Does your dog have bad breath? Well, maybe you are not employing the use of proper oral hygiene. After all, us humans need to maintain a level of oral care so that we don’t have halitosis. Also, just like people, dogs and cats can get gum disease–and if a dog or cat’s gums are infected and abscessed, bacteria can enter the bloodstream, causing liver, kidney, and even heart malfunctions. So, what’s a good way to brush your best friend’s teeth?

Here are some tips for brushing your pet’s teeth:

#1 Start off slowly. Make sure to use a toothpaste formula that is specifically made for animals, since human toothpaste can give stomach upsets to animals. Have your pet lick the paste off of your finger, and you might need to try a few different flavors to find one that your pet likes.

#2 Once you can get toothpaste into the animal’s mouth, use a slight amount on your finger and run it across the dog or cat’s teeth. This might even take several days to get your pet to do this agreeably. Once your pet is fine with you doing this to its teeth, use a toothbrush (made for pets) and make small circles on the gum line. Don’t brush too hard!

#3 Be sure to cheer on your pet and express approval during this process. Afterward, you could also give your pet a treat, playtime, a walk, etc., so it will think of brushing as a positive moment.

#4 In order to practice proper oral hygiene with your pet, try to brush your pet’s teeth every day.

Here are some warning signs to look for in your pet’s mouth:

1. Yellow or brown tartar, especially where the teeth and gums meet
2. Red, swollen, bleeding, inflamed, tender, and/or receding gums
3. Chronic halitosis
4. Teeth that are chipped/broken
5. Tooth resorption (especially common in cats)- a very painful condition in which the tooth dissolves
6. A change in the animal’s diet, chewing habits and appetite can signify depression (along with pawing at the face/mouth).

Also, don’t forget to try this oral rinse for dogs and cats that helps prevent plaque and tartar buildup.  Be sure to practice good oral hygiene with your pet, so that the both of you can have great smiles!

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Bad Breath, post nasal drip, and tonsil stones are all common problems that people have.  What else do they have in common?  Grapefruit seed extract is an extremely versatile compound that can help cure/prevent these issues. 

 Overall, grapefruit seed extract is great for prevention purposes.  It helps prevent caries/tooth decay, gingivitis/gum disorders, plaque, sore throats and flu viruses.  It also helps with allergies, bladder infections, bacterial cystitis, incontinence, chronic urethritis, candida/fungal/yeast infections, chronic fatigue syndrome, hypotension, chronic inflammation, coughs, laryngitis, diarrhea, earaches, flatulence, gastritis, gastric/duodenal ulcers (H. pylori), parasites, phlegm/mucus, the respiratory system, sinusitis/nasal issues, tonsillitis, thrush, toxic shock syndrome, virulent staph infection, and ulcerative stomatitis. 

Tonsil stones is a condition that many people have– it is not as uncommon as you might think.  For more information on tonsil stones, its causes and cures, click here.  Alcohol and dairy products can also contribute to the formation of tonsil stones.  All of the aforementioned dental health issues can cause bad breath. The reason as to why grapefruit seed extract works to help these issues is because it kills the bacteria causing plaque, bad breath, and so on.  This extract is antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral.

Grapefruit seed extract is handy because it is a natural cure with a low toxicity, but it is not recommended to take it longer than a short period of time.  Also, this extract may defeat the bacteria/yeast causing a bad breath smell, but the root of the bad breath problem may still exist.  People should also monitor their intake of red meat, processed foods, and other foods that encourage bad breath.  It will also be harder to see improvement if you are eating sugar and carbohydrates, since these can fuel the bad breath-causing bacteria. 

Grapefruit seed extract has been diluted in mouthwash solutions, in order to promote healthy gums and fresh breath. For information on how to use this extract to prevent or cure bad breath, tonsil stones, post nasal drip, etc., consult a professional who works with natural cures to see what best suits you.

