HALITOSIS causes, symptoms and treatments

Description
* Everyone experiences halitosis or bad breath at some stage, however it is usually temporary. Chronic halitosis may require investigation as to the underlying cause.

Causes
* There are many possible causes of halitosis including plaque on the tongue and teeth, nose and throat infection, infected gums, constipation, tooth decay, smoking, not eating, diabetes, stress, liver disorder, inadequate protein digestion and high levels of colon bacteria.

Symptoms
* Stale bad breath. If there is a particularly strong and foul smelling odor, it may appear to be emanating from the mouth but may actually originate in the stomach or intestines.

Lifestyle symptoms
* Always floss and brush your teeth and tongue after eating.
* Store your toothbrush in hydrogen peroxide or grapefruit seed extract to kill bacteria between use. Replace your toothbrush every month to prevent bacteria build up.
* Dietary Changes – can be very helpful in improving bad breath.

• Eliminate meat and avoid food such as onions, smelly cheese, garlic, fish, alcohol and foods that stick to your teeth.
• Include parsley, celery and alfalfa in each meal as these help to deodorize the breath.

* If these measures do not improve the breath, seek medical advice for the possibility of other underlying causes.

Treatments for halitosis:

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VITAMIN C – helps to heal tissue especially the gums and protects against infection. Natural sources of vitamin C include citrus, spinach, berries, alfalfa, asparagus, kale, mango, rose hip, pineapple, papaya, silverbeet, fennel seed, peppermint, seaweed – dulse and kelp, turnip greens and dandelion greens. 2,000 – 6,000 mg daily may help with halitosis. Do not use more than 5,000 mg daily if pregnant. Use esterified vitamin C if you use aspirin. Large doses of vitamin C may cause diarrhea, may deplete the body of copper and affect the reliability of oral contraceptives.

ZINC – neutralizes sulfur compounds, which may cause bad breath, has a healing and antibacterial effect. Natural sources of zinc include parsley, soybeans, legumes, brewer’s and torula yeast, chamomile, alfalfa, pumpkin and sunflower seeds, pecans and whole grains. 90 mg daily may help halitosis. For prolonged periods of zinc intake, copper is recommended ie: 30 mg zinc with 2 mg of copper. Do not use more than 100 mg daily as excess zinc may depress the immune system.

ALFALFA – contains chlorophyll, which deodorizes the body and helps to heal infections. 1,000 mg daily in supplement form, or 3 tablespoons of liquid alfalfa daily in divided doses, or eat raw sprouts liberally.

CHAMOMILE MATRICARIA, GERMAN CHAMOMILE, ROMAN CHAMOMILE. – has antibacterial and deodorizing effects. If used as a mouthwash may help to improve bad breath. Do not use for prolonged periods or if allergic to ragweed.

GARLIC – helps to cleanse the body, has antibacterial effects and supports the immune system. Use odorless garlic supplements. 8 tablets daily in divided doses may help halitosis. Consult your physician before taking garlic if you are taking anticoagulant medication.

PEPPERMINT – a natural breath freshener. Eat liberally.