It's a simple fact that having a dry mouth causes bad breath. It is probably not immediately obvious to many of us why this should be so, but the explanation makes sense when you think about it. Our mouths are being constantly bathed by saliva. It keeps the tissues moist and contains antibodies and enzymes that help fight off infection. It plays a key role in controlling the population of bacteria and other microorganisms that live in our mouths.
There are billions of bacteria living in our mouths - and before you rush for the antiseptic mouthwash, you should know that they are meant to be there. In most cases, they do no harm at all and even assist in breaking down food particles and preventing infection. Having a dry mouth causes some bacteria to do better, and others to do poorly. To make matters worse, among the causes of dry mouth are things that actually provide nutrients for an undesirable group of bacteria - the ones that cause bad breath.
What are the causes of dry mouth? Well, first, there are things that decrease saliva flow. Sleep is one. Advancing age is another. Many drugs cause a decrease in saliva production as a side effect, as do alcohol and coffee, and of course, some medical conditions are dry mouth causes. When there is less saliva in the mouth, the environment at the back of the tongue where odor-producing bacteria live becomes more anaerobic, that is, there is less oxygen there, which favors the proliferation of these undesirable bacteria.
Other causes of dry mouth include exposure to air with a natural drying effect. Breathing through the mouth is the main factor here. It happens when we sleep and is worse if we snore. It happens when there is nasal congestion or inflammation of the sinuses, and some people just habitually breath through the mouth. Unfortunately, nasal congestion and sinus drainage, besides being dry mouth causes, contribute to bad breath by delivering nutrients to the back of the tongue in the form of nutrient rich drainage down the back of the throat.
Clearly, there are some causes of dry mouth that can be avoided. Coffee, alcohol, and some drugs are optional. Snoring can sometimes be treated, and humidity can be added to the air in a bedroom with a humidistat or humidifier. Colds and sinus problems can often be treated if they don't clear up on their own. Other dry mouth causes, however are simply not going to go away, and for these, you'll need to tackle the resulting halitosis with a good commercial product that acts on the odor-producing bacteria causing the problem at the back of the mouth.
R. Drysdale is a freelance writer with more than 25 years experience as a health care professional. She is a contributing editor to Dry Mouth Causes, a blog dedicated to the treatment of bad breath.
Nov 12, 2007
Dry Mouth Causes
10 Helpful Tips - Reducing Dry Mouth for Hepatitis C
Among the many symptoms people with Hepatitis C deal with on a daily basis, you might not realize the connection between the virus and oral health. However, researchers and doctors have discovered a link between severe liver disease and a condition called xerostomia. Dry mouth, or xerostomia, is when the mouth simply is not producing the amount of saliva necessary for normal, daily oral functioning, such as speaking, chewing and swallowing. While xerostomia may not be a painful condition, it certainly can cause a great deal of discomfort.
You may be wondering, just how does this dry mouth condition affect people with liver disease? What is the connection? Dry mouth is a common side effect of certain medications, especially those used to treat depression. And, since many people who suffer from Hepatitis C experience bouts of depression, this condition is likely a result of the medications they are taking.
Chronic dry mouth is not just an uncomfortable nuisance; it can also lead to further oral complications, including bad breath, cavities, gum and tongue irritation, and oral infections. People with Hepatitis C need to be diligent about their oral health, especially if they are awaiting a liver transplant. Poor dental health is a common reason why many people are denied a liver transplant, due to the increased risk of oral infection during the operation.
If you have Hepatitis C and are suffering with chronic dry mouth, there are some things you can do to increase the amount of saliva your mouth produces, and to keep your mouth and teeth in the best health possible. Try to avoid spicy and salty foods, and limit your intake of sugary substances. And, of course, remember to brush your teeth at least twice per day.
Learn more tips to help reduce the symptoms of the uncomfortable oral condition known as xerostomia.
This article was prepared for Hepatitis-Central.com Visit us to learn more about liver health.
Nov 4, 2007
Top 7 Tips To Treat And Prevent Dry Mouth
Often, dry mouth is triggered by autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus. Other chronic ailments that are common among seniors, like diabetes and Parkinson's disease, also can dry out your mouth. In addition, anemia, anxiety, stress, and depression can slow saliva protection to a trickle. Radiation therapy and other cancer treatments can also trigger dry mouth. It is quite difficult to cure dry mouth, if it is caused by a disease. That does not mean that you can't do something to relieve it. Here are some suggestions that can help you.
1. Try Sugarless Delight
Chew on a piece of sugarless gum, or suck on a piece of sugarless hard candy for 5 to 10 minutes every two hours. This can help stimulate your salivary glands so you will have a more sustained flow of fluid in your mouth.
2. Brush For Hygiene
If you have dry mouth, your teeth and gums are more susceptible to infection, which not only can lead to tooth loss but also can make your mouth feel even drier. So it is particularly important to brush after every meal and floss at least once a day.
3. Avoid Alcohol
Alcohol is another favorite beverage that dries the mouth. So, cork your alcohol consumption but also be wary of hidden alcohol in medicines and mouthwashes, which can be as high as 26 percent alcohol. As an alternative, look for alcohol-free mouth rinse.
4. Moisten The Air
Put a cool-air vaporizer in your bedroom. This can add much needed humidity to the air and prevent you from waking up with dry mouth. You will find vaporizers in most of the pharmacies or variety stores.
5. Bring Water Bottle
Keep a water bottle handy and take frequent sips. Sipping will help keep your mouth better lubricated than gulping down a glass of water all at once. Take small swigs. Ultimately, you want to be quaffing about a cup of water every hour.
6. Skip Sodas
Dry mouth and carbonated beverages don't mix. Without sufficient saliva to break it down, the acid in sodas and other carbonated drinks will further dry out your mouth and can severely damage your teeth and gums.
7. Limit Your Caffeine Intake
Overindulging in caffeine will make a dry mouth worse. Limit yourself to no more than one cup of coffee or tea a day.
About the Author
Raymond Lee is one of the foremost experts in the health and fitness industry and is the Founder of Bodyfixes Group specializing in body health, muscle development and dieting. He is currently the author of the latest edition of "Neck Exercises and Workouts." Visit http://www.bodyfixes.com for more information.
