment.

Where does Halitosis come from?

Typically, the bad breath odor comes from activity of bacteria in the mouth, usually from the back part of the tongue. Simply put, microorganisms in the mouth break down proteins and produce foul smelling gasses leaving the victim with 'bad breath'.

Five Main Types of Mouth Odors that contribute to Bad Breath.

1. Periodontal - odor from the crevicular fluid in the periodontal pockets (between teeth)

2. Nasal - odor from nasal cavity

3. Denture- odor emitted from removable dentures (false teeth)

4. Tongue - odor from posterior tongue dorsum (back part of tongue) (most common)

5. Smoker's Breath - odor emitted from habitual smoker

Help is Around the Corner!

Fortunately, you can cure the disease of halitosis by practicing some common oral hygiene procedures. Unfortunately, most people have common 'bad habits' for brushing, flossing and scraping. Could you be making some 'bad breath' mistakes?

Tips for Brushing, Flossing, and Scraping

Brushing your teeth is paramount for fighting bad breath! You should use a soft bristled tooth brush and brush at least twice a day. All surfaces of teeth (outer, inner, and top) need to be brushed back and forth in short one-tooth strokes. Many halitosis sufferers will often not brush long enough.

Flossing should be done with fluoride floss that is about 15 inches long. Make sure you guide floss (back and forth) between teeth and not snap floss between your teeth. Make sure the floss touches all edges of side teeth and gum line. Start a pattern so you do not miss any teeth, including the back of molars.

Scraping the tongue is often a forgotten oral hygiene practice. To scrape the tongue of the 'bad breath causing' bacteria, take regular tooth brush and dip the toothbrush into mouthwash. The toothbrush now can be used to gently brush the back of tongue. You should repeat this step until the yellow/white film is brushed off of tongue.
You can also change your diet to fight halitosis.

A Halitosis-Fighting Diet

1. Water is your Best Friend! Drink as much of it as you can! We would recommend up to 10-12 glasses per day! Dry mouth is linked with bad breath.

2. Finish that Fruit! Fruit is loaded with water, vitamins and minerals! We should have listened to "An apple a day keeps the doctor away".

3. Vegetables! You are not a kid anymore, eat those vegetables. Besides having ample water they will also help your overall health.

4. Lower your Dairy! Eating dairy foods will often produce a foul odor!

5. Lower your Protein! Eating meats will also create a 'bad breath' reaction.

6. Drink Tea NOT Coffee! Compounds found in green or black tea have been found to stop the growth of bacteria that cause bad breath.

7. Sugarless Yogurt! Researchers have found that sugarless yogurt reduces compounds that create bad breath.

Finally, do not stop here! You have finally started on the path to eliminate bad breath for good! This is just the tip of the iceberg for information to fight against halitosis. Remember that educating yourself on halitosis will be the main tool to ridding yourself of bad breath. Imagine no more bad breath, no more awkwardness, no more worrying! Please don't wait another day counting the hours until your next 'bad breath situation'… A guaranteed solution is just clicks away. Check out our research-based site today! You will not regret it… guaranteed!

http://www.takemybadbreathaway.com/bb1/

By: Joe Barton

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

About The Author:

Joe Barton writes for Barton Publishing Inc., a leading natural health company specializing in educating people of numerous natural remedies and safe, affordable cures. To discover how to naturally treat halitosis… guaranteed! Please click here: www.takemybadbreathaway.com/bb1/

Keywords: dental, dental care, brush teeth, toothbrush, bad breath, Halitosis, mouth odour

How to Brush Teeth Without Toothpaste

Here is an easy way to keep your teeth clean if you ever find yourself without toothpaste. This is also great for people who have health concerns about toothpaste and it is easy to take on camping trips, as it is light and easy to carry.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup of baking soda
• 1/8 cup of water
• Edible flavoring (optional)

Steps:

1. Mix the baking soda and water in a container.
2. Add flavoring (optional).
3. Shake the container rapidly.
4. Slowly pour a small portion onto your tooth brush and start to brush!

Tips:

• You might be surprised to know that this method whitens your teeth just as well as using a brand name toothpaste and it will still prevent cavities.
• One suggested flavoring is lemon or lime juice as these are very refreshing flavors and they also help to brighten teeth. However, be aware that adding anything acidic (such as lemon or lime juice) to the 'toothpaste' because this could cause a weakening of the tooth (acid erosion).
• In some places, for example India, Neem twigs are used for brushing teeth. (Neem is a kind of tree.) Similarly, Miswak sticks are used in the Middle East. These are natural alternatives to toothpaste and there is no need for a toothbrush either; easy and a sustainable solution for our planet.

