Taking up exercise triples rate of healthy aging

It’s never too late to start exercising to improve your health, even if you’re about to retire, according to a recent study.

People who took up exercise over a four-year period were more than three times as likely to be healthy agers as those who did nothing, according to the study of 3,454 people in England whose average age was 64. Active adults who continued to exercise during that time were seven times as likely to be healthy agers as those who were consistently inactive.

The study, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, is one of the first to focus on how exercise affects health in the elderly.

Physical inactivity is the fourth leading risk factor for premature death — after smoking, excessive drinking and obesity — causing an estimated 3.2 million deaths globally, according to the World Health Organization.

“This study supports public health initiatives designed to engage older adults in physical activity, even those who are of advanced age,” the researchers, led by Mark Hamer at University College London, said in the published paper.

Participants, taken from the English Longitudinal Study of Aging, described the frequency and intensity of regular physical activity from 2002 and every subsequent two years until 2011. Any participants with existing chronic disease were excluded.

Healthy aging was measured through absence of major disease and disability, mental health, cognitive abilities and ability to maintain social connections.

The study was funded by the U.S. National Institute on Aging and a consortium of British government departments coordinated by the Office for National Statistics.

Video: how to be as healthy as possible

Reference:  Makiko Kitamura 

Bloomberg News 

Dental Cleanings and Prevention

Importance of regular dental teeth cleanings and dental exams.

We recommend that you have a routine dental cleaning to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth. Plaque is a sticky, colorless film of food and bacteria that forms constantly on your teeth. A routine dental teeth cleaning is often called a prophylaxis.

Even when you brush and floss your teeth properly every day, some plaque remains on your teeth and hardens to become tartar. Tartar can be removed effectively only with a professional teeth cleaning. It is important to remove plaque and tartar because they are the main cause of tooth decay and gum disease.

A dental exam every six months is recommended in order to identify and prevent a variety of oral health problems.

A regular check-up includes a complete visual exam of your mouth. We check for decay on the biting surfaces of teeth, signs of wear, cracks, or other problems with restorations such as fillings and crowns.

In addition, we check the color and contours of your gums. Red, swollen gums are often signs of gingivitis or periodontal disease. We use a periodontal probe to check the depth of the spaces between your teeth and gums. Readings deeper than 3 millimeters often indicate periodontal disease.
We also diagnose any sores or lesions on the soft tissues of your mouth, screening them for signs of oral cancer.

Other conditions cannot be easily seen, so we often take x-rays. X-rays show us decay between and inside the teeth and tartar on the teeth and tooth roots. X-rays also show us signs of periodontal disease, such as the loss of bone around the teeth. In addition, x-rays allow us to see cysts, abscesses, and other problems.

We may also examine your jaw joint to help diagnose problems with your bite or TMJ. Sometimes check-ups include additional treatments based on your individual situation.

Regular check-ups are important because neglecting dental conditions can lead to much more serious problems, such as-

• Infected teeth.
• Tooth loss and shifting teeth.
• Receding gums.
• Loss of bone in the jaw.
• Painful jaw joints.

With regular dental exams and dental cleanings, we can detect problems early and help you maintain your oral and overall health.

Schedule a dental visit.

5 benefits of wearing clear aligners instead of traditional braces

One of the benefits of wearing the aligners and removing them to eat allows you to consume food without limitations. With traditional braces, certain foods can become entangled within the wire structure and make them difficult to clean. With the clear aligner systems, there are no limitations in which foods can be consumed, as long as you are diligent with your oral hygiene in brushing and flossing after each meal. Some of the other advantages of clear aligners and clear braces include …

1.       Approximating the treatment duration a little more precisely than braces

2.       Avoiding extractions of premolars

3.       Less frequent trips to the dental chair

4.       Healthier periodontal tissue and less risk of enamel decalcification

5.       Esthetics: Clear aligners are often not visible, allowing you to smile ! 

Before  Invisalign treatment and After  Invisalign treatment  

Frequently asked questions

Reference: Dentistry IQ

  

Icky Mouth Mysteries Solved

From stinky breath and swollen gums to "burning mouth syndrome," the symptoms in your mouth could be trying to tell you something — so listen up!