What are some other uses that you probably didn’t know?  Grapefruit seed extract can be useful to prevent infection and relieve pain during tooth extraction, and it can be used to help clean your toothbrush.

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Savings Alert!  Did you know that Lucky and Savemart Grocery Stores are having a Sale on TheraBreath Oral Rinse and Toothpaste….. Right NOW?

You can save $1.00 on EACH TheraBreath Mouthwash and Toothpaste from now until February 28th, and this discount will be taken as a scan-down at checkout!

Talk about savings!  And here’s a hint….. you can save even more by printing out and taking in the Manufacturer’s Coupons found at www.drkatz.com!

So hurry down to your local Lucky or Savemart (complete list can be found at www.therabreath.com/loc_retail.asp) and stock up on TheraBreath Oral Rinse and Toothpaste!

- The TheraBreath Team

 * please check with your individual Lucky and Savemart stores for offer limits on coupon redemption.

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Bad breath (halitosis), especially if its chronic, can sometimes be a symptom of a much more major dilemma. It is very important that people do not overlook this problem, because it can be a sign of a terminal illness. Dental experts have linked halitosis to everything from pneumonia, bronchitis, chronic sinus infections to liver problems, kidney problems, and diabetes. People who have gastritis can have halitosis because of their stomach’s high acidic levels.

Unfortunately, most people do not regard bad breath as a serious problem, and just try to disguise it with peppermint or mouthwash. halitosis-2/" title="Halitosis">Halitosis has also been linked to chronic acid reflux and constipation. If one is practicing good oral hygiene, and avoiding foods that cause strong odors like petai, onions, etc., then it is possible that one has a problem that is more than just bad breath.

Many people will find that chewing gum only hides the bad breath and bad tastes temporarily. According to dental experts, 80% of bad breath sufferers have a mouth-related illness causing the problem; however, few people actually make regular visits to the dentist as needed. Tooth decay, cavities, gingivitis, dry mouth (xerostamia, caused by the lack of saliva), and oral cancer all cause halitosis. If a person has gum disease and does not treat it, it can lead to serious damage to the gums and jawbone. Some sources say that mouthwashes containing alcohol have been linked to oral cancer!  TheraBreath is an example of a mouthwash that does NOT have alcohol as an ingredient.

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Savings Alert!  Did you know that the Ralphs Grocery Store is having a sale on TheraBreath….. Right NOW?

You can save $2.00 on EACH TheraBreath Mouthwash and Toothpaste from now until February 23rd, and this discount will be taken as a scan-down at checkout!

Talk about savings!  And here’s a hint….. you can save even more by printing out and taking in the Manufacturer’s Coupons found at www.drkatz.com!

So hurry down to any participating Ralph’s near you (complete list can be found at www.therabreath.com/loc_retail.asp) and stock up on TheraBreath so you won’t have bad breath onValentine’s Day.

- The TheraBreath Team

 * please check with your individual Ralph’s store for offer limits on coupon redemption.

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Gingivitis is a general term for different types of infections in the gingiva. Bad breath-causing bacteria cause gingivitis, so it is important to keep the oral cavity clean. By exercising proper oral hygiene, you can clean up any gingivitis that you have and prevent it from occuring.

You should brush at least 2-3 times a day, and it is also important that you use a decent toothpaste. PerioTherapy is excellent for those with periodontal infections. Flossing is very important because it gets rid of the plaque between the teeth. Generally, you should floss twice a day (at least once for sure) before you brush your teeth. Try using oral rinse every day (preferably twice at least), since this can reach areas that your dental floss and toothbrush do not reach. A tongue scraper will eradicate bacteria from the tongue. Also, after you use a tongue scraper and toothbrush, make sure to rinse them with hot water.

If left untreated, gingivitis can be really severe and turn into gum disease. Bleeding, swollen, and painful gums all can occur, as well as tooth loss that could allegedly lead to heart disease. If you are dedicated to curing your gingivitis and doing the right procedure, you can get rid of this oral health problem and potentially the bad breath that goes along with it. It not only depends on your dentist, but it also depends on your habits and the oral care products you use.