Warnings:

• Do not use too much flavoring - this could cause numbness of the tongue.
• Sugar is not a flavoring!
• If you've swallowed a lot of the "toothpaste" mixture, drink water and seek medical assistance if needed; too much baking soda may make you vomit.
• Be careful if you use this treatment frequently; it might wear the enamel off your teeth.

From Wikihow: How to Brush Teeth Without Toothpaste

Keywords: dental, dental care, brush teeth, toothpaste, clean teeth

Dental Discount Plans - How They Work & Why You Should Have One

Do you have a toothache? Do you have visible cavities? Do your gums bleed, especially while brushing your teeth? Do you currently have dental insurance? Do you intend to buy dental insurance? Well my friend, I highly recommend that you don't waste your money. The reason why I say that is because dental insurance does not cover any kind of pre-existing conditions. That means that if you have any of the above problems, a toothache, cavities, gingivitis, or any other dental issues, you're pretty much out of luck because you'll be paying those treatments out of pocket.

Dental insurance is not what it used to be. Years ago most decent jobs offered dental insurance coverage along with their health insurance package. It used to be that you could go see your dentist to get all of your basic issues taken care of, such as your cleanings, x-rays, etc., everything except for any pre-existing conditions. Well, this hasn't changed one bit over the years. I don't understand why people think that they're going to go in and pay a few dollars for dental insurance premiums and then immediately have all of their teeth fixed. It just doesn't work like that. Think about this for a moment... when you go to get insurance on your car don't they come out and take a look around your car? Don't they take pictures of all sides of your car? Of course they do! The reason why they do this is because they don't want to pay for any damage that was already there. Well, dental insurance is the same way. It makes absolutely no sense to think that it would be any different.

The way to go these days is to purchase a dental discount plan. Dental discount plans, also sometimes referred to as discount dental plans, offer discounts of anywhere from 10-60% on standard dental procedures. This is how they work. You join the dental discount plan, which only costs as little as $80 per year for an individual or $150 per year for the entire family. Within one to three business days you can see a participating dentist in your area. All you need to do is go in and have a complete examination done, find out exactly what you need to have taken care of, let the dentist know what you can afford to pay for that day and pay them for the discounted procedure at the time of your visit.

Pre-existing conditions are fine, there are no waiting periods, no exclusions, no age limits etc., the only stipulation of having a dental discount plan is that you must pay for your services at the time of your appointment. Dental discount plans are absolutely the way to go in 2007. I recommend that you if you've been considering buying a dental plan, that you take a good look at discount dental plans.

By: Joe Stewart

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Watch The New Video! Do Dental Discount Plans Really Save You Money or is Dental Insurance The Way To Go? Find Out The REAL Truth by Visiting Discount-Dental.net or by clicking on Dental Discount Plans . Joe Stewart is a former Life And Health Insurance Agent that now works for himself by providing solid, expert information to consumers.

Keywords:
dental, dental care, dental plans, dental insurance, teeth

Teeth Whitening - A Consumer's Guide

Teeth Whitening is one of the easiest ways to improve the overall look of your smile. Once the preserve of movie stars, it is now both affordable and readily available, and there are quite a few options to choose from.

Modern teeth whitening methods are so effective, that almost anyone can get their teeth whitened to a significant degree of brightness, and many treatments can be completed in one visit to the dentist.

What is Tooth Whitening?

Tooth Whitening is the process used to improve the brightness of the teeth, which is achieved by removing as much staining as possible. The techniques used range from natural home remedies to chemical and laser teeth whitening methods performed by cosmetic dentists.

The constant build up of organic pigments on the teeth can cause them to discolour over a period of time. These protein pigments derive from the different kinds of food, drink, tobacco and even antibiotics people consume over the years, and cause the natural whiteness of their teeth to be gradually diminished.

The yellowing of the teeth is also a part of the ageing process, and is determined to some extent by genetic and dietary factors. Some people just have naturally brighter enamel than others.

What different types exist?

There are quite a few options available to choose from. Most artificial methods rely on some form of peroxide to remove stains and bleach your teeth white.