Without fail, you follow your dentist’s orders to keep your teeth and gums healthy — but did you know that the condition of your mouth can also shine light on other health problems? Some dental conditions such as bad breath and puffy gums can be signs of gum disease. Other oral symptoms, however, may point to seemingly unrelated health problems (hint: eroded teeth could be a sign of an eating disorder or chronic heartburn). Take a look at these oral symptoms to find out what they could be telling you about your health.

Why You Have Bad Breath

Everyone experiences stinky breath, but brushing and flossing (including brushing your tongue or using a tongue scraper) should nip bad breath in the bud. What about when it doesn’t? It could be a sign of advanced gum disease, so it’s important to talk to your dentist before this oral condition ruins perfectly healthy teeth, says David M. Leader, DMD, assistant clinical professor at the Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Boston.

Most of the time, however, the biggest bad-breath culprit is your diet. “Onion, garlic, and pungent spices will produce mouth odor for hours after consumption,” Dr. Leader says. In addition, people who have uncontrolled diabetes, eat a high-protein diet, or suffer from alcoholism tend to have breath with a sweet or fruity odor, from a metabolic condition called ketoacidosis.

Swollen Gums? Here's What They Signal

Swollen gums is another sign of gum disease. Even if you believe you have healthy teeth, swollen gums absolutely require a visit to the dentist. Your dentist or dental hygienist will be able to tell right away if you have gum disease — but you can check for swollen gums yourself by drying your gums with a napkin or a tissue and looking in the mirror. “The surface of the gum close to the teeth should appear pebbled like a basketball, not smooth and shiny,” Leader says. And although your swollen gums may feel fine, they tend to bleed during brushing.

In addition to swelling, this dental health problem also causes red gums. (Most light- and dark-skinned people naturally have pink gums, but some people of Mediterranean and African descent have darker gums).

Uncover the Cause of Eroded Enamel

During dental erosion, the surface of a tooth or teeth gradually wears away. Any source of acid can erode the tooth enamel of healthy teeth, including acid from citrus fruits and soda. But one of the most common sources of acid in the mouth is due to gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, a condition in which acid from the stomach comes up the esophagus, causes heartburn, and reaches the mouth, says Leader. Another cause of this dental health problem may be bulimia, the eating disorder in which people frequently binge on a large meal and then purge by vomiting.

 

What's That Sour Taste in Your Mouth?

If you frequently have a sour taste in your mouth (which is often mistaken for bad breath), it could be another sign of GERD, especially if it’s accompanied by a sore throat, chest pain, and a hoarse voice, Leader warns. Besides this oral condition and dental erosion, GERD can lead to other problems such as an esophageal ulcer and inflammation of the esophagus. If you suspect you have GERD, get tested and treated as needed.

 

Why So Dry?

Dry mouth, or xerostomia, is a very common oral condition, especially as you age, Leader says. There are also more than 425 medications that include dry mouth as a side effect. But dry mouth can be related to issues beyond dental health. It’s also a common symptom of diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, systemic lupus erythematosus, and Sjogren’s syndrome. If you have chronic dry mouth, you should be concerned and talk to your dentist, Leader advises. You can also find clinics that specialize in treating this condition

 

Are Your Loose Teeth Trying to Tell You Something?

Loose teeth are another dental health symptom not to ignore because this may be a sign that you have gum disease, a potentially serious oral condition. Bacteria that grow below the gum line can cause tissues and bones to break down, leading to the separation of the teeth from the gums. As more tissue and bone is destroyed, the more likely you are to lose healthy teeth as they become loose and need to be pulled.

Loose teeth may also be a sign of infection or scleroderma, a disease of the connective tissue that causes changes in the skin, blood vessels, muscles, and organs.

Mouth Sore SOS

Did you know that a white or red patch on the tongue or lining of the mouth is the most common sign of oral cancer? But don’t be alarmed: Mouth sores are completely common and the chance your sore signals cancer is low. To be safe, show your dentist any sores in your mouth that don’t heal after two weeks.

Mouth sores from oral cancer tend to occur along with other oral conditions, such as a strange taste in the mouth, problems chewing; pain when you swallow, and having trouble with speech.

 

White or Brown Lines on Kids' Teeth?