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There are many natural bad breath cures which we have discussed so far, and there’s still plenty more to be discovered. halitosis-2/" title="Halitosis">Halitosis is common, and the cause of it may not always lie in the oral cavity, but it can also stem from the upper airways, lower airways, and the alimentary canal. Bad breath can also be caused by kidney problems, leftover food particles, poor dental hygiene, smoking, teeth/gum infections, diabetes, and haital hernia.

Bad Breath Natural Cures:

1. Fenugreek herbal tea is usually available in stores, or it can be homemade using fenugreek seeds.  One should regularly drink this.
2. Chew raw green guava up to twice a day to help bad breath.
3. Herbal mouthwash can be made by taking 2 cups of water with some shredded parsley twigs, 2-3 full cloves (crushed into fine powder), mixing these ingredients well.  Feel free to rinse your mouth 3-4 times a day.
4. Green cardamom can be chewed after having meals.
5. Allegedly, yoga can help halitosis.  Practice pranayam 30 minutes every day.
6. Focus your diet more on fruits and vegetables, both improving your oral health and digestive system.
7. Rinse and gargle with baking power mixed with water.
8. Mix one teaspoon of honey with lemon juice, and have this mixture every morning and/or afternoon.
9. 2-3 drops of oregano oil in water, drank 2-3 times a day can do the trick sometimes.
10. Chew two mint leaves after every few hours.
11. Thymol and eucalyptol also can cure bad breath.
12. Eat more foods that rank high in Vitamin C.

Also, don’t forget practicing good oral hygiene, and brushing your teeth after every snack/meal!

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Note from Dr. Katz’ desk:

As a dentist specializing in the treatment of halitosis, I have treated over ten thousand patients through the California Breath Clinics. I typically start each first consultation with a brief overview I thought would be helpful to share with you. It goes a little something like this…

Everyone has the germs responsible for bad breath living on their tongue and in the back of their throat. Under the right circumstances, those germs will cause bad breath. The trick to always having fresh breath is stopping those bad breath germs from gobbling up protein, digesting it, and excreting sulfur all over your mouth… Sorry about painting that picture, but it’s a very accurate description of what takes place in your mouth every day.

Luckily, it’s not complicated to keep bad breath bacteria in check. Here are five simple and common sense tips you can use every day to minimize opportunities for halitosis to strike:

1. Drink plenty of water

It’s good for you. It keeps you strong, thin, healthy, and young looking. It also keeps your breath fresh. A well hydrated mouth is one rich with saliva. Saliva is your body’s own and most effective germ fighter. Drink more water, have more saliva, control mouth germs, have fresher breath. Simple, right?

2. Check your prescriptions

Medication that may improve your overall health may also improve the environment for bad breath germs. Many prescriptions have dry mouth as a side effect. Dry mouth means a lack of saliva and rampant bacterial growth. If you experience Dry Mouth from prescriptions, using a regimen such a TheraBreath Toothpaste and Oral Rinse will help restore a healthy amount of moisture and encourage saliva production. A healthy level of saliva is necessary to maintain fresh breath.

3. Rinse after every meal (even if it’s only with water)

Most people brush only once a day. As a dentist, it’s disappointing to say the least. That means that food you have at breakfast after your morning brushing has a chance to feed bacteria in your mouth for 23 or so hours. That’s more than enough time to not only feed bad breath bacteria but to encourage plaque and decay. If I can’t get you to brush after every meal, at least rinse with drinking water. Swish it around vigorously to remove traces of sugars and proteins and dislodge any food that may stick in between teeth and gums. Then spit or swallow, as the occasion dictates.

Remember however that water will simply remove pollutants that will feed bacteria that cause bad breath. To effectively control this bacteria you will need to use a toothpaste and mouthwash with an active ingredient such as TheraBreath. And don’t be like most people… remember to brush every morning AND every night. Your dentist will thank you.

