Speaking about bacteria, there is one other fact you must understand
about these bacteria. They are classified as "Anaerobic" which 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! They live in between the
papillae fibers that make up your tongue (see fig.'s 1 and 2).
These sulfur compounds are actually by-products of anaerobic bacteria
(Flusobacterium and Actinomyces, among others). Everyone needs these bacteria,
because they assist the digestion process. But, unfortunately, for some, as yet
undetermined reason these particular bacteria are found in higher numbers in those
anguished by Bad Breath. (Various theories attribute this to hormonal changes, a
history of medications, usually antibiotics, anti-depressants, blood pressure medications
and other sulfa drugs which create an imbalance of oral bacteria, or Genetics where these
disorders appear to run in some families.) We do know however, that it seems to be evenly
split between men and women.
fig. 3
Conditions under which the problem becomes worse:
DRY MOUTH - Although some cases of dry mouth are naturally occurring,
most cases are caused by one of these factors: prescription medications as mentioned
above, antihistamines, adult beverages, and mouthwashes with alcohol in them (this is why
conventional mouthwashes that contain alcohol or other drying agents are about as
effective as water!) Most toothpastes will
make your mouth dry because they contain sodium lauryl sulfate or a harsh
detergent and foaming agent. Check your toothpaste you currently use for yourself and see.
When your mouth is dryer, you have less saliva. Saliva naturally
contains Oxygen, which keeps your mouth healthy and fresh. The bacteria are
anaerobic, which simply means that they will thrive and make more sulfur in the presence
of little or no oxygen. Thus if you have less saliva, you have less oxygen,
thereby creating an anaerobic environment, perfect for the bacteria to produce more of the
odorous and sour/bitter compounds.
POST NASAL DRIP - We know that proteins contain amino acids,
which in turn contain sulfur compounds, see above text. When a person has a post
nasal drip, mucus drains and coast the back of the tongue and throat, exactly where
bacteria live (see fig. 3). Since mucus is made up of interlinked strands of
protein, the bacteria have a field day, breaking down these proteins into odorous and sour
tasting sulfur compounds. Strong Antihistamines don't help, because the drying
effect of the antihistamines also creates a problem as we discussed above. They only
method of ending the odor and taste are to use OXYD-VIII based oral products.
What about the sinuses? - After personally treating nearly 9,000 people
world wide, Dr. Katz has yet to see a patient get rid of his bad breath following sinus
surgery. First of all, these anaerobic bacteria cannot live in the sinus.
When someone has a sinus infection, one of the common symptoms are intense sinus head
aches, caused by the pressure from the infection in the sinus. If you don't have
these powerful headaches, you probably don't have a sinus problem. The fact is that
once someone has an elevated amount of these anaerobic bacteria, they will create the
problem from any protein source, including mucous, phlegm, etc. which drain down the back
of your throat into the area where these bacteria live.
HIGH PROTEIN FOODS - These bacteria love those proteins and
certain foods are packed with them:
Milk and cheese and most other dairy products. (The fat
content does not matter.) If you are lactose intolerant, do not eat or drink these
products! Since your system cannot digest them properly, they are available to the
bacteria for an extended period of time. A recent research article from the Los
Angeles Times (November 1996) on lactose intolerance showed that nearly 67% of all
Americans are classified as "Lactose Intolerant". This is due to the fact
that in a diverse population such as we have here, there is a predilection from Asians,
Hispanics and African-Americans to be lactose intolerant.
Fish are high in proteins. As many people eat a high fish diet,
logically they make the problem worse.
Coffee with caffeine (and without) contains high levels of acids which
cause the bacteria to reproduce more rapidly and create bitter taste for many people.
(Virtually any acidic type of food will do this.)
fig.
5
pH is a term used to describe the acidity of the environment (see fig.