Children who have been exposed to too much fluoride can have white or brown lines across the face of their teeth, Leader says. Other signs of too much fluoride are nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. While safe in very small amounts, “if you think your child has consumed a large quantity of fluoride toothpaste, call poison control immediately,” he urges. To protect healthy teeth, limit fluoride exposure, keep fluoride toothpaste in a safe place, and only supplement fluoride if your dentist recommends it. Remember that most community water supplies are fortified with fluoride for dental health and that fluoride can be found in some bottled water and other products such as juice.

 

What Burning Mouth Says About Your Health

If you’re experiencing a moderate to severe scalding sensation in your mouth, lips, or tongue, it could be an oral condition called burning mouth syndrome. Fortunately, burning mouth syndrome is not very common, Leader says. When it does occur, it can be caused by a number of medications, certain specific oral conditions, or other health issues, including nutritional deficiencies, fungal infections in the mouth, and hormone changes in women.

 

Schedule a dental visit

 Reference:

Everyday health

Staying safe this Halloween

Are your little ghosts and goblins heading out for trick or- treating? Check out these tips from the American Red Cross to ensure their safety: 

1. Make sure costumes and shoes fit well to avoid falls, and though they might be excited, make sure your trick-or-treaters don’t run. 

2. Never let your child go trick-or-treating alone. 

3. Teach them rules of the road: Stay out of streets and only cross at corners or crosswalks. 

4. Remind them to be aware of lit candles, especially with billowy costumes. 

5. When they get home, check through their bags for open packages or choking hazards. 

6. If you are not going out with your kids, make sure you know the route they will take and send them with a flashlight. 

7. Only visit homes with lit porches, and remind your trick-or-treaters never to enter a stranger’s house.

Once the kids return with their bounty, it’s time to provide some healthier snacks to prevent a candy bonanza.

Try these tasty recipes:

ZOMBIE FINGER SANDWICHES 

Ingredients: 

•Whole wheat bread 

•Thinly sliced bananas 

•Cream cheese, softened 

•Almond slices (sliced to look like nails) 

Steps: Spread cream cheese over slice of bread, top with bananas and cover with another slice of bread.

Remove crust and cut bread into “fingers.” Cut the tip of each into a point. Place a small amount of cream cheese on the back of an almond slice and place at the end of the pointed finger. Serve to your hungry horde. 

MONSTER MOUTHS 

Ingredients: 

•Green apples  

•Peanut butter 

•Almond slivers 

Steps: Cut apples in half and discard the core. Cut each half in half again. Then, cut each quarter into wedges, using a crinkle cutter.

Spread peanut butter along the wide edge of a slice and top it with another, aligning the crinkled edges.

Insert almond slivers as fangs and serve.

reference: Metro Health ~ Grand Rapids Press  ~ American Red Cross


If your little Trick or Treater receives too much candy come to our

HALLOWEEN CANDY BUY BACK

Our dental office is holding our fourth annual Halloween Candy buy back. 

The tooth fairy will be giving  $ 1 for every pound of candy that is donated Monday, November 4th  3 - 6:00 pm.

The candy collected will be sent to the troops in the Middle East through the Operation Gratitude program.

Every child turning in their Halloween candy will receive a new toothbrush and other treats.

For more info visit our website.

  Brian S. Nylaan, D.D.S.
  5011 Plainfield Avenue NE   
  Grand Rapids MI 49525-1050
  

Keep your home healthy

Your dental health affects your overall health and your health and well being is important to our team, so please follow these guidelines:

Keep your home healthy
 

This time of year, homeowners are shutting the windows and turning on the furnaces. There are two potentially hazardous gases that could circulate more freely through your home as a result: carbon monoxide and radon. Both have the potential to be deadly, but there are things you can do to protect yourself and your family. 

CARBON MONOXIDE

 

Every year, thousands of people nationwide become ill from carbon monoxide. It is an odorless, colorless and tasteless gas produced by burning fossil fuels, such as natural gas, coal, oil and kerosene. Warning signs of carbon monoxide poisoning include headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness and confusion. The Michigan Department of Community Health said 934 individuals unintentionally were poisoned by carbon monoxide in 2011, including 22 who died.

The three most common sources of exposure were faulty furnaces or water heaters (23 percent), generators (10.5 percent) and vehicles (10.3 percent).

