Everything you need to know about bad breath

Bad breath affects an estimated 25 percent of people. There are a number of possible causes of halitosis, but the vast majority come down to oral hygiene.
It is also known as halitosis or fetor oris. Halitosis can cause significant worry, embarrassment, and anxiety but it is relatively easy to remedy.

Fast facts on bad breathHere are some key points about bad breath. More detail and supporting information is in the main article.

• Bad breath is estimated to affect 1 in 4 people globally.
• The most common cause of halitosis is bad oral hygiene.
• If particles of food are left in the mouth, their breakdown by bacteria produces sulfur compounds.
• Keeping the mouth hydrated can reduce mouth odor.
• The best treatment for bad breath is regular brushing, flossing, and hydration.
  

What is halitosis?Although bad breath is associated with certain diseases, oral hygiene is the most common cause.Bad breath is a common problem that can cause significant psychological distress. There are a number of potential causes and treatments available.Anyone can suffer from bad breath. It is estimated that 1 in 4 people have bad breath on a regular basis.Halitosis is the third most common reason that people seek dental care, after tooth decay and gum disease.Simple home remedies and lifestyle changes, such as improved dental hygiene and quitting smoking, can often remove the issue. If bad breath persists, however, it is advisable to visit a doctor to check for underlying causes.
TreatmentThe best method to reduce halitosis is good oral hygiene. This ensures that cavities are avoided and reduces the likelihood of gum disease.It is recommended that individuals visit the dentist for a check-up and cleaning twice a year.The dentist may recommend a toothpaste that includes an antibacterial agent or an antibacterial mouthwash.Alternatively, if gum disease is present, professional cleaning may be necessary to clear out the build-up of bacteria in pockets between the gums and teeth.

CausesPotential causes of bad breath include:
Tobacco: Tobacco products cause their own types of mouth odor. Additionally, they increase the chances of gum disease which can also cause bad breath.

Food: The breakdown of food particles stuck in the teeth can cause odors. Some foods such as onions and garlic can also cause bad breath. After they are digested, their breakdown products are carried in the blood to the lungs where they can affect the breath.

Dry mouth: Saliva naturally cleans the mouth. If the mouth is naturally dry or dry due to a specific disease, such as xerostomia, odors can build up.

Dental hygiene: Brushing and flossing ensure the removal of small particles of food that can build up and slowly break down, producing odor. A film of bacteria called plaque builds up if brushing is not regular. This plaque can irritate the gums and cause inflammation between the teeth and gums called periodontitis. Dentures that are not cleaned regularly or properly can also harbor bacteria that cause halitosis.

Crash diets: Fasting and low-carbohydrate eating programs can produce halitosis. This is due to the breakdown of fats producing chemicals called ketones. These ketones have a strong aroma.

Drugs: Certain medications can reduce saliva and, therefore, increase odors. Other drugs can produce odors as they breakdown and release chemicals in the breath. Examples include nitrates used to treat angina, some chemotherapy chemicals, and some tranquilizers, such as phenothiazines. Individuals who take vitamin supplements in large doses can also be prone to bad breath.

Mouth, nose, and throat conditions: Sometimes, small, bacteria-covered stones can form on the tonsils at the back of the throat and produce odor. Also, infections or inflammation in the nose, throat, or sinuses can cause halitosis.

Foreign body: Bad breath can be caused if they have a foreign body lodged in their nasal cavity, especially in children.

Diseases: Some cancers, liver failure, and other metabolic diseases can cause halitosis, due to the specific mixes of chemicals that they produce. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can cause bad breath due to the regular reflux of stomach acids.

Home remediesOral hygiene is the key to most bad breath issues.

Other lifestyle changes and home remedies for bad breath include:

Brush the teeth: Be sure to brush at least twice a day, preferably after each meal.

Floss: Flossing reduces the build-up of food particles and plaque from between the teeth. Brushing only cleans around 60 percent of the surface of the tooth.

Clean dentures: Anything that goes into your mouth, including dentures, a bridge, or a mouth guard, should be cleaned as recommended on a daily basis. Cleaning prevents the bacteria from building up and being transferred back into the mouth. Changing toothbrush every 2 to 3 months is also important for similar reasons.

Brush tongue: Bacteria, food, and dead cells commonly build up on the tongue, especially in smokers or those with a particularly dry mouth. A tongue scraper can sometimes be useful.

Avoid dry mouth: Drink plenty of water. Avoid alcohol and tobacco, both of which dehydrate the mouth. Chewing gum or sucking a sweet, preferably sugar-free, can help stimulate the production of saliva. If the mouth is chronically dry, a doctor may prescribe medication that stimulates the flow of saliva.

Diet: Avoid onions, garlic, and spicy food. Sugary foods are also linked to bad breath. Reduce coffee and alcohol consumption. Eating a breakfast that includes rough foods can help clean the back of the tongue.

If breath odor persists despite controlling these factors, it is recommended that an individual visits a doctor for further tests to rule out other conditions.

Info supplied by Medical News Today

What can water do for you?

10 Proven Benefits of Drinking Water

There are many benefits of drinking water, from helping to accelerate weight loss to healthier and younger looking skin.
Unfortunately, most people are not drinking enough every day. Until recently, water was the 2nd most popular beverage in the US, behind sugary soft drinks. 
Water is one of the most important elements in the human body. It makes up about 60% of our bodies, more or less. Every single cell in your body needs water to function properly.
At Lose Weight by Eating, we LOVE water and all it’s health benefits. It’s why we have so many fruit infused water and detox water recipes, simply because it’s so good for you and everyone can afford it.
Can drinking water help you lose weight? Spoiler alert, YES IT CAN! Keep reading below to find out how drinking water for weight loss can help support your dieting efforts, cleanse your body, and much more.
Here are some of my favorite reasons why you should be drinking plenty of this stuff.