4. Protein supplements feed germs too

Many nutritional supplements like whey and creatine are a germs perfect snack. It makes sense. Those supplements are designed to rapidly and efficiently feed your body. On the way to your stomach they feed hungry germs in your oral cavity as well. If you are taking protein supplements make sure you carefully and thoroughly brush and rinse after every dose. Don’t give bad breath germs a free meal.

5. A white or yellow tongue means germs are having a party

The colored coating on your tongue is actually a layer of bacteria waste. There, I said it. If your tongue has a thick coating that is white or yellow, it typically means bacteria are running wild. You will usually see such a coating if you forgot to brush the night before, after drinking alcohol which both feeds bacteria and dries your mouth, or if you are having a minor sore throat or other bacterial infection.

To help the problem, clean your tongue as well as the inside of your cheeks with either a tongue scraper or toothbrush covered with TheraBreath Toothpaste. This will quickly remove the coating and begin to control the bacteria producing it. Left unchecked, this bacteria can lead to much worse oral care problems than simple halitosis.

My patients have always found these tips helpful, and I hope you will too.

Yours in good health,

Dr. Harold Katz

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Bad breath is a dilemma that is even more common in pregnant women. The hormonal changes encountered in women who are expecting make her dental condition weaker, thus making her more susceptible to halitosis. Not all pregnant women have this problem, but the percentage is definitely higher.

There are many tips out there for pregnant women to take heed to, and one of them might be to increase the calcium intake because calcium deficiency often happens in pregnant women. Calcium supplements may be recommended for both during and after pregnancy because it makes the teeth stronger and prevents other oral problems like gum disease and bad breath. Since women should not take in any chemicals that could endanger a baby’s health, it is especially hard to treat conditions like gingivitis during pregnancy.

Also, since pregnant women should not use most mouthwashes because of the chemical content, they need to find other ways to treat halitosis. Herbal alternatives may be recommended for preventing the anaerobic bacteria that causes bad breath during pregnancy. Some herbal cures may include lemon oil, peppermint oil, or lime oil for starters. Also, expecting mothers can try gargling water with salt and drinking fresh lemon juice to prevent bad breath.

If one goes through the efforts of trying these herbal cures and practicing good oral hygiene, she should be able to get rid of bad breath quickly. Not all problems can be solved with a store-bought medication, so it’s worthwhile to look at the natural alternatives. Also, one should make sure she does not have another underlying medical condition that causes the bad breath, so she should schedule checkups with her doctor if she is having persistent halitosis. This is the best way to keep expecting moms and their babies healthy.

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Bad breath, especially morning breath, can be a problem for everyone. Sometimes mouthwash is not enough, and the problem is chronic. Dry mouth can be a main cause of bad breath, since saliva is the the body’s natural defense against oral bacteria. Many things can cause dry mouth, including alcohol, medicines, stress, medical conditions, nasal infections, foods high in protein, smoking and poor oral hygiene. Since bad breath can be so embarrassing, it is no surprise that it can cause social problems and mental problems. Some people may be afraid to talk to others or refuse to go out. Seclusion can cause depression and if the sufferers take up comfort eating, weight gain can also occur.

Which remedies for bad breath actually work? Baking soda has been involved in many home remedies, and in some situations, it does not work. However, with bad breath it tends to work. If you brush your teeth and tongue with a tiny bit of baking soda, it can make the mouth have a less hospitable environment for the bad breath-causing bacteria to grow.

Also, homemade tea tree mouthwashes have become more popular in the fight against bad breath. Tea tree is supposed to be a powerful disinfectant, so if you add just a few drops of tea tree oil to your mouthwash, you’re already on your way to fresher breath. Also, there are other ingredients that you can add to your mouthwash in order to make your breath fresher, such as peppermint. Rinse your mouth out at least two times a day and you will very likely have an improvement in the way your breath smells!

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