If you are like me, then you’re probably thinking “Not another breath spray – isn’t rinsing and brushing enough?”

It’s a valid question…and one that I think I’ve tried to answer before, but I don’t mind doing it again.

Let me start by saying this – bad breath is the odor of the volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) that are created from the anaerobic bacteria that live in your mouth, between your teeth, beneath the surface of your tongue, in the back of your throat, and in your tonsils (if they exist).

See the picture to the left…. reaching your mouth, teeth, and front of your tongue in regions D, E, and F is simple – tens of thousands of you do it every day with our TheraBreath Oral Rinses and Toothpastes. But what about the production of odors farther back (Regions A, B, and C) – in the very back of your tongue, deep in your throat or in your tonsils?

When you gargle with an oral rinse (mouthwash) – most of time it can be very difficult to reach way down deep in your throat. Many of my patients find that a ‘Gag Reflex’ kicks in (this happens automatically in most people when something touches a sensitive area in the back of your throat and tongue). So what can you do? To stop bad breath you MUST neutralize the sulfur compounds that have been created by the anaerobic bacteria that live in deep recesses of your throat and tongue.

In response to this exact concern, I’ve created a breath spray that addresses this problem. TheraBreath PLUS Extinguisher Breath Spray has a unique 7.5cm long, swiveling, extended head which holds down the tongue and sprays the potent Therabreath PLUS formula directly on the bacterial breeding ground located in the back of your tongue and throat. It’s the only patented extra strength formula that can literally reach the part of your throat and tongue that no other formula can touch!

Many of you have told me that during your first clinical appointment, you’ve always felt something stuck in your throat – and you’ve attributed that uncomfortable feeling to your breath and taste disorder. This spray was designed to solve that problem.

Please remember that for chronic conditions, the only way to prevent the anaerobic bacteria from creating VSC’s is through daily use of an oxygenating line of products such as TheraBreath Oral Rinse and Toothgel (now at Albertsons, SavOn, Jewel, Osco, and Acme). For specific instructions on how to do this, see the Instructions of Use.

It’s especially useful for patients with:

1. Chronic bad breath who want extra relief throughout the day
2. Occasional (situational) breath or taste disorder, who want instant relief without an overbearing strong minty taste or smell
3. Dry mouth sufferers, whose tongue tends to become extra sticky as the day goes on

TheraBreath PLUS Extinguisher Spray is small enough to carry in your pocket, purse, or briefcase, so that you can even use it before or after your favorite garlic dish. I hope you can now see how a breath spray (especially one that actually reaches the source of bad breath) can help you regain your confidence.

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on a 3-pak of ‘Extinguisher’ Breath Spray

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The Truth About Bad Breath & What the Symptoms Mean

Bad breath is caused by anaerobic sulfur-producing bacteria which normally live within the surface of the tongue and in the throat. These bacteria are supposed to be there because they assist humans in digestion by breaking down proteins found in specific foods, mucous or phlegm, blood, and in diseased or broken-down oral tissue. Under certain conditions, these bacteria start to break down proteins at a very high rate. Proteins are made up of amino acids. Two of the amino acids (cysteine and methionine) are dense with sulfur.

When these beneficial bacteria come into contact with these compounds, the odorous and lousy-tasting sulfur compounds are released from the back of the tongue and throat, as hydrogen sulfide, methyl mercaptan, and other odorous and bad tasting compounds. These problem compounds are often referred to as volatile sulfur compounds (VSC), where volatile means vaporous and effervescent, two adjectives which accurately describe their ability to offend other people instantly.

Because my original degree is in bacteriology, let me explain a very important fact about these bugs. They are not infectious. Everyone in the world has the same group of bacteria in their mouth. You cannot catch bad breath from someone else, even by kissing. Since they are part of our normal oral flora, you cannot permanently remove them from your mouth – not by tongue scraping, antibiotics, or rinses which claim to “lift the bacteria off your tongue.”  The only scientifically proven and clinically effective method of halting halitosis is by attacking the bacteria’s ability to produce VSCs and by converting the VSCs into non-odorous and non-tasting organic salts.  I should know, I’ve personally treated nearly 10,000 people at my California Breath Clinics and I’ve helped thousands more through TheraBreath formulas.

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Brushing, flossing, and gargling may all be part of your daily oral hygiene routine, but taking these steps may not be enough if you have other issues.