Why Is Water Important?

The importance of water just can’t be stressed enough. A person can go for weeks without food, but only a few days without water. It plays a vital role in nearly every vital bodily function we have.
If your body doesn’t get enough water, it becomes dehydrated.
When you’re dehydrated, you can’t function at your best and may be sluggish or have trouble concentrating, imagine what that’s doing to your organs, your skin, your brain!
When you’re dehydrated, your body also can’t flush out toxins or regulate itself as easily. By not flushing out these toxins you will be more susceptible to sickness, disease, weight gain and premature aging.

Top 10 Health Benefits of Water

Below I’ve listed the top 10 health benefits of water. If these drinking water benefits don’t convince you to drink more water, try some of my yummy fruit infused water and let your taste buds convince you.

#1. Drinking More Water Can Help You Lose Weight

Did you know that you can lose weight drinking water? Drinking water to lose weight is one of the easiest things you can do to support your weight loss efforts. Studies have shown that drinking water raises your metabolism, and improves your fat burning rate. 
And if that wasn’t awesome enough, drinking water before a meal can also help you feel more satisfied and eat less. Drinking water helps with water weight loss, reducing bloating.
So if your goal is to lose weight, drinking water for weight loss is a smart move.
I recommend drinking a 16 ounce (500 ml) glass of water before you eat as an easy habit that will pay off long term.

If you find yourself snacking more often try, drinking a large glass of water in lieu of snacking. You can lose weight drinking water because it will fill you up and ward off those snack cravings.

#2. Water Helps Your Muscles Perform At Their Best

If you don’t drink enough water during physical activity, your performance can suffer. As little as a 2% loss of fluids can have a noticeable affect on your athletic abilities. 

So when you’re exercising and sweating, make sure to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and make it easier for your body to perform at its best.
Sports drinks are packed with sodium, preservatives, fake sugars and artificial colors, all of which negatively affect weight loss.
So keep it simple and opt for water, best of all most gyms have water fountains.

#3. Water Can Help Boost Your Brain Functions and Mood

Your brain is mostly made of water and is highly sensitive to dehydration. Studies have shown that even mild dehydration (1-3%) can have an adverse effect on memory and feelings of anxiety.
In another study, loss of fluids after exercising negatively affected the mood and concentration of the study participants, and increased the amount of headaches subjects experienced.
Yes you read that correctly, dehydration can cause headaches and migraines (more below)!  
A 1-3% loss of fluids in your body can happen with just normal everyday activities. So to keep your brain functioning at its best, make sure you drink plenty of water all day.

#4. Water Can Help Prevent and Treat Headaches

Studies have shown that drinking water can help prevent and treat headaches, especially the migraine type. 
So the next time you have a headache, try drinking a tall glass of cool water, it just might do the trick without having to take any medication.

And be sure to drink up all day long to ward off those nasty headaches and migraines.

#5. Drinking More Water May Help Prevent Constipation

Many people suffer from constipation. It’s caused by many things, including medications, stress, poor diet, and not drinking enough water.
Drinking more water (especially carbonated water) is often prescribed as part of a treatment plan for constipation and has been shown in studies to be effective. 
So drink up and keep things moving…

#6. Drinking Water Helps Flush Toxins From Your Kidneys

Higher fluid intake increases the amount of urine that passes through your kidneys, helping to flush toxins from them and supporting normal kidney functions.
It also helps prevent the buildup of minerals which could turn into kidney stones. (10, 11)
So if you’ve been treating your kidneys badly and have consumed too many bad things (like alcohol and salt), do them a favor and drink lots of water to give them a good detox flush.

#7. Water Can Help Make Your Skin Look Good

Your skin contains a lot of water. It also acts like a barrier preventing fluid loss throughout your whole body.
When you’re dehydrated, your skin will look more dry and wrinkled. But once you take in the proper amount fluids, it will look its normal, beautiful self again. Skin moisturizers also help create a physical barrier as well to lock in moisture, but remember to treat from within as well with lots of water.

#8. Water Helps Prevent Hangovers

Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it promotes the production of urine and causes excess fluid loss in your body. Hangovers are partly caused by the diuretic effect of alcohol, and the dehydration it causes.
To help alleviate the chances of a hangover when you’re drinking alcohol, try drinking a glass of water between each drink. Also, have at least one large glass of water before you go to bed.
If you do wake up with a hangover try drinking one of my restorative fruit infused drinks, if you have a bloated feeling hangover Cucumber Lemon Water will help you feel less bloated and get your headache and fuzziness in check.
If you have a nauseous hangover Mango Ginger Water will help easy your tummy while clearing any headaches and dizziness caused by dehydration.

#9. Water Helps Regulate Internal Body Temperature

Your skin is the largest organ in your body, and is responsible for helping to control the temperature of your body through sweating. Since your body creates a lot of heat through metabolic processes, it’s important that it’s able to regulate temperatures properly.
When you’re dehydrated, your skin isn’t able to produce as much sweat and you can become overheated. This can lead to symptoms as mild as red flushing or as serious as heat stroke.
So when you’re hot, make sure to drink lots of water to ensure your body can cool itself properly.

#10. Drinking Water Fights Bad Breath

Bad breath (halitosis) is caused by bacteria lodged in the grooves of your tongue, teeth, and gums. This buildup of bacteria causes bad smelling things called volatile sulfur compounds.
When your mouth is dry (like when you first wake up in the morning), you lack the saliva to rinse these compounds out of your mouth.
Drinking water helps flush these bacterias and keeps your mouth from having a build up the bad smelling compounds.

So drink lots of water and keep your breath fresh!

So drink up!!!