Question:
Does anyone deal with halitosis?

If so what have you found works best for you? I use Listerine Breathstrips but really would like to be able to suck on mints or something. Any ideas? Thank you in advance for your help!    — *****GIGS ******* (posted on January 19, 2009)

January 19, 2009
My mom used to use alphalfa as a natural rememdy (chlorophyl from alphafa cleanses the blood of bacteria)...She used it for years...BUT...I bought her a tongue scraper and that She LOVES that too!!! I use one daily myself along with my toothbrush...But if the halitosis is coming from the gut, you might try probiotics! Especially a chewable one if the probelm is also in your teeth or mouth as well as your gut! Just a suggestion...It's a good addition to any WLS lifestyle anyway! (Yogurt is also a good source of probiotics when used daily)
   — .Anita R.

January 19, 2009
Thank you, I forgot to mention that I have sinus issues as well. I had sinus surgery in October and it seems like it has gotten a little better but I always feel like I have to have something in my mouth. I do use a tounge scraper and also brush my teeth after I eat. It not only helps with the hygiene it also seems to help me not graze or even think about it.
   — *****GIGS *******

January 19, 2009
Have your tried brushing twice a day, especially the gum line, and most of all, flossing all your teeth at least once a day, as food will ferment in between the teeth along the gum line, along with the bacteria puts off gasses which will cause bad breath. You also might want to eat yogurt a couple times a day to off set the bacteria in your gut. Good luck...farmgirl58
   — Farmgirl58

January 19, 2009
Yogurt is good, probiotics are good, also the tongue scraping, teeth brushing and mouthwash are good. Stop long enough to see a doc and a dentist. Have some blood chemistry done by your doc too. There are a number of things that can cause this and perhaps you need antibiotics for a simple infection but definitely find out and let us know what is going on. Good Luck and God Bless, vinnigirl, retired RN
   — vinnigirl

January 19, 2009
Hi there. A very common reason for Halitosis that most people aren't even aware they suffer from are Tonsiloliths because they're usually swallowed on their own. Food, bacteria, mucus and white blood cells collect in the crevices of your tonsils and form these white FOUL SMELLING rocks. You can remove them easily by shooting water with a Dental Pik into the crevice and though I dont have luck with the method, some people can push them out with a Q-Tip or finger. The gag reflex makes this difficult. Try an oxygenating mouthwash and toothpaste to kill the bacteria on your tongue that helps them to form... :-)
   — Elizabeth J.

January 20, 2009
I use xylitol candy/mints. It's sugar free and is supposed to be really good for your teeth. These are my favorite: http://www.xlear.com/xylitol-sugar-free-candy.aspx They're pricey, but a bottle lasts (me) a long time.
   — mrsidknee

January 20, 2009
Thank you all for your responses. I am a little confused though, because I thought Xylitol was something we could not use. Please advise. Thank you,
   — *****GIGS *******