To protect your family from carbon monoxide, you should follow these steps: 

•Never place fuel-powered appliances and equipment, such as generators, washers, saws, welders or compressors, inside your house or garage, where fumes will collect. Always read and follow all of the instructions that come with your equipment. If you are using a generator, use a long extension cord to keep it several feet from the home, away from all open windows, doors and air intakes.

•If you have wood and/ or fuel-powered appliances, have a heating professional clean and inspect them annually and have chimney/vents inspected once a year in the fall. Keep the damper to the fireplace open until the fire is out and the coals are cold.

•Even if the garage door is open, do not leave a car running (this is a safety hazard for several reasons — theft, accidents and carbon monoxide exposure) and, if you have a remote car starter, be careful not to start the car while in an attached garage or near an air intake in your home.

•Consider installing Underwriters Laboratories approved carbon monoxide detectors on every floor of your home or apartment.

  Place a detector in or near your bedroom and make sure it has a fresh battery twice a year — or a battery back-up if it plugs into the wall.

If you think you or your family might be suffering from carbon monoxide exposure, get outside immediately and call 911. Health care providers can determine exposure with a blood test. Do not ignore symptoms. You could die within minutes if you do nothing. 

RADON 

The other danger is radon.

If you live in a home where radon is present, you might be getting high doses of this gas with every indoor breath you take. Radon, similar to carbon monoxide, is colorless, odorless and tasteless, and this radioactive gas can increase your risk of lung cancer. The Surgeon General said radon is the second most frequent cause of lung cancer in the United States, just behind cigarette smoking.

Radon is naturally occurring in rock and soil. It can enter buildings through cracks or openings in the foundation of floors and walls, around sump openings or spaces around plumbing.

It occurs in new and old homes and houses built over a basement, crawlspace or slab. Nearly one in eight homes in Michigan are estimated to have a radon problem, compared to a national average of one in 15 homes.

The first step is learning if you have radon seeping into your home. The Kent County Health Department recommends testing homes for radon. Just hang a small filter in your home for about one week and mail it for testing in a pre-paid envelope. You will receive the results within a few weeks.

Tests are available at the Kent County Health Department for just $5 each.

For more information, call 616-632-6900.

If the tests show you have radon in your home, the Environmental Protection Agency offers information on how to eliminate this silent killer. Visit epa.gov. 

REMINDER 

Nov. 3 marks the end of daylight saving time. Be sure to set your clocks back an hour and change the batteries in your carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms.

reference: The Grand Rapids Press

THREE MONTHS TO HEALTHY

When it comes to our health, most of us make a fresh start with the new year. But fall may be an even better time to focus on wellness: You’re not mentally spent from the holidays, and with a bit of effort now, you can go into the crazy season feeling energized and fit. To help you kick things off, Parade dug into the latest research to find 12 simple, proven ways to keep you and your family healthy. Start today, next week, or even next month—and reap the benefits by New Year’s. 

Things to do today ~


Eat breakfast.
The evidence linking a hearty breakfast and a healthy weight keeps getting more convincing: Earlier this year, Israeli scientists put 93 overweight or obese women on a 1,400-calorie-a-day diet and told one group to eat half of those calories at breakfast and the other to eat half at dinner.

Those who ate the big breakfasts lost 10 pounds more after 12 weeks than those who ate the big dinners; they also had lower levels of fats in their blood and better blood sugar levels, reducing the risk of heart attack and type 2 diabetes. One study suggests that half-carb, half-protein breakfasts are the most effective for weight loss—think scrambled eggs with a slice of whole wheat toast. 

Ease stress with sound.

And make it the right kind of sound: In one 2013 study, research­ers played either classical choral music, sounds of rippling water, or nothing at all for three groups of subjects before making them speak and do arithmetic in front of an audience. Those who listened to the water before performing stayed the calmest, producing the lowest amount of the stress hormone cortisol, which has been associated with type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Don’t live near a stream?

Download a free running water app, such as Fluid Free Live Wallpaper or Koi Pond, on your smartphone. 

Cut down on salt.

(But not as much as you think.) In May, the Institute of Medicine assessed the published research on salt and concluded that Americans— who on average consume about 3,400 milligrams of sodium a day—should reduce their intake to 2,300 milligrams daily to minimize cardiovascular risks. In a controversial twist, the institute did not find enough evidence to support the American Heart Association’s blanket recommendation to decrease salt consumption to 1,500 milligrams a day.