Medications like antidepressants, diuretics, and aspirin can dry the mouth. With dry mouth, there is a lack of saliva, and saliva is what rinses away bacteria that make breath odor foul.

Bacteria – Some people may be prone to bad breath more than others. Bacteria exist on the tongue, and expel gases as they munch on food particles and other substances broken down from saliva. Also, they multiply at night, since the salivary glands slow down when you are sleeping. H. pylori, a type of bacteria that can cause stomach ulcers, can cause bad breath and gum disease if it finds a place to reside in your mouth.

Respiratory tract infections- While gum and tooth infections can cause bad breath, so can bronchitis, sinusitis, and even colds. RTIs break down tissue, which starts a flow of mucus and cells that feed bacteria that can emit foul odors.

Skipping breakfast– Not only does breakfast benefit your body and mind, but it helps to stimulate saliva production and scrub bacteria from the tongue (depending in what you eat, of course).

Diet- Low-carb diets can burn stored fat, thus creating toxic-smelling ketones. Foods that generate large amounts of amino acids, like dairy products and foods high in protein, can fuel the bacteria that produce bad breath. Obesity has also been linked with bad breath.

Breathing out of your mouth- When the tissues in your mouth are dry, saliva is prevented from washing away bacteria; thus, bad breath is encouraged. Major candidates for this are people who suffer from sleep apnea, asthma, and snoring.

Chronic illnesses- Breath that is chronically potent in a certain smell can signify a disease. For example, kidney failure can make your breath smell fishy, and uncontrolled diabetes can make your breath smell fruity.

Alcohol- Plain and simple, alcohol is dehydrating, and having a dry mouth encourages bad breath.

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In the long run, not only will maintaining good oral health save you money and unwanted discomfort, but it will help prevent serious diseases. By using your toothbrush frequently, flossing daily, and using antibacterial mouthwash, you will help prevent oral trouble.

As a rule of thumb, it is much easier to prevent problems before they start than restoring your oral health after you begin having problems. Oral health issues can also cause problems in other parts of your body, since there are links between your oral health and your overall health.

As a matter of fact, diabetes and other diseases can get into the blood stream through the mouth. One major disease is oral cancer, and it kills about one-third of those diagnosed. The annual mortality rate of oral cancer is on the rise, and heavy drinking, smoking, and HPV can be associated with the increasing death rate. There are even more deaths yearly from oral cancer than there are from cervical cancer, which is much more discussed in the media.

The president of New Brunswick Dental Society, Dr. Frederic Duke, stated in a news release that there are warning signs that people should know about and have checked out. He said that if a person has a sore that lasts longer than two weeks; a swelling, lump, or growth in or around the mouth or neck; red or white patches in the mouth or on the lips; oral bleeding; or difficulty swallowing/persistent hoarseness, they should have this looked at by a dentist immediately.

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Saliva is a very important part of oral health. With regards to the topic at hand, saliva provides 3 important functions:

1. Provides enzymes to help with digestion of food
2. Provides a method to stabilize pH (keep the acid levels in check)
3. Provides high levels of oxygen in order to keep oral tissues healthy and fresh.

If you suffer from dry mouth (Xerostomia) symptoms, you naturally have less saliva. In turn, less saliva means less oxygen. If there is less oxygen available in the oral environment you have an anaerobic environment, which is perfect for these sulfur-producing bacteria. In essence, the bacteria are now capable of making high levels of sulfur gases, which in turn make the breath and taste worse.

It is also true that some tongue formations are also more conducive to dry mouth than others. Generally, the rougher one’s tongue, the more likely they are to have a bad breath problem. This is connected to the belief by some that bad breath can be an inherited trait. Truthfully, one cannot inherit the bacteria of bad breath, but one can inherit a specific shape (geography) of tongue, just as one would inherit a parent’s eye color, hair color, height, and ear shape.

In the graphic on this page, one sees a deep groove going down the middle of the tongue; this is known as a “fissured” tongue and it may lead to a great deal of the anaerobic bacteria breeding at the bottom of this fissure, because oxygen cannot get to the bottom of the fissure (another reason why tongue scraping without oxidizing products is a waste of time).

Some people may have a condition known as “hairy tongue,” which again describes the fibers that make up the tongue (papillae), being slightly longer than the norm. The longer the papillae, the more rough the appearance of the tongue and of course the better to trap the sulfur producing bacteria.