5). the oral cavity has a normal pH of 6.5 (7 being neutral) which is in the acid
range. We know that acids make the bacteria reproduce much
faster. In order to decrease the production of odorous sulfur compounds, we
need to neutralize the acid environment. Our products are the only ones to be pH
balanced in such a manner to do this most effectively. That is why our products do
not leave a strange aftertaste like our competitors' products.
Coffee drinking was one of the problems that Dr. Katz's patients used to
have. After starting treatment, they have been able to go back to coffee drinking
(in moderation of course) without any bitter tastes afterward.
What works?
OXYD-VIII is the active ingredient in all of our products. It
prevents the anaerobic bacteria from creating the odorous sulfide and Mercaptan compounds
by "adding oxygen" to the environment. The end result is the formation of
"Sulfate", which has no odor or taste (see fig. 6).
The Most Recent Clinical Study of TheraBreath:
Presented on August 20 , 1999 at UCLA - The University of California at
Los Angeles - (at the 4th International Conference on Odor Malodor).
The Effects of Oxygenating ThereBreath Products on Bad Breath Patients -
Testing of Saliva Production, and Reduction of VSC by Flame Chromatography and Halimeter
Values.
Bacteria production of Hydrogen Sulfide plays the main role in the
ethiopathogenesis of bad breath, although there are several other etiologic factors which
also play a role. The anaerobic bacteria live in ideal areas, unreachable by
oxygen, such as the back of the throat and tongue, interporoximal areas of the teeth,
periodontal pockets, and enlarged tonsilla. An oxygenating agent able to act in
regions could provide a benefit in eliminating halitosis.
Our study monitored 25 subjects at the Department of Periodontology of
our University Dental School. Thhe subjects all suffered the most common sighs of
bad breath and were evaluated both before and after the study using GCF, Halimeter
(manufactured by Interscan) readings, and their level of saliva production by Periotron
8000.
Results showed a statistically significant decrease in Halimneter
readings and GCF values, while at the same time increasing their level of saliva
production.
Conclusion: TheraBreath products (Oral Rinse, Toothgel, Spray,
PowerDrops, Chewing Gum, AktivOxigen Tablets) are able to scientifically eliminate bad
breath (halitosis) while at the same time helping to create more saliva for those who
suffer with dry mouth.
Independent study conducted by the following Doctors: G. Acikgoz,
I. Devrim, M. Aldikacti, A. Kayipmaz, G Keles of the Ondokuz Mayis University Dental
School, Samun Turkey.
7 Reasons Why TheraBreath Is Superior To any Other Group Of Products
1) Our active ingredient is Stabilized and generates Oxidizing Power as
soon as it enters your mouth. This stabilization process allows TheraBreath to have
up to a 3 year shelf life.
2) TheraBreath has become the most "user-friendly"
anti-halitosis system, featuring an Oral Rinse, Toothpaste, Breath Spray, Concentrated
PowerDrops, and Oxygenating Chewing Gum, all designed to attack the root of the problem
throughout the day with the utmost of convenience.
3) TheraBreath Toothgel also contains Sodium Fluoride which fights
decay. Fluoride has also been shown to be an effective de-sensitizing agent.
Some of the other "anti-halitosis" systems do not contain an Fluoride at
all. Before you purchase any "anti-halitosis" product, make sure to ask if
it contains Fluoride.
4) We have added highly concentrated Whole Leaf Aloe Vera to our
toothpaste. Recent research in Asia has shown that Aloe Vera boosts the body's
ability to create collagen, which in turn strengths week and swollen gums to heal more
quickly. (Bleeding gums provide a protein food source to the bacteria that create
bad breath). No other "anti-halitosis" system contains this from of Aloe
to fight this added problem.
5) Our toothpaste or tooth"gel" does not contain Saccharin.
(some other breath-refreshing products do). Saccharin has been shown to be
carcinogenic in lab animals. also, for some people, Saccharin creates a bitter
aftertaste, due to one of the chemical compounds produced during Saccharin's' chemical
breakdown.
