Tagged with 'halitosis'

What is Essential Oxygen 3% Food Grade Hydrogen Peroxide??  

It is H₂O_2, which is water with an extra boost of oxygen. Advocates of food grade hydrogen peroxide 3% claim it is the cleanest way to clean....everything! 

The 3% concentration is very important. Avoid a concentration any stronger than this unless you know how to properly dilute it. The "Food Grade" label is also important.

What's In Food Grade Hydrogen Peroxide? 

It is Certified USDA Organic with no heavy metals--free of sodium laurel sulfates, chlorine bleach, pesticides, fluoride, glycerin and alcohol. It contains 3% hydrogen peroxide and water.

What Is Food Grade Hydrogen Peroxide Used For? 

It actually has many, many uses. Let's take a look at some of them in more detail.

1. Fruit and Vegetable Cleaner

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) considers hydrogen peroxide a sanitizer so you can clean the skins of your fruits and vegetables before eating them or even spray the produce after you cut into it. Simply spray, let stand for a few minutes, rinse and dry.

2. Cleaning the "Toxic Zone"...the Bathroom!

As a disinfectant, spray the food grade hydrogen peroxide solution 3% on counters, toilets, bathtubs, floors, etc. Truth be told, any room can safely be cleaned with hydrogen peroxide. I definitely plan to try this on my kitchen counters and appliances!

3. Fungus and Mold Control on Roses and Vegetables 

Mix 5 Tablespoons baking soda and 5 Tablespoons 3% hydrogen peroxide in one gallon of water. Spray directly onto roses and vegetables.

4. Laundry 

Food grade hydrogen peroxide is powerful and can be used to bleach your clothes. This is great for removing any pesky stains or keeping those whites white.

5. Use for Oral Health

Hydrogen peroxide is highly regarded as an antiseptic, anti-bacterial mouthwash that promotes healthier gums, calms tooth sensitivity, treats canker sores, breaks up tartar, conquers bad breath, and stops stankin' morning mouth. Note: do not swallow the solution!

You can also use Food Grade Hydrogen Peroxide Solution 3% for gently whitening teeth, and it has a powerful first aid effect on Gingivitis, bacterial gum pockets, and receding gums.

How To Store Food Grade Hydrogen Peroxide Solution 3%? 

The opaque bottle filters out the sun--the sun can damage hydrogen peroxide. Keep the bottle in a cool place because hydrogen peroxide breaks down very easily.

Warnings:

Food Grade Hydrogen Peroxide Solution 3% by Essential Oxygen is for external use only. The FDA does not recommend for internal use. Do not use in the eyes or apply to large areas of the body. Do not use on deep or puncture wounds, animal bites or serious burns.

This product is available in an 8 or 16 fl oz bottle with sprayer.

Link to Essential Oxygen's Food Grade Hydrogen Peroxide Solution 3%

Link to Essential Oxygen's Brushing Rinse

Cheers to green cleaning and healthy gums and teeth!

Kelly Harrington, MS, RDN

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist for Healthy Goods

Question:

I've always struggled with bad breath.  Could a tongue scraper help?

Answer:

Tongue scrapers, which are available in most drugstores in various shapes and sizes, have been touted as a way to reduce or eliminate bad breath (halitosis).  You put the tongue scraper at the back of your tongue and bring it forward along your tongue, repeating as often as needed.

Research on the effectiveness of tongue scrapers is limited.  What has been published so far describes tongue scraping as temporarily effective for bad breath, but there's not enough evidence using a tongue scraper helps with ongoing (chronic) halitosis.  However, if you have a coated tongue, which can occur from an overgrowth of bacteria, tongue scraping may be helpful.  For instance, a coated tongue can be caused by smoking, dry mouth, poor oral hygiene or medication use.

Although there's no harm in trying a tongue scraper to treat bad breath, it's just as important to practice good dental hygiene overall:

• Brush your teeth and tongue after you eat.
• Floss your teeth at least once a day.
• Drink plenty of water to prevent dry mouth, a cause of bad breath.
• Schedule regular dental checkups.

Consider this:  lactose intolerance can lead to bad breath.  Try adding these lactose drops to anything you eat which contains dairy, even if in small amounts (ie: creamer in coffee).

An improper diet can lead to stomach problems and a deficiency in good intestinal flora which can cause bad breath.  Consider taking a probiotic to increase good bacteria in your gut, promote healthy digestion, and improve your immune system.   

If bad breath continues, consult your dentist.  He or she can identify the cause and help develop a treatment plan.

In Health and Happiness,

Kelly Harrington, MS, RD

Nutritionist for Healthy Goods

A portion of this article courtesy of Mayo Clinic’s Alan Carr, D.M.D.