Infection possible culprit for bad breath

Question: A family member pulled me aside a few months ago and informed me that I have had bad breath for years, although I brush and floss religiously. I went to see the dentist, who took X-rays and said I have no gum disease. He suggested the bad breath is due to a stomach infection.

Antacids and breath mints are no help. I am ashamed to ask my doctor, but this problem is affecting my life. I am now so self-conscious around people that I stay home. Is there any vitamin or supplement that could help?

Answer: Bad breath has many possible causes. You were smart to check with your dentist first, since gum disease is often a culprit.

If your dentist is right, your bad breath may stem from a bacterial infection of the stomach. Helicobacter pylori can cause digestive upset, ulcers and bad breath. Your doctor can test for the bacteria and treat you with antibiotics to cure it.

We'd like to send you our Guide to Digestive Disorders, which describes treatment for this infection in more detail. Anyone who would like a copy, please send $2 in check or money order with a long (No. 10), stamped (60 cents), self-addressed envelope to: Graedons' People's Pharmacy, No. G-3, P.O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027. There are no natural remedies to kill H. pylori.

Question: I've read with interest suggestions for treating canker sores. About 35 years ago my son's school nurse recommended swishing buttermilk in the mouth. It helps heal them fast!

Answer: Why buttermilk might help is beyond us, but we cannot think of a safer solution for a common problem. If buttermilk doesn't work, there are many other options. Some people have found that swishing a tablespoon of sauerkraut juice in the mouth helps heal canker sores. Others report that the supplement l-lysine prevents or relieves such mouth ulcers.

Question: Years ago my shoulder hurt so much that I couldn't comb my hair with my right hand. My doctor injected it with cortisone several times and said the shoulder joint should be replaced.

I read about a doctor recommending glucosamine and chondroitin for arthritis, so I started taking it. It has been a godsend for me. In conjunction with gentle exercise, it has eliminated my symptoms. Has the Food and Drug Administration approved this treatment?

Answer: The FDA has been reviewing the effectiveness of glucosamine and chondroitin. A committee that met this summer concluded there isn't enough data to give these supplements a green light for preventing arthritis.