BAD BREATH is a common social problem that can also be an important indicator of poor health. The medical term for bad breath is halitosis, and according to the National Institute of Dental Research in the United States, over 65 million Americans suffer from it.
In my experience, Jamaicans have their fair share of halitosis too. In Israel, people have actually been sued and even divorced for bad breath!
THE CAUSE
Many factors can contribute to bad breath: dental problems, diabetes, kidney disease, liver problems, stomach and intestinal disorders, general toxicity and even some highly-spiced foods. However, research shows that the main culprits in serious halitosis are bacteria.
Your entire intestinal tract from mouth to anus is home to vast numbers of bacteria. In health, they live together in balance and are essential for the well-being of the entire body. An imbalance of these germs may occur from poor diet, pollution or medication like antibiotics. The unhealthy bacteria then overgrow, get out of control and bad breath results. The bad odour is actually caused by volatile sulphur-containing substances that these 'bad' bacteria produce.
Apart from the odour they produce, research indicates that excess of these bacteria in the mouth can promote gum and dental problems, as well as generalised inflammation in the body along with heart and circulatory problems.
THE TONGUE
Research has also shown that a major area for these unhealthy bacteria to accumulate is at the back of the tongue. These problem germs cannot survive in well-oxygenated areas, so they hide in the thick surface on the back of the tongue and emit the sulfur compounds that cause the offending breath.
THE SOLUTION
Bad breath is a symptom, not a disease. Look for the underlying cause and correct it. Take care of your general health. Your mouth is a mirror of your health.
HERE ARE FIVE TIPS:
Brushing your teeth is 10 to 20 per cent effective in relieving bad breath. Brushing your tongue is about 70 per cent effective. I particularly recommend using a special tongue scraper that allows you to effectively clean the entire tongue, particularly at the back. These are available in health food stores.
The best, cheapest and most effective gargle for bad breath is
in my opinion hydrogen peroxide. It does not mask the odour; it destroys the sulphur-producing bacteria on your tongue by producing lots of oxygen in the bubbles that it creates in your mouth. One to two capfuls of three per cent hydrogen peroxide in half a glass of water makes an excellent mouthwash. It is not well-promoted, because drug companies cannot patent it.
Bacterial build-up in the stomach causes many problems from bad breath to peptic ulcers. Replacing healthy bacteria in the stomach can correct the problem. I recommend a supplement containing acidophilus and bifidus bacteria (flora fibre)along with an aloe vera-based drink (herbal aloe) to promote stomach health.
Detoxification of the system, particularly the colon, is also a vital part of the natural approach to correcting bad breath. I use a herbal supplement, colonic irrigation done by a trained colon hydrotherapist and sauna therapy.
Specific herbs naturally sweeten the breath by neu-tralising the offending sulfur compounds. These include parsley,chlorophyll,sunflower seed oil, spinach extract, and cardamom oil. Consult your health food store.So, cleanse your tongue, mouth, stomach, colon and body and that will cleanse your breath.
Email Dr. Tony Vendryes at vendryes@mac.com or visit his website at www.anounceofprevention.org You may also listen to him on Power 106FM on Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m.