6) TheraBreath toothpaste does not contain Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (a
harsh detergent/foaming agent), which has been shown to be related to an increased
incidence of canker sores. Almost all toothpastes contain this chemical.
Research has shown that SLS should not be used in those who suffer canker sores.
And because the toothpaste does not contain SLS, (which will cause high levels of foam in
the mouth), you will be better able to cleanse these odor-causing bacteria from your mouth
by being able to brush longer.
7) Our toothpaste is actually a gel. Chemically speaking, gels are
much smaller molecules than pastes, allowing deeper penetration below the tongue
surface. TheraBeath toothpaste also contains premiere tooth polishing and whitening
agents, in order to keep your smile white and brilliant, but without damaging
abrasives. They are cruelty-free and are not harmful to the environment.
TheraBreath and AktivOxygen - The Basics to Fresh Breath & Taste
Many people have tried to copy Dr. Katz's products and the formulations,
but as hard as they try, they always come up short. The reason, TheraBreath and
AktivOxygen products are made with proprietary pharmaceutical-grade Chlorine Dioxide and
specific oxychlor complexes, both in the active and stabilized formats, using technology
developed by the leading scientists in this field. Despite what jealous competitors
may say, we use chlorine dioxide in our products at concentration s sufficient enough to
make us the best-selling, direct to the public, brand in our category, both in the U.S.
and worldwide. No one comes close. In fact, a catalog company has recently
asked us to replace the competitor that uses bleach in their mouthwash, because of their
poor sales and high returns!
If you suffer with bad breath and or taste disorders, or you want to
protect yourself from these problems, then TheraBreath or AktivOxigen products are for
you. Both provide oxygenating action to attack the anaerobic bacteria which create
bad breath and sour/bitter/metallic tastes. The difference is in how they
generate the oxidation process. TheraBreath does it with our liquid pharmaceutical
grade oxychlor compounds, while AktivOxigen does it with tabletized Aseptrol Technology,
or a combination of various technologies. We do not use any alcohol, detergent
(sodium lauryl sulfate), saccharin, artificial colors, or artificial flavors in any of
these products. We do not need to fool the public by creating strong medicinal or minty
flavors, because our formulas work.
TheraBreath Oral Rinse
This is our hallmark basic oral rinse. It has a pleasant mint
flavor and can be used by anyone. We have had patients as young as 4 years old use
our rinse. It is safe to use if you are pregnant or nursing and because it is
natural, it will not interfere with any prescription medication you may be taking or any
other oral product that you have been asked to take. Shelf life is 3 years compared
to the leading competitor ProFresh of 3 weeks!
TheraBreath Toothgel
Our toothgel is designed to be your daily oral hygiene toothpaste.
Besides OXYD-VIII component that fights bad breath, we also use a medical grade of aloe
vera concentrate to help soothe damaged and fragile gums. We use natural sweeteners
(stevia and sorbitol) and never saccharin or sugar. The basic version comes with
Fluoride to fight decay and it also happens to be great for sensitive teeth. And of
course, TheraBreath Toothgel does not contain harsh Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, found in so
many toothpastes. When you use TheraBraeth Toothgel, you don't need to use any other
toothpaste. It does it all.
AktivOxigen Tablets
This is most definitely our most unique and exciting product.
AktivOxigen tablets make the process even more convenient becasue the tablets allow you to
create your own solution of TheraBreath whenever and wherever you want. The Solution
Is Here: Introducing the 1st Oxygenating Solution Made From a Tablet + H2O.
