Bad Breath
Description Bad breath can be a very embarrassing condition, which is why many people are reluctant to inform their naturopath or other health practitioner if a problem exists. However, myths about halitosis still persist and it is important for you to better understand this condition in order to properly deal with the problem. Attempting to mask bad breath with excess brushing or with commercial mouthwashes, as many people do, will only make the problem worse.
Symptoms and Signs:It is often difficult to tell whether you have bad breath. Rather, this uncomfortable task falls upon others to detect the problem for you. Signs, however, include the presence of gum disease, dehydration, and irregularities in digestion. Try breathing through your mouth and on to your hands to check if there is an unpleasant odour.
Causes: It is a common misconception that that bad breath is solely related to a lack of oral hygiene. There are many other factors that are commonly involved. Dehydration, gum disease, tooth decay, worn out fillings, poor diet, alcohol, smoking, ill-fitting crowns and dentures, nose or throat infection, diabetes, liver malfunction, diarrhea and constipation are all related to halitosis. Halitosis is too often the sign of an underlying health concern. Like gum disease and tooth decay, bad breath often results from an oral bacterial buildup, which can imply a deficiency in your immune system's response. It is best to seek advice from your naturopath or other health practitioner if halitosis persists.
What to Expect: Dealing with halitosis is a long term process. As mentioned above, bad breath cannot be masked. Excess brushing will simply dry out your mouth, while mouthwashes act as temporary aids and only aggravate the situation.
Remedies
Foods Barley Grass juice and wheatgrass juice are rich in chlorophyll and many enzymes that facilitate proper digestion. Follow the directions on the bottle. You can also juice your own! High-fibre foods will help remove toxins from the colon that can cause bad breath. Yogurt and kefir will help replenish beneficial bacteria to the digestive tract. For more information, see Acidophilus and Bifidus under Food Supplements, below.
Food Supplements Acidophilus and Bifidus supplementation will restore beneficial bacteria counts in the digestive tract and help keep harmful bacteria at bay. It is essential that these bacteria be restored to the body to promote proper digestion. This is especially true after the use of antibiotics. Look for a dairy-free formulation with at least 2.5 billion viable cultures per capsule and keep refrigerated. Take 2 or 3 capsules daily on an empty stomach, preferably in the morning or right before bed. Supplements with Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) provide a beneficial "bed" and initial food source for the bacteria. If dairy allergies have been ruled out, you can also eat yogurt that has had either bacterial culture added.
Herbs Alfalfa supplies chlorophyll, which helps bad breath by cleansing the colon and bloodstream. Add sprouts to your favourite sandwich or salad. Also drink alfalfa juice. Garlic's anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and general anti-biotic properties make for an effective long term remedy in reducing harmful bacteria in the digestive tract. This versatile herb also helps lower LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels and has antioxidant properties, too. Add it to your favourite meal and enjoy the numerous benefits. If you prefer to go "sans aroma", you may also take odourless garlic capsules. If eating whole cloves, take 2 to 4 daily. If using capsules, take 600 to 1,200mg once or twice daily with meals. If using a tincture, take 2 to 4mL three times daily. Goldenseal has strong antibacterial properties. As gum disease is a major factor in halitosis, dealing with this problem will also help with bad breath. Use alcohol-free goldenseal extract as a mouthwash to heal infected gums and mouth sores. NOTE: This delicate, wild herb is becoming increasingly rare as its popularity grows. Use only after you have exhausted other possible courses of antibacterial treatment. Do not take for more than one week at a time and avoid completely if you are pregnant or have high blood pressure. Use myrhh to rinse your mouth and brush your teeth. Parsley and cardamon are also rich in chlorophyll and helps eliminate bad breath. Peppermint, rosemary and sage may are also be helpful.
Homeopathy Certain remedies can be used in acute situations if your symptoms fit the symptom picture of the remedy. For dosages, see the dedicated section on Homeopathy. Consult your homeopath or naturopath to determine your constitutional remedy: the remedy that best fits you as a whole person. Your homeopath or naturopath will take a complete case history considering all of your mental and physical ailments and match these symptoms with the symptom picture of the remedy. Arnica: For bad breath following tooth extraction. Kali Phosphoricum: When diarrhea accompanies bad breath and for morning dry mouth. Mercurius: When gum disease or excess saliva accompanies bad breath. Nux Vomica: Heavily coated tongue. Pyrogenium: For dry throat and a red, cracked tongue.
Lifestyle Keep good oral hygiene. Brush and floss regularly. Bacteria accumulates not only on teeth and gums but also on your tongue. Make sure to brush your tongue daily. If you are unable to brush after every meal, eat mouth-cleansing fruits and vegetables such as apples, carrots, celery, and parsley. Drinking adequate amounts of water helps keep tissue healthy and prevents dehydration. Drink at least eight 8oz glasses of water daily. If you are not accustomed to drinking this quantity of water, start with four glasses daily and work your way up to eight over the course of a week. Add lemon or lime juice to further reduce mouth odour. Some people use warm water mixed with apple cider vinegar and a teaspoon of honey to deal with this problem Stay away from breath mints, commercial mouthwashes and breath sprays. These products tend to attract more bacteria than they kill. Avoid spicy foods, coffee, and other foods or drinks that leave long-lasting odours in your mouth.
Minerals Zinc can neutralize odour-causing sulfur compounds in the mouth, which occur as a result of bacterial wastes. Take 25 to 50mg daily.
Vitamins Vitamin A is needed for the control of infection and in the healing of the mouth. Take 10,000 IU daily. A B-50 Complex will support proper digestion. Take one 50mg capsule once or twice daily. Do not take more than 50mg at one time as your body cannot absorb a larger amount in a single dosage. Vitamin C can help rid the body of excess mucous and toxins that can cause bad breath. It is also important in healing the mouth and in the treatment of gum disease. Take 2,000 to 6,000mg daily. Start at the lower dosage and increase up to bowel tolerance.
Actions and Remedy Listings
For More Information ... Kennedy, David. How to Save Your Teeth. Health Action Press, Delaware. 1993. Stay, Flora Parsa. The Complete Book of Dental Remedies. Avery Publishing Group, New York. 1996.
See also Digestive Problems
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