When peroxide compounds are used, oxygen is released and bleaches the pigmented substances present in the enamel the teeth. This method restores the natural colour of the teeth without corroding the surface enamel.

Teeth whitening procedures can be performed at a dentist’s office, or in the comfort of your own home. Here are some of the popular techniques.

Whitening Toothpastes
Whitening toothpastes contain certain mildly abrasive components which help scrub away the surface stains, and leave teeth looking cleaner and whiter. They don’t however have a bleaching action. Whitening toothpastes are generally not as effective as other methods of teeth whitening.

Whitening Strips
Teeth whitening strips come in the form of a sticky tape that may be directly applied across the front the teeth. They contain a bleaching solution that incorporates a peroxide compound, and are usually used twice a day for about half an hour each time. Teeth whitening strips may be bought over-the-counter as well as from your dentist.

Whitening Gels
Teeth whitening gels are also peroxide based, and they are applied over the teeth with a small brush. Self application gel kits are available that can be used at home. The kit usually comes with a peroxide gel-filled mouth tray that is fitted to your teeth. They are simple to use, reasonably affordable, and effective.

Whitening procedures at the Dentist’s Office

A cosmetic dentist can perform this procedure, which involves the direct application of a gel to the teeth under controlled heating, or with the help of a special light or laser, or even a combination of the three.

The procedure will typically last 30 to 60 minutes, and sometimes requires more than one sitting to be properly effective. This procedure will give you quick results, and will be correspondingly more expensive when compared with the home whitening kit.

Gel Treatment under Dental Supervision

This is one of the more popular methods of teeth whitening, and can be slightly more affordable when compared to the procedure performed by a cosmetic dentist.

A custom-made tooth tray containing carbamide peroxide gel is be provided. This is considered to be more effective than treatment using hydrogen peroxide, and reaches virtually every contour of teeth, rendering them as white as possible.

The method of usage is similar to that of a teeth whitening gel kit, and the tray supplied can be reused later as and when required.

How safe are Tooth whitening methods?

A vast body of research has been done on the efficacy and safety aspects of the teeth whitening methods that are in use today, and they have been reported to be quite safe. Modern techniques rarely give rise to sensitive gums or other side effects, and qualified dentists are quite emphatic that tooth whitening is one of the safest cosmetic dental procedures available.

The effects of tooth whitening typically last for one to two years, and sometimes longer depending on your dental hygiene and dietary habits

How much does teeth whitening cost?

The costs can vary depending upon location and the type of whitening treatment selected.

Teeth whitening toothpastes are priced at £4.50 to £14.50 for a tube of 4.2oz. They contain a protein pellicle to which plaque, stains and bacteria adhere and get eliminated while rinsing.

A tooth whitening gel kit is usually priced at around £100.

Teeth whitening and teeth bleaching procedures cost around about £250 on average.

When having the whitening treatment performed by a cosmetic dentist, the cost depends upon the number of sittings required to get the teeth whitened to a significant degree. Most often, dental insurance will not cover the cost of a teeth whitening procedure.

Laser teeth whitening is likely to be priced at over £500.

Copyright 2007 Reva Health Network

By: Caelen King

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Caelen King is founder and CEO of Reva Health Network www.revahealthnetwork.com/ is a medical and dental tourism search engine allowing customers to search and compare treatments and prices around the world and to arrange a no commitment direct consultation with their chosen clinic.

How to Whiten Teeth

When you look in the mirror, do you notice your teeth are discolored due to the coffee or tea you drink ? You can check out the new whitening methods that are sold in the stores, or you can make your own paste and get the same results!

Steps:

1. Brush your teeth thoroughly.
2. Mix about one tablespoon of baking soda with about 1/2 a table spoon of peroxide paste.
3. Put this paste on your toothbrush, and brush your teeth for three to five minutes.
4. Rinse and do this at least twice a month.

Tips:

• Avoid food that will stain your teeth, like coffee, and soda. Smoking stains your teeth too.

Warnings:

• If your gums look swollen or hurt after doing this then stop immediately or limit this method to once a month.
  
• Any small cuts in your mouth may be sensitive to the peroxide, but it's actually just cleaning out the wound, and it does tingle a bit.
  
• Do not swallow the paste!

Things You'll Need:

• Baking Soda
• Peroxide
• Toothbrush

From WikiHow: How To Whiten Your Teeth