The best way to lower your intake? Skip processed foods like bread, cold cuts, and pizza—salt added at the table or during cooking contributes very little overall.

Things to do Next Week ~

Stick to an exercise schedule. 

Last November, scientists at the National Cancer Institute and other institutions analyzed data from more than 650,000 people and found that those who exercised moderately at least 2.5 hours a week lived nearly three and a half years longer than those who never worked out. Interestingly, weight didn’t factor in: Slender but sedentary people died three years younger than obese folks who made time for physical activity. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that ages 18 - 64 engage in at lest 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity, such as brisk walking, per week, along with two sessions of muscle-strengthening exercises, such as Pilates, Zumba or weight lifting.

Use a dental irrigator. 

We all know that regular flossing is important—it’s a tried-and-true way to prevent gingivitis.

But consider adding an irrigator—which uses a stream of pulsating water to remove plaque from between teeth—to your oral hygiene routine. Irrigators are both effective at fighting plaque buildup and cavities and well suited for people with orthodontic devices or dental implants.  **if you are in need of a

dental irrigator our office recommend the Water Flosser by Water Pik. These can be purchased at our office, or at your local retailer. We do recommend making the purchase through a dental office, as this extends your warranty period and most often there are rebates available through Water Pik that are only offered to dental offices.

 

 

Things to do by the end of the Year ~

Volunteer.

 

Philanthropy is all about helping others, but who says you can't get something out of it, too?  A meta-analysis of five long term studies published in August reported that people who volunteered were, on average, 22% less likely to die over a period of four - seven years than similar people who didn't volunteer. "Helping others may lower some well-known cardiovascular risk markers," says study author Hannah Schreier, PhD, A post doctoral fellow at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City. 

Buy more houseplants. 

The inside of your home is often more polluted than the outside, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. That’s because we generate toxic fumes when we cook and clean. But researchers at NASA and other institutions have shown that certain houseplants effectively reduce home levels of pollutants—even cancer-causing ones such as formaldehyde and benzene. Two great choices, they found, were gerbera daisies and ficuses.


Reference:
Grand Rapids Press - Parade
By Melinda Wenner Moyer
 
 

10 brilliant uses for mouthwash

1. Break the pet - pee cycle - Fluffy just 'went' on your rug and you know she'll return to the spot for future bathroom breaks if you don't get all the odor out now. The fix: spritz the spot with a solution of 1 cup water and 3 tablespoons of clear mouthwash. The minty scent will be too intense for Kitty's sensitive nose, so she'll stay away from that area. 

2. Heal a blister in half the time - Ouch. Those cute new shoes left a blister on your heel. To treat it, moisten a cotton ball with mouthwash and gently dab the affected area once a day until the blister disappears. The rinse's menthol will temporarily numb the pain while its powerful antiseptic thymol will seep healing by a couple of days.

3. Eradicate nail fungus - If your nails start to take on a yellowish tinge, try soaking them in a solution of equal parts mouthwash and white vinegar for 15 minutes. Repeat three times a week or until symptoms subside. An antifungal compound in the mouthwash (eucalyptol) and the acidic compounds in the vinegar work together to help kill fungus.

4. Outsmart dandruff - An effective stand-in when you are out of dandruff shampoo: after washing your hair, massage 1 tablespoon of clear mouthwash into your scalp for 30 seconds, then condition hair as usual. Mouthwash's antimicrobial compounds kill the fungus that causes flakes to form.

5. Rescue a struggling houseplant - The easy Rx for an ailing indoor plant: Fill a spray bottle with a solution of one part mouthwash and three parts water and spritz the greenery once a week. The blend of antimicrobial compounds will destroy the fungus - without harming the plant - in about a week.

6. Get tile gleaming in a pinch - Simply combine 2 cups of water and 1/2 cup of mouthwash in a bucket, then saturate a sponge in the solution and wipe the tiles. Mouthwash's thymol and menthol kill germs while the alcohol helps make dingy surfaces shine.