Perfect for travelers: Use as Potent Uflavored Oral Rinse and Gargle (no need
to worry if accidentally swallowed during gargling like Listerine or Scope. This in
an ACTIVATED chlorine dioxide solution with FREE molecular CIO2, offering the
only system with obth versions of Chlorine Dioxide. Each tablet produces up to 8 oz. of
Fresh Potent AktivOxigen liquied Solution for rinsing or gargling. Attacks
sulfur-producing bacteria in your throat/tonsil area and beyond. Diinsfects in areas
that tongue scraping can't. 2 tablets per 8 oz.bottle of water makes a significant
Extra Strenght Solution, but tastes like fresh, clean spring water. Perfect for
travelers and buisness people - no leed to lug around big bottles of oral rinses with
you. For an even stronger dose, some patients even mix the tablets with 8 oz's of
TheraBreath Oral Rinse!! 4 tablets of AktivOxigen will make 32 oz. of an oxygenated
rinse.
Clinical studies at the California Breath Clinic show AktivOxigen works
on the toughest cases! AktivOxigen Tabs are not a replacemetn for any TheraBreath
Products, but an ADDITION to the TheraBreath System, allowing you to detryoy the
sulfur-producing bacteria and their odorous lousy-tasting compounds deep in the
throat and tonsil area, and beyond!
To Cleanse The Throat And Tonsil Area With AktivOxigen Tabs: Place
1 tab into the 8 oz. bottle, fill with water, shake for 5 seconds and then gargle with the
equivalent of 2-3 capfuls twice daily (usually first thing in the morning and right before
bedtime - to stop morning breath. Lasts up to 12 hours.
To Make Extra Strength Oral Rinse Using Tabs: Just add
2 tabs into the 8 oz. bottle of water that you purchase with the tabs. The solution
created by AktivOxigen tabs creats an unflavored rinse, while the TheraBreath products
contain natural mint flavors. Many patients have been able to attack the formerly
"hidden" source of the odorous sulfur in the back of the throat and tonsils by
actually swallowing a few capfuls of the solution created with the tabs. It's
completely safe, so is TheraBreath!
AktivOxigen Toothpaste
For bad cases of gum disease (with bleeding), bad breath and whitening.
AktivOxigen toothpaste contains the newest antioxidant compound, Co-Enzyme Q-10
(ubiquinone). This ingredient has been tested for over 1 year with amazing results.
Other researchers have come up with the same conclusion as we have: CoQ10 provides
excellent benefits to fight the symptoms of oral disease, which are part of the bad breath
process. This is because the "tougher" gum tissue, the less likelihood
that your gums will bleed. Blood cells contain proteins, whose amino acids (Cysteine
and Methionine) are precursors to Hydrogen Sulfide (the rotten egg smell) and Methyl
Mercaptan (a much stronger odor than H2S, but thankfully in lower
concentrations.) The AktivOxigen toothpaste is an ideal complement to the
AktivOxigen tablets and they are designed to be used together for best results. The
toothpaste also contains a very healthy dose of Aloe Vera, along with the bacteria's
natural enemy, zinc - in the pleasant tasting form of zinc gluconate. This version
also uses Fluoride to fight decay and tooth sensitivity.
TheraBreath Spray
Allows you to carry our liquid product with you during the day and
night. It consists of a 2.0 oz. version of our TheraBreath Rinse in a spray
bottle. When it's empty, just re-fill with your TheraBreath. Try that with
other breath sprays!
TheraBreath PowerDrops
PowerDrops give you extra power in a convenient tiny bottle. Don't
be fooled by its size. it is very concentrated and just a few drops on the
back of your tongue will make a definite difference when you can't use the full system.
(The PowerDrops are about 20 times stronger than the standard TheraBreath Oral
Rinse!). We've been able to concentrate our formulas and to pH balance them so they
can be used 2 ways:
1) Directly in the mouth, placing a few drops on the tongue or 2) As an
additive to our other products to increase the potency.
Ingredients
Therabreath Oral Rinse:
Purified H2O, Oxyd-VIII (A Proprietary Oxygenating Formula with NaCIO2), Polysorbate 80,
Sodium Bicarbonate, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Natural Peppermint Flavor.
