Most people are aware that certain foods like onions and garlic leave a bad odor in their breath. This odor is caused by food particles that are absorbed into the bloodstream and carried to the lungs.
Other causes of bad breath include consuming strong-smelling foods or drinks such as fish, coffee or alcohol; smoking; and certain medications including antidepressants, some antibiotics and drugs used to treat high blood pressure and heart conditions.
Poor Oral Hygiene
In most cases, bad breath is caused by poor oral hygiene. Without brushing and flossing, food particles collect on and between teeth and gums where they rot, releasing smelly gases. Using mouthwash and chewing gum that has the American Dental Association’s seal of approval can help eliminate these odor-causing germs. Other ways to freshen up include using a tongue scraper, drinking plenty of water and cutting back on sugary foods and drinks, especially those that stick to the teeth. Gum disease or faulty tooth restorations may also cause bad breath and should be treated by your dentist.
Certain types of food can contribute to halitosis as well. Garlic, onions, spices and other pungent foods give off a strong odor after they are digested, as do fish, meat and dairy. These foods contain dense proteins that provide a food source for anaerobic bacteria that create foul-smelling compounds in the mouth, throat and tonsils.
These odor-causing bacteria can be eliminated by brushing the teeth thoroughly, flossing and using a tongue scraper after meals. It is also helpful to drink a lot of water, eat lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, and avoid processed foods and sugary beverages. If you need to use a mouthwash, look for one that contains an antiseptic and plaque-reducing ingredients and is accepted by the American Dental Association (ADA).
If you are unsure whether your bad breath is due to a health problem, ask a friend or family member to tell you how their breath smells, particularly after eating. This can help you diagnose and treat any underlying condition that may be contributing to the halitosis.
If you are concerned about your breath, make an appointment with your dental office for a checkup and cleaning. Your dentist can recommend specific foods that can help improve your breath and recommend dental procedures to clean your teeth, gums and tongue. They can also refer you to a physician to see if a medical condition is causing the halitosis. Getting the condition under control often results in better smelling breath as well as improved overall health. Fishers Indiana dental office Grin Dentistry can provide you with the best services if you ever need any checkups or surgeries for your teeth.
Foods That Linger
It’s no secret that garlic and onions cause bad breath, but there are some sneaky food odors lurking in your mouth even if you steer clear of the stinky veggies. Food particles and dead cells combine with bacteria in the mouth to create foul-smelling sulfur compounds. These smelly compounds can linger for hours, especially if you don’t brush or floss. To avoid this, practice good oral hygiene by brushing twice a day, flossing daily and using an interdental cleaner once or more per day. It’s also important to eat foods that promote fresh breath, such as parsley, which releases an oil that can mask unpleasant mouth odors.
Keeping a bag of crunchy veggies, such as apples, pears and carrots, on hand can also help to freshen your breath between brushings. These vegetables contain fiber, which acts as tiny toothbrushes to remove trapped food particles and bacteria. In addition, herbs such as parsley and eucalyptus can also work to fight foul breath. Parsley’s essential oils release a volatile acid that destroys odor-causing bacteria, and eucalyptus and cilantro have antibacterial properties.
Other foods, such as meat, dairy products and orange juice, can contribute to bad breath. According to the New York Times, some dentists have found that eating a spoonful of pickles can help freshen up the mouth for an hour or two because they are high in acetic acid. However, this trick doesn’t work for everyone because the acetic acid can wear away at tooth enamel and lead to cavities and gum disease.
The best way to fight bad breath is to make sure you are consuming enough water. Getting in the habit of drinking a glass of water after every meal will help rinse away lingering bacteria and food particles. The odorless beverage can also help rebalance the ratio of good to bad bacteria in the mouth.
Other beverages that should be avoided for their contribution to halitosis include coffee and alcoholic drinks, which promote the growth of bacteria in the mouth and have a drying effect. Ingesting sugar-free gum can also stimulate saliva production, which will wash away bacteria and other debris that may be contributing to a foul smell.
Dry Mouth
When you’re dehydrated, your mouth does not make enough saliva to properly cleanse itself, which means that bad bacteria thrive. This can also be a cause of bad breath, especially as your mouth naturally dries out while you sleep (which is why your breath often smells worse in the morning). If you suffer from dry mouth as a side effect of medications or other medical conditions like Sjogren’s syndrome, drink plenty of water throughout the day and consider an artificial saliva product.
Certain foods can linger on your breath after you eat, so it is important to regularly brush, scrape and floss to eliminate any residual food particles. Also, chewing sugar-free gum and drinking lots of water will help promote the production of saliva and keep your mouth hydrated. Avoid acidic foods and beverages, which can erode your teeth and cause dental problems. Instead, eat a healthy diet of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains to keep your body strong.
Regularly using a mouthwash that contains antibacterial agents like cetylpyridinium chloride (Cepacol), chlorhexidine (Peridex) and hydrogen peroxide will also improve your oral hygiene, as will cleaning in between your teeth with a floss or interdental cleaner once a day. You can also use a breath spray, which is especially useful on the go as it can freshen your breath quickly and eliminate odor-causing germs.
If you have persistent bad breath, your dentist may refer you to an oral specialist or periodontist. These dental professionals are specially trained to treat problems that cause bad breath, such as gum disease or a bacterial infection of the tongue. In these cases, proper diagnosis and treatment of the underlying problem will cure your bad breath. Bad breath is not just embarrassing; it can be a sign of a serious health condition, so don’t ignore it! Schedule a visit with your dentist today. They will be able to find the source of your bad breath and recommend the best treatments for you.
Medical Conditions
Despite the fact that 90 percent of bad breath cases originate in the mouth, sometimes the culprit is somewhere else. For example, some health conditions that affect digestion or bowel movements may cause bad breath. Acid reflux, for instance, can result in the partial regurgitation of food or odors that are released by the stomach. If you suspect this is the case, it’s best to talk to your doctor.
Certain medications can also have an impact on your breath. For instance, if you have a kidney disease or diabetes and require insulin injections, the body’s inability to use sugar as fuel can cause ketones to build up in the blood. This results in a distinct smell that resembles nail polish remover.
Other health conditions that may lead to halitosis include liver failure, chronic sinus infections, and respiratory illnesses. When these conditions make it difficult to circulate air, it allows bacteria to build up and produce odorous compounds.
Aside from these medical conditions, poor oral hygiene is the leading cause of halitosis. It’s important to brush and floss regularly, use a tongue scraper, and use mouthwash at least twice a day. Adding foods that are known to freshen the breath like fennel, apples, onions, and greens to your diet can also help. Drinking water throughout the day, chewing on sugar-free gum after meals, and using breath sprays or mints to temporarily cover up odors are other helpful steps you can take to fight halitosis.
If you are concerned about your halitosis, make an appointment with your dentist or primary care physician. They can help you determine the cause and offer solutions. They may also refer you to a specialist depending on what they believe is the most likely cause of your halitosis. Ultimately, halitosis is nothing to be ashamed of, and it’s often the body’s way of telling you that something needs attention. Take the time to address the issue, and you should find that your halitosis soon goes away. You will look and feel more confident knowing your halitosis is no longer an issue.