Once the tongue becomes very dry, or if the tongue becomes irritated by extra hard scraping or brushing, the outer layer becomes very sensitive. One prevalent condition among older people is “burning tongue syndrome”. It is common among both sexes, but slightly higher among women. That fact has caused some scientists to believe that there is a hormonal component to “burning tongue syndrome.” Many patients who are diabetic may notice a burning of the tongue once they become thirsty. It is important, when one has these types of symptoms, to stay away from oral rinses that may burn or make your mouth dry. The resulting pain is indescribably painful according to many of my patients.

The standard recommendation for burning tongue syndrome and dry mouth is the following:

(among patients we have treated)

• Stop using oral products which make your mouth dry and/or contain sodium lauryl sulfate (see list of oral products at “Oral Products That Create Halitosis”).
• Stop drinking citrus juices (tomato, orange, grapefruit, etc.).
• Avoid coffee.
• Do not smoke.
• See your physician regarding possibility of diabetes or thyroid problems.

• Coat tongue twice daily with toothgel and let sit on tongue for 90 seconds.
• Rinse with 1-2 capfuls of oral rinse for 90 seconds.
• Drink 8 glasses of water per day.
• Take Vitamin C on a daily basis as recommended on label.
• Mints and oxygenating tablets can also be helpful.

Tonsils and Tonsilloliths:

(Those white-yellow stones that get stuck in your throat).

These bacteria can breed very easily in the back of the throat, and especially the tonsils, if you still have them. One important fact to remember: the bacteria never start off in the throat or tonsils. They only get there because the bugs originate on the back of the tongue which contacts the throat & tonsils every time you swallow. When someone has post nasal drip or allergies, it is possible to form little “white globs” scientifically known as tonsilloliths. They are a combination of sulfur compounds (produced by the bacteria) and mucous (from post nasal drip). Their smell is very strong! Do not attempt to pick them out yourself; you’ll cause a lot of bleeding. Many dentists and physicians don’t know what they are. They are not food particles, and it is not the sign of infection. Do not have a tonsillectomy for this reason because you will still have bad breath due to the fact that the bacteria is still on the back of your tongue. If you no longer have your tonsils, a similar reaction takes place if you have had a history of sore throats your throat is much rougher.

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Before chewing gum and mouthwash existed, many people around the world used herbs to stop bad breath (halitosis).  This is because herbs are known for their strong aromas and flavors; thus, people thought it was bound to stop halitosis and awful tastes in their mouth.  According to scientific research, herbs also control oral bacteria, which in turn leads to healthier gums, teeth, and tissues.  The people using the herbs most likely did not know this information back then. 

Many mouthwashes that first came on the market used herbal remedies in their formulas.  Some mouthwashes today are herbal remedies for bad breath, using ingredients like menthol (from a mint plant); eucalyptol ( from a eucalyptus tree); methyl salicylate (wintergreen); and thymol (thyme).  The antiseptic properties of these herbs also aid in cleaning the mouth, which can prevent bad breath from returning.

Another herbal remedy for bad breath is chlorophyll (a molecule that is created when green plants absorb light to turn it into energy), because it can absorb bad odors rather effectively.  This is why plants that have a high amount of chlorophyll, like parsley, vegetables, and algae, can be a good solution to bad breath.  Cloves and peppermint are also popular and safe herbal remedies for halitosis.

Sage, dill, and cardamom can be used to get rid of bad breath, but it is best to do research since some plants can be toxic when used in certain ways, like being put directly into your mouth.  It is best to consult with an expert on herbal remedies before mixing various plants to fight bad breath as well.

In an undiluted state, a smaller amount of herbs can go a longer way than the diluted ones used in mouthwash liquid formulas.

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April 14:  A Florida man, Charles Grimes, and his mom were arguing about money and other issues on Sunday when the mother covers her nose with her hand. The son had been drinking beer most of the day, according to reports. He was offended by this comment so he bit her knuckle on her right forefinger. Grimes, age 41, was charged with domestic battery and is currently in jail without bail.

Source: Tampa Bay News

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In a dental office, people often pick up brochures that discuss how to get rid of bad breath.  In general, people like to know if their breath smells poorly.  Bad breath can be very unpleasant if you experience it coming from someone else’s mouth.

People often question how well their minty flavored mouthwashes work, especially since they have it everyday and may still experience bad breath. 