TheraBreath Toothgel:
Whole Leaf Aloe Vera Concentrate, Purified H2O, Glycerin, Sorbitol (a Natural Non-Sugar
Sweetener), Hydrated Silica, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, PEG-12, Sodium SilicoFluoride,
Carraeenan(Sea Weed), Oxyd-VIII, (Proprietary pH Balanced Organic Sodium Chlorite),
Natural Peppermint Flavor, Stevia ( a
Natural Non-Sugar Sweetener), Sodium Bicarbonate, Sodium Benzoate.
Aktivoxygen Toothgel:
Whole Leaf Aloe Vera Medicum Concentratum, Purified H2O, Sorbitol (a Natural Non-Sugar
Sweetener), Glycerin, Hydrated Silica, PEG-12, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Stabilized
Chlorine Dioxide, Sodium SilicoFlouride, Carragenan (Sea Weed), Zinc Gluconate, Co-Enzyme
Q-10, Stevia (a Natural Non-Sugar
Sweetener), Natural Flavors.
How do I know if I
have bad breath?
Good question. It is impossible to smell your own breath by
cupping your hand up to your nose and smelling. (All you do is smell your hand.)
Your body is designed in such a manner, that you cannot detect your own
odor this way. It's a human process called Acclimation, which is necessary so that
we are able to smell other things besides ourselves.
There are 3 ways to check if your breath is offensive:
1. At the California Breath Clinics, through the use of the
Halimeter, which measures the concentration of Sulfides in your breath.
2. At home, by using The Bad Breath Detective - a scientifically
based HOME test for bad breath, which measures the amount of sulfur coming from your
tongue by simply swabbing the back of your tongue and placing into the test tube that
comes with the Bad Breath Detective. Costs as little as $10 per test. Click Here to Order.
3. A few quick home tests, which will give you a good indication
if your breath offends - and costs you nothing (not as accurate as 1 and 2 above). Here
they are:
Here are a few good ways to test your own breath at home:
1. Wipe the top surface of your tongue with a piece of cotton
gauze and smell that. (That's probably the most honest way.) Furthermore, if you notice a
yellowish stain on the cotton, it's likely that you have an elevated sulfide production
level.
2. Lick the back of your hand. Let that dry for about 10
seconds and then smell. If you notice an odor, you have a breath disorder because
the sulfur salts from your tongue have been transferred to your hand.
3. Run a piece of dental floss between your back teeth (especially
where you may get food caught) and then smell the floss. This may be an indication
of the level of odors others may detect.
4. Stand in front of the mirror and stick your tongue out as far
as possible. If you notice that the very back of your tongue is whitish, it may be a
sign that you have bad breath. Also, you can judge the reaction from others. Our
patients tell us that they are no longer offered gum and mints and people no longer step
away from them. It has significantly changed their confidence and improved their lives.
5. Ask the opinion of someone you can trust. Ask them to
check your breath several times daily because breath changes throughout the day.
6. If certain foods alter your taste, it is a good sign that
sulfur compounds are being produced. This usually happens after using Alcohol based
mouthwashes, eating dairy foods, drinking alcoholic beverages, or after eating sugary
products (Altoids, candy, Pepsi, etc.)
7. Of course, as I mentioned before, there are more accurate
methods, the most accurate being the Halimeter. This is an instrument which measures
the concentration of Sulfide molecules in one's breath and/or saliva. The border
line number for fresh breath vs. bad breath is about 75 ppb (parts per billion) according
to Dr. Yaegaki who published the definitive article on these values. In our clinics,
we have used these guidelines on thousands of patients. We have also demonstrated
the use of this sensitive instrument on TV stations across the US, Europe, and
Asia.
Copyright 1999, Dr. Harold Katz & Fresh Start LLC. All international
rights reserved. Last revised:
January 20, 2003
How How
do you tell someone they have bad breath?
Forward to us a copy of their email or physical address and we
will send them a copy of this letter along with
a free brochure.
fig. 6
fig. 7
fig. 9