7. Prevent a bang from becoming a bruise - The next time you have a run-in with a piece of furniture, dab the affected area with a cotton ball soaked in mouthwash. the bathroom staple contains essential oils (such as eucalyptol) that stimulate blood flow to the area, dissipating the cluster of red blood cells so they won't leave a mark.

 

8. Deodorize "garlic" hands - You know the gang will flip for the garlic sauce wings you made for your big party, but now you need to get the strong smell off your hands. Do this: Use a cotton ball to apply mouthwash to clean skin, let dry, then rinse. The natural odor fighters in the rinse will instantly neutralize garlic's sulfur compounds.

9. Keep a humidifier from going bad - Your humidifier has been working overtime. but when the appliance isn't in use the stagnant moist environment within the machine is a breeding ground for bacteria that can be released into the air once the humidifier kicks back on. The fix: After cleaning our the machine pour in water, then add a spoonful or two of mouthwash. Its antimicrobial compounds will prevent harmful microorganisms from forming so you can breathe easy.

10. Make laundry smell extra fresh - When you have some clothes that smell less than fresh (like socks that were worn for a day of running around the mall) add 1 cup of clear mouthwash to the detergent compartment of your washing machine, then launder as usual. Mouthwash's alcohol and antibacterial essential oils will kill any odor-causing bacteria lurking in the fabric's fibers.

And the BEST use for your mouthwash.... Rinsing your mouth –  It is important to rinse your mouth with water after brushing, and also after meals if you are unable to brush.  Alcohol-free mouthwash is always the best option. If you are using an over-the-counter product for rinsing, it’s a good idea to consult with your dentist or dental hygienist on its appropriateness for you. 


Make a dental appointment for your health.

Reference: First for Women magazine

10 Ways Your Bad Breath Could Mean Bad Health

Checking your breath may not just save you from awkward social moments – it may save your life. From lung cancer to kidney failure, find out what medical conditions doctors can detect by telling you to just open your mouth.

New findings presented at the European Respiratory Society (ERS) Annual Congress meeting suggest that breath tests may be a fast and accurate method for lung cancer screening.

But this isn't the first demonstration that the breath may hold clues on health. While poor dental hygiene accounts for most cases of halitosis, bad breath can sometimes be a signal for an underlying medical condition. And even when you take "bad breath" out of the equation, breath can still demonstrate health issues: a slew of recent studies have used simple breath tests to screen for medical conditions.

Read on to uncover ways the breath can answer questions on overall health.

Electric Nose Technology: Detects Lung Cancer from the Breath

Pathologists normally perform biopsies and ultrasound scans to diagnose lung cancer, but using breath tests may be a cheaper and non-invasive alternative, according to new findings. Using a pre-programmed "electronic nose," which detects different profiles of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in exhaled breath, researchers from the University of Latvia collected samples of breath samples from a total of 475 subjects. The subjects included a mix of 252 lung cancer patients, 223 patients with different lung conditions and healthy volunteers, 265 smokers, and 210 non-smokers.

They found that among the non-smokers, lung cancer was accurately identified in 128 subjects and misdiagnosed in only five. Among smokers, the electronic nose correctly identified 114 people as having lung cancer, misdiagnosing five. The findings were presented on September 9 in the European Respiratory Society (ERS) Annual Congress in Barcelona.

"Our research has shown us why research into VOCs is important and how we could use this to understand more about the way diseases develop and progress," said lead author Maris Bukovskis in a press release.

Breath Tests Can Detect Heart Failure

Researchers were able to use a simple breath test to identify patients suffering from heart failure, according to a March 2013 paper published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

Cleveland Clinic researchers collected breath samples from 41 patients. Twenty five were officially diagnosed with "acute decompensated heart failure." Sixteen patients had other cardiovascular conditions but showed no signs of heart failure.

Researchers then used "mass spectrometry" technology to analyze the breath samples for molecular and chemical compound signs of heart failure. Within two hours, the breath test correctly identified the patients with heart failure – while distinguishing them from the other cardiac patients.

Ashtray Breath

Smoking isn't just bad for your lungs – it can destroy your dental health by yellowing your teeth and blackening your lips. Tobacco products can suck the much-needed saliva out of your mouth, leaving bad breath behind. In addition, smoking raises the temperature of your mouth, making it a breeding ground for bacteria.

