Howard: Well Ber-ain we gona discust bad breath!
Brain: Actually Howard it's more than just brushing your teeth as we will find out!
Very Odd Remedy for Bad Breath
Drink tea.
Researchers from the College of Dentistry at the University of Illinois at Chicago say compounds in tea can slow the growth of bacteria in our mouths, which is the primary cause of bad breath. The magic ingredients are antioxidants called polyphenols, and they are found in both green and black teas.
It's the bacteria that live on the back surface of the tongue and in the deep pockets between the gums and teeth that make our breath smell bad. The bacteria "make horrible, smelly stuff," lead study author Christine D. Wu explained to Reuters in an interview. "That's why we get bad breath."
But it turns out that tea is good for a lot of things besides soothing your soul. Wu and her colleagues showed in earlier studies that black tea can slow dental plaque formation and help your toothpaste work more effectively. Her latest laboratory experiments have shown that teas polyphenols not only inhibit three species of bacteria that cause halitosis, but also stop an enzyme that causes the formation of hydrogen sulfide--the ultimate culprit for rotten breath.
But here's the catch: Tea won't sweeten your breath. So don't throw out the mouthwash just yet. "All we can say is that a cup of tea will produce more than enough of these active materials to affect the bacteria," she said. "Remember, this is a lab study. In the mouth, bacteria are protected by all sorts of things."
The study was reported at the annual meeting of the American Society for Microbiology in Washington, D.C.
Bad Breath (Halitosis)
What causes bad breath?
Bad breath can be caused by many things, including odor-causing foods, tooth decay, periodontal (gum) disease, continued mouth dryness, use of tobacco products, sinus or respiratory infections, some medical disorders, inadequate oral hygiene or some medications.
Is bad breath the sign of a medical disorder?
It can be. Conditions that may cause bad breath include a local infection in the respiratory tract, gastrointestinal disturbance or liver or kidney ailments. Consult your dentist if you have chronic bad breath.
What can you do about bad breath?
If you think you have constant bad breath, keep a record of the foods you eat and medications you take. Let your dentist know about your concern, and tell them if you've had any surgery or illness since your last appointment.
Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste to remove any food debris and plaque. Brush your tongue, too. Once a day, use floss or an interdental cleaner to clean between teeth. If you wear removable dentures, take them out at night. Clean them thoroughly before replacing them the next morning.
How effective are halitosis kits?
The ADA cannot vouch for claims made by manufacturers of halitosis kits, but your dentist can answer questions about whether they may be effective for you.
What about mouthwashes?
Mouthwashes are generally cosmetic and do not have a long-lasting effect on bad breath.
Source: American Dental Association
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