White Tongue and Bad Breath:Causes of White Coated Tongue and Bad Breath

Causes of White Coated Tongue and Bad Breath

Leukoplakia: Leukoplakia is a pre-cancerous lesion which in fact can occur anywhere in the oral cavity, although the tongue and the buccal mucosa are the most commonly affected regions. The white patches on the tongue are thick and are not easily removable. So, they do not disappear on scraping. This way it can be confirmed that they are 'not the patches formed due to oral candidiasis'. Normally such patches are asymptomatic, though sometimes, they may cause burning sensation in the mouth. This is not a common cause. People suffering from AIDS or HIV or those who often chew tobacco are more susceptible to leukoplakia. Let us now take a look at the common causes of white coated tongue.

Oral Candidiasis: Candidiasis or yeast infection is one of the leading white tongue causes. The fungus Candida albicans plays an important role in the formation of a thin film over your tongue. This type of oral infection mostly occurs if you have a weak or compromised immune system. Ill-fitting dentures or prostheses are also responsible for occurrence of such an infection. You will be able to notice white spots on the tongue and/or the palate, due to the infection. These white spots or patches normally look like white velvety flecks and are present uniformly on the dorsal surface of the tongue. These patches are removable and when removed, raw bleeding areas on the tongue can be observed. Generally, white tongue causes bad breath, sometimes it may cause burning sensation.

Oral thrush causes also include, sugar rich diet, a weakened immune system, too much of antibiotics, HIV/AIDS, cancer, smoking, dry mouth, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and side effects of medicines.

Geographic Tongue: In a condition known as 'geographic tongue', irregular patches on the dorsal surface of the tongue are observed. The papillae present on the tongue give it its velvety appearance but if they shed off, geographic tongue can be noticed. 'Bald patches' can be noticed on the surface of the tongue. Such tongue patches usually have prominent demarcations, generally white in color. It is believed that geographic tongue may occur due to vitamin B complex deficiency or it may be hereditary. It has been observed that the papillae regrow in the region of the dorsal surface where they are shed and then shed in another region of the tongue. That is why this condition is also referred to as benign migratory glossitis.

Other Causes: As the question 'what causes white tongue' is lingering in your mind, here are some more causes of white tongue and bad breath. When there are white lines on the tongue, forming a lace like pattern on the tongue or the buccal (inner cheek) mucosa, the condition is called oral lichen planus. The exact cause of lichen planus are not yet known but it is believed that stress and tobacco can cause lichen planus.

Other coated tongue and bad breath causes include severe dehydration, alcohol abuse, indigestion, excessive smoking, overuse of broad spectrum antibiotics, chronic illnesses, etc. The white patches on the tongue may occur due to infections or due to bad habits.

Time Tested Solution to Get Rid of Onion Breath

Time Tested Solution to Get Rid of Onion Breath

Mint/ Parsley
One of the most popular solution to take care of onion breath is the herb called mint. You can go in for some minty chews, chewing gums, bubble gums or even some mint flavored tea. Alternately, crush some fresh green leaves of mint or parsley in between your thumb and index finger. Now place the crushed leaves in your mouth and chew the leaves till all the flavored juice trickles in your mouth. Let the juice linger in your mouth before you gulp it with the crushed herbs. You will get an icy cold feel in your mouth and throat and the stench will have vanished.

Sugar
Sugar is a natural absorbent of bad breath from your mouth. If you were not aware of this, then take a heaped teaspoon of sugar and let it linger in your mouth. You might be tempted to swallow it but don't do that. Hold the sugar granules in your mouth till they naturally dissolve. I know it will make your mouth too sweet but that is much better than smelling like onions.

Fruits
One common technique to get rid of onion breath is to drink fresh fruit juices with naturally strong flavors such as pineapples, apples, oranges, lemon, etc. Alternately, chew a slice of these fruits and the onion breath will go away just as it came.

Mustard Sauce
Mustard sauce is readily available at homes and in restaurants. All you need is two teaspoons of mustard sauce. Now eat one teaspoonful of sauce and let it linger in your mouth for a few minutes. Swallow it and eat a second teaspoonful. This time, you can gulp it down directly. Mustard is considered the best way to get rid of onion breaths from your mouth as well as from your wind pipe.