Short-term bad breath is can be caused by having onions in a meal, which generally resolves itself when the food works its way through your system.  Mouthwash temporarily covers the smell, but the natural-occuring bacteria that causes this bad smell feeds on any left-over food in your mouth.  Also, dieting can lead to bad breath because the human body releases various chemicals in your breath when it breaks down stored protein and fat. 

Some of the main medical conditions that can cause bad breath are sinusitis, respiratory infections, gastro-intestinal problems, and dry mouth (commonly caused by medications).  If you have chronic salty tastes in your mouth or moving teeth, you may have gum disease, which can lead to serious problems.  What happens is bacteria trapped around the teeth cause gum inflammation and overall inflammation, which can eventually lead to bone loss and tooth loss if left unchecked. 

Foul-smelling breath caused by health issues generally won’t go away without proper care. To solve these issues permanently, one needs to get to the root of the problem and consult a professional, like a dentist.  Dentists should recognize periodontal disease and know how to treat it. 

Mouthwash may help bad breath temporarily, but by doing this frequently, it can be like wearing a bandage on an open wound that never heals. If you don’t want a long-term bandage on your hand, why would you want one for your overall health? 

If people offer you gum or are scared away by your bad breath all the time, you may have a bigger issue than bad breath to resolve.

Source:  Marcine Hays, Oak Park Family Dental Care

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The Day of Hearts is coming again – a time when we celebrate romantic love, cherish it with our special someone, or celebrate the beginnings of a romantic relationship. It is different things for different people. Some of us will have a valentine, some of us won’t. Chances are though, on Valentines Day, we will get close to someone. We will meet new people. Because of this, having fresh breath at all times is very important, because you never know when it’s time to get close. How can you have on-the-date freshness if you don’t have time to brush?

Be armed and safe with Therabreath Gum and Zox Mints. “French Kiss”, the gum used by Hollywood Celebrities is also available.

Why won’t regular gum do? Why does it have to be Therabreath? Because most gum out there in the market are sugar-based, and sugar actually feeds the anaerobic bacteria already in mouth. The worse thing that you can do is pop an Altoid in your mouth after you eat – unless you’re egalitarian and you feel that the bacteria should eat too.

Now. . . Exactly what do I put in my gum that makes it so great at keeping your breath fresh? Simple. . .

First, I’ve included Zinc Gluconate. Zinc is a known inhibitor of acid production by mutans streptococci (the bacteria in your mouth that cause bad breath). These bacteria thrive in an acidic environment, so when you neutralize acids you kill bacteria (and you help prevent that annoying tinny, metallic taste). In addition, a high level of oral acids is bad for your tooth enamel, so you’re helping to keep a brighter, whiter smile as well. Zinc ions also perform an interesting function when they meet anaerobic bacteria – they “clog” up certain receptors on the outer cell wall of anaerobic bacteria, so that that “bugs” cannot create sulfur compounds. (Zinc gluconate is the best tasting of all the zinc compounds which can be used in oral products.) Lastly, Zinc Gluconate (and only Zinc Gluconate) has been proven to restore sour/bitter/metallic tastes. Studies have shown that people with long term taste disorders can experience a rejuvenation of their taste buds after long-term use of Zinc gluconate gum or lozenges. . . (which is what we use in ZOX and all of our chewing gum formulas – as well as ALL Plus formulas.)

Second, I’ve used Xylitol as a sweetener, instead of sugar or Aspartame (Nutrasweet) like so many other chewing gums. Xylitol is an all-natural sweetener made from the bark of hardwood trees. It is also naturally produced in small quantities in our own bodies.

It is a sugar alcohol, with makes it safe for diabetics because the body doesn’t react to sugar alcohols the same way that it does to sucrose or glucose (found in most of the popular kiddy-flavored gums, such as Big Red, Juicy Fruit, etc.)

Most importantly, it has an interesting property in that it has been proven to fight tooth decay and is the only “sweetener” that does so – the complete opposite of sugar – which oral bacteria use to generate acids, which lead to tooth decay.

Simply put, a good amount of xylitol provides a healthy environment for an oral ecosystem.

Finally, I’ve included Oxygenating Compounds, specially designed to work with chewing gum base, to gently bathe your mouth and throat with oxygenating molecules designed to neutralize any and all volatile sulfur compounds, located in your mouth, throat, tonsils, and even in the upper reaches of your esophagus. Every time you swallow, your saliva – now loaded with oxygen and zinc molecules – bathes the back of your tongue, throat, tonsils area, and even the very beginning of your esophagus, a formerly ignored hiding place for anaerobic sulfur-producing bacteria.

