Even though there is no single cause of mouth odor, there's a growing consensus that the main cause is the action of sulfur-producing bacteria. Known as anaerobic bacteria, which means they thrive in an Oxygen-free environment, these bacteria thrive on the tongue, in the throat, in the gum line, and anywhere else that's sheltered from Oxygen penetration. You might be tempted to believe that since there's Oxygen crossing your tongue constantly, there's be no possible way for anaerobic bacteria to survive.
The truth is that these bacteria live deep within the surface of the tongue where the papillae, or fibers, connect to the tongue. Generally, Oxygen does not reach that level.
Now, believe it or not, the presence of these bacteria really is a good thing as they have an important job to do. They're responsible for breaking down proteins found in specific foods. However, proteins are also present in oral and sinus secretions which find their way to the tongue and back of the throat as well as in blood and diseased oral tissue.
The breakdown process produces a number of compounds such as Hydrogen Sulfide and Methyl Mercaptan. Unfortunately, these compounds are rich with sulfur, and its release creates unpleasant odors and tastes.
When the bacteria break down proteins at the normal rate, everything's fine. But from time to time (or always, in the case of chronic halitosis), conditions occur which cause the bacteria to process proteins at higher rates. This is the main source of halitosis.
As other factors come into play, the process can accelerate and produce terrible mouth odor.
Another cause of mouth odor is post-nasal drip. Post-nasal drip coats the back of the tongue and the throat with mucous. This mucous is very rich in protein. We've already talked about what happens when anaerobic bacteria have a supply of protein on which to feed. To this particular group of bacteria, a post-nasal drip is the dinner bell going clanging.
Some people have been lead by their doctors to believe that another cause of mouth odor is sinus problems and that sinus surgery will eliminate or at least reduce mouth odor. The point these doctors are missing, however, is that anaerobic bacteria do not live in the sinuses. One expert on the cause of mouth odor, Dr. Harold Katz , says, "After personally treating nearly 9,000 people worldwide, I have yet to see a patient get rid of his bad breath following sinus surgery."
Drinking coffee is another source of bad breath. Coffee contains acids which cause anaerobic bacteria to reproduce more quickly. It doesn't matter whether you drink regular or decaffienated coffee. Both are extremely acidic. Drinking coffee combined with smoking is another cause of mouth odor.
In addition to onions and garlic, there are four kinds of food which tend to stimulate the anaerobic bacteria and increase sulfur production. They are drying agents (alcohol, for example), dense protein foods (such as fish), sugars, and acids.
Finally, anything that dries your mouth reduces the amount of saliva present. Saliva is rich in Oxygen, which helps reduce the number of bacteria. The less saliva you have, the more ideal the environment for anaerobic bacteria to thrive. Consuming alcoholic beverages, using a mouthwash containing alcohol, smoking, taking certain medications... All of these are things can give you a dry mouth. Now that you've had a good overview about the cause of mouth odor, check out the other articles on this site for ideas on how to treat your particular problem.
Return from Cause of Mouth Odor to
Kiss Bad Breath Goodbye Home
No comments:
Post a Comment