Spices
Spices like fennel seeds, cardamom, cloves, nutmeg and cinnamon are some of the all time favorite herbal solutions to get rid of the onion stench. All you need to do is carry any one of these spices or all of them in small quantity in your pocket when you go out for a date. You can either eat them whole or in powdered form.

Vegetables
Fresh vegetables like carrots, mushrooms and boiled potatoes have a natural capacity to suck bad breath from your mouth. When eating onion and garlic flavored meal and follow it up by eating some carrots or mashed potatoes. This method is so effective, that it will be a feel good factor for you as well.

Toothpaste and Mouthwash
Use some strong flavored toothpaste and brush your teeth well. Use a flavored mouthwash and gargle at least 5 times to get rid of the onion stench. This not only freshens up your mouth but it is also a mandatory requirement of post dinner dental hygiene.

Vodka
If you are not planning to be in driver's seat after your dinner, then one easy way is to consume some vodka. Unlike other hard drinks, vodka does not have any aftertaste. It is also effective in freshening your mouth.

Beverages and Dairy Products
Beverages like fruit flavored tea and coffee are extremely useful in getting rid of onion breath. However, do not overdo with consumption of coffee lest you get rid of the onion stench and start smelling like a coffee jar. Some dairy products like plain or flavored yogurt and ice creams make excellent after dinner desserts and help you to get rid of bad breath from your mouth.

Dark Chocolate
It is said that consuming a couple of dark chocolate pieces can do wonders when you are trying to get rid of that post dinner onion breath from your mouth. You may opt for the sweeter version of chocolate too, but it is much more healthier and effective to eat some dark chocolate.

I am sure that you will find these methods really easy as most of these products are easily available at home or in a supermarket around the corner. Before I leave, I wish to suggest that you wash your hands with a fragrant soap and splash some perfume all over your clothing. That will make you completely free from smell of onions and garlic. And now I guarantee that your date will end perfectly!

 http://www.buzzle.com/articles/how-to-get-rid-of-onion-breath.html

The Science of Halitosis and bacteria in your mouth

SCIENCE OF HALITOSIS,BACTERIA IN YOUR MOUTH,halitosis,Bad Breath

Halitosis, also more commonly known as bad breath, is caused by anaerobic producing bacteria which normally live WITHIN the of the tongue and in the throat. These bacteria are supposed to be there because they assist with digestion by breaking down proteins found in specific foods, mucous or phlegm, blood, and in diseased or "broken-down" oral tissue. Under certain conditions, these bacteria start to break down proteins at a very high rate. Proteins are made up of amino acids, two of which (Cysteine and Methionine) are dense with sulfur.
When the "beneficial" bacteria come into contact with these amino acids, the halitosis and "lousy-tasting" sulfur compounds are released from the back of the tongue and throat. These halitosis compounds are often scientifically referred to as Volatile Sulfur Compounds (VSC's), where volatile means vaporous and effervescent.
Because my original degree is in Bacteriology, let me explain a very important fact about these "bugs". First of all they are not infectious. Everyone in the world has the same group of bacteria in their mouth. You cannot "catch" halitosis from someone, even through kissing. Since they are part of our normal oral flora, you cannot permanently remove them from your mouth either, not by tongue scraping, not with antibiotics, and not by using rinses which claim to "lift the bacteria off your tongue". The only scientifically proven and clinically effective method of halting halitosis is by attacking the bacteria's ability to produce VSC's, and by converting the VSC's into non-odorous and non-tasting organic salts.
Speaking about bacteria, there is one other fact that you must understand about them. They are classified as "anaerobic" which literally means "without oxygen". They thrive in an environment where oxygen is NOT present. That is why they do not live on the surface of your tongue. Instead, they live in between the papillae (fibers) that make up your tongue.
These sulfur compounds are actually by-products of anaerobic bacteria. Everyone needs these bacteria because they assist the digestion process. Unfortunately as of yet for some undetermined reason, these particular bacteria are found in higher numbers in those plagued by halitosis. There are various theories that attribute the cause of halitosis to hormonal changes, a history of taking medications (usually antibiotics or sulfa drugs because they create an imbalance of oral bacteria), or even due to genetics (halitosis disorders appear to run in some families). It is known however, that halitosis seems to be evenly split between men and women.