 

Fruity or Acetone Breath: A Warning Sign of Diabetes

Poorly managed diabetes can make you more susceptible to gum disease and dry mouth. When blood sugar levels aren't stabilized, the weakened body isn't able to fight bacteria that can cause infections that harm the gums. These same infections can cause bad breath.

But a fruity breath odor, or an odor similar to acetone (commonly used in nail polish remover) can also signify a serious complication in diabetic patients called ketoacidosis. When the body doesn't have enough insulin, it instead uses fatty acids for energy, which produces acidic ketones, byproducts of fat metabolism. These acids, which include acetone, hydroxybutyrate, and acetoacetate, can accumulate in the blood and lead to a diabetic coma and death.

 

Fish Breath: Kidney Failure

A fishy breath isn't always from seafood. Mouth that smells fishy, urine-like, or similar to ammonia may indicate kidney failure.

The kidneys are responsible for removing toxic chemicals from the blood by creating urine. In kidney failure, also known as end-stage renal disease, the kidneys become so damaged that they are no longer able to filter waste products and toxic chemicals from the blood. When this happens, the dangerous toxins and waste not discharged from the body accumulate and affect nearly every part of the body. The fishy breath odor can occur when kidney failure affects the respiratory system and causes breathing problems.

Sleep Conditions May Cause Sour Mouth

Morning breath may seem normal after a night of slumber. Saliva production decreases during sleep, which gives odor-producing bacteria an opportunity to multiply and grow.

But the slowed production of saliva during sleep can sometimes be caused by leaving your mouth open for long periods of time. People with sleep disorders such as sleep apnea and snoring may have trouble breathing through the nose, and are more likely to breathe through their mouths, which increases bad breath.

Excess Weight May Put Your Breath at Risk

Losing the excess weight may also help you lose the halitosis, according to recent studies. A 2007 study published in the Journal of Dental Research found a direct link between obesity and bad breath. After performing clinical check-ups to 88 adults, researchers from Tel Aviv University found that overweight patients were more likely to have foul breaths. Researchers suspect that the diets of overweight people may play a role – diets high in protein and dairy produce high levels of amino acids, which can encourage the growth of stinky bacteria. Tel Aviv researchers also linked alcohol to bad breath. Dehydration may play a role – alcohol is a known diuretic, and a lack of water can trigger dry mouth. In contrast, drinking ample amounts of water and eating lots of fruits and vegetables can help keep breath fresh.

Obesity may also emit also odorless fumes in the breath, according to a March 2013 study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. Cedars-Sinai Medical Center researchers analyzed the breaths of 792 men and women, and found that those who exhaled more methane and more hydrogen had higher body fat percentages and BMIs.

 

Digestive Conditions May Distress Your Mouth

Foul breath can mean a foul gut. Digestive conditions such as acid reflux and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can manifest in your breath. Both digestive conditions can delay or prevent food from processing efficiently from the stomach. When food doesn't move through the digestive system, it can start to decay. Small amounts of undigested food may even regurgitate and cause bad breath. Dentists may also detect GERD in patients when they notice an inflamed red throat and acid erosion in the teeth.

But GERD isn't the only digestive health issue that can affect your breath. A 2008 study published in the Journal of Medical Microbiology suggests that the H. pylori bacteria that causes stomach ulcers can make breath smelly if it lands in the mouth.

 

Respiratory Infections May Infect Your Breath

Respiratory tract infections such as the flu, bronchitis, and sinusitis can be the root cause of bad breath. When respiratory tract infections break down or inflame the tissues in the respiratory system, this can trigger the production of bacteria-feeding cells and mucus.

Allergies and postnasal drip may also cause bad breath, since these conditions tend to clog the nose. This nasal congestion may force you to breathe through your mouth, which can lead to dryness and the growth of foul breath-causing bacteria.

Poor Dental Health = Poor Breath

When cavities destroy the enamel, food particles can get deposited in those holes, called dental caries. Since brushing your teeth can't remove these food deposits, they can eventually get bacteria, which produces a bad smell.

Gingivitis is another medical condition that may cause bad breath. When the gum becomes inflamed with bacteria, it can result in severe pain and funky-smelling discharge.

Reference: Everyday Health

Schedule your dental evaluation.