Don’t go out on Valentines without these essentials. Carry your box of chocolates in one hand, your roses in the other, and Therabreath Gum or Zox mints in your pocket. The sweetness of your breath really does effect how sweet a time you’ll have with your loved one.

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Dry mouth is one of the leading causes of bad breath. The dry environment makes the anaerobic bacteria multiply quicker, which in turn produce the smelly Volatile Sulfur Compounds (VSC’s). Therabreath oxidizes the mouth with oxyd-8 and takes away bad breath. It is the best solution to dry mouth.

It is not a particularly nice feeling to wake up with a dry and sticky feeling in your mouth. It’s annoying and can possibly lead to a lot of different complications once left untreated. But what really is dry mouth?

Dry mouth
More commonly called as xerostomia by medical professionals, dry mouth is basically a condition where there is a lack of saliva in the oral cavity. It is colloquially called pasties or cottonmouth. In itself, it is not a disease, but rather a possible symptom of some other condition.

Causes:
1. Medications. Some medications may have side effects of dry mouth. Prescription medications for depression, anxiety, pain; and illicit drugs like cannabis and methamphetamines may cause dry mouth.

2. Radiation therapy. This procedure may affect the salivary glands and its functions.

3. Diseases and infections. Dry mouth can be a side effect of underlying medical conditions and infections like: Sjögren’s syndrome, HIV/AIDS, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, anaemia, cystic fibrosis, rheumatoid arthritis, hypertension, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, and mumps.

4. Depression and anxiety. Studies have shown that people who are depressed and/or have anxiety disorders generally have low rates of salivary flow.

5. Trauma to the salivary glands, or the surrounding nerves and ducts. This causes disruption to the salivary glands’ functionality and may cause lesser saliva production.

6. Dehydration. Water loss in the body may cause dry mouth.

7. Too much mouth breathing. Air entering through the mouth into the throat dries up the saliva in the oral cavity.

8. Too much physical activity. A lot of elderly people say that they get dry mouth after engaging in physical activity or staying under the sun for quite a while.

9. Aging. The body produces less and less saliva as we grow old.

Signs and Symptoms
· Difficulty eating, speaking, and swallowing. This is due to the lack of saliva in the mouth. Our saliva is meant to protect and lubricate the oral cavity. A shortage in saliva may mean loss of lubrication and therefore make it difficult for movement during eating, swallowing and speaking.

· Taste disorders. Scientifically called dysgeusia, this occurs when dry mouth is caused by damaged salivary glands, nerves and ducts. Sufferers may describe their food as having either a really strong taste, a “wrong” taste, or having no taste at all.

· Tongue pain. This is characterised by having a burning or tingling sensation on the lips, tongue or

· Increased thirst. Since the oral cavity has lost its natural lubricant, the body starts craving for more fluid intake.

· Mouth sores. Especially within the corners of the mouth.

· A sticky, dry feeling in the mouth and throat.

· A dry, red, raw tongue.

· Hoarseness, dry nasal passages and sore throat.
· Bad breath.

Treatment
At the moment, a final cure for dry mouth is not possible. However, treatment is mainly for keeping the teeth and the oral cavity in good shape and relieving the feeling of dryness in the mouth.
· Make constant visits to the dentist for oral check up and prophylaxis.
· Pay close attention to your oral hygiene.
· If the use of antihistamines or decongestants is required, check for those that don’t cause dry mouth.
· Increase fluid intake.
· Chew on medicated gum.
· Use carboxymethyl cellulose saliva substitute as a mouthwash.

Complications:
Leaving xerostomia untreated may lead to several other complications, simple and otherwise.
1. Gingivitis. (inflammation of the gums)
2. Tooth decay.
3. Mouth infections. (oral candidiasis or yeast infection)
4. Halitosis. (bad breath)

People may consider dry mouth an ordinary occurrence and put off having it checked for later. This is not a good idea because as it was mentioned earlier in this article, this may already be warning signs of certain diseases. Also, if left untreated, it may start causing you problems. If you start noticing any of the symptoms mentioned above, go have a talk with your doctor. Immediate action may save you from having more trouble in the future.

Article Source: http://www.articleyard.com

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