Bad Breath Sufferers Beware

By: Del Carl

Many types people suffer with reduced salivary flow and are very susceptible to bad breath. They include those who smoke tobacco or take alcohol. Others in this category are those on medications for sinus and heart problems. Those who use birth control pills or antidepressants, and those over 55 years will also experience these symptoms. People who are dieting successfully and those with bleeding gums also suffer in this way.

A study done by Anne Bosy, co-founder of the Fresh Breath Clinic in Toronto, found that most people with bad breath do not have gum disease. Instead, she found that sulphur-producing bacteria live at the back of the tongue, bedding down under plaque and mucous. These bacteria are a source of halitosis.

That white coating on the tongue is where the millions of bacteria are living right now.

The gram negative anaerobic bacteria thrive in the oxygen-free area at the back of the tongue. Because of this, it is not possible to get all the bacteria out of the mouth, as the supply is continuous from the rear region.

These anaerobic type bacteria include the likes of A. actinomycetemcomitans, B. forsythus, T. denticola, P. intermedia and P.gingivalis and are readily associated with periodontal disease.

Not only does this plaque on the tongue result in bad breath smells, but gum diseases and tooth problems such as gingivitis and periodontitis readily follow.

85% of all cases of bad breath originate in the mouth, and 90% of those are caused by the coatings on the tongue. It has been shown previously in various studies that the major components of halitosis are the mercaptans and hydrogen sulphide.

Out of fear of embarrassing them, it has been shown in behavioural studies, that no one likes to tell others that they have bad breath, not even their spouses.

New research shows a connection between the bacteria in our mouths and heart disease as well as other ailments.

One of the chief causes of periodontal disease is a bacterium that hides under the food and mucous layer settled on the tongue. This bacterium present in periodontal disease invades the bloodstream through damaged, bleeding gums, and may cause damage throughout the body, including the heart.

Studies have recently shown that many bacteria can enter the bloodstream and damage heart muscle tissue. They can also encourage the formation of blood clots. The bacteria Clostridium perfingens, which is normally found in the mouth, is considered to be one of the major culprits.

There is some suggestion from research that the bacteria can enter the bloodstream of pregnant women if there are gum problems, and that the by-products of those bacteria (which are toxic), are somewhat responsible for lower birth weights of their babies.

Some studies are showing a connection betweem diabetes and periodontal disease.

Bacteria found in the mouth can end up in the airways and increase the risk of complications associated with chronic lung conditions and respiratory disease.

It's a fact that many may not have considered, that first thing in the morning there is every possibility of re-ingesting a large amount of the toxins and metabolic by-products that the body has tried to get rid of via the tongue during the night. Food for thought!

Niche Article Directory: http://www.thatsmyniche.com

About the author: Del Carl researches and posts free articles and information about bad breath and periodontal disease at his website. Why not drop by sometime.

Please Rate this Article

5 out of 54 out of 53 out of 52 out of 51 out of 5 

Not yet Rated