Halitosis – What contributes to bad breath?

Unhealthy foods and lifestyle habits can contribute to bad breath (Halitosis)

Halitosis (bad breath) can result from poor dental health habits and may be a sign of other health problems. Halitosis can also be made worse by the types of foods you eat and other unhealthy lifestyle habits.

Can food cause bad breath?

The digestive process starts in the mouth where food gets broken down. As foods are digested and absorbed into the bloodstream, the nutrient rich blood is eventually carried to your lungs and can cause bad breath if you have eaten foods like garlic and onions. The odour will only go away completely once the foods have passed through your body.

When do poor habits cause bad breath?

When you don’t brush, floss teeth and / or not using a water jet daily on your teeth, food particles can remain in your mouth, which promotes bacterial growth between teeth, around the gums, and on the tongue and this can cause bad breath. Antibacterial mouth rinses, probiotics and herbal antibiotics and can also help reduce bacteria. In addition, odour-causing bacteria and food particles can cause bad breath if dentures are not properly cleaned regularly.

Tobacco smoking or chewing tobacco-based products can also cause bad breath, stain teeth, reduce your ability to taste foods, and irritate the gums.

Health problems that can contribute to bad breath?

• Periodontal disease (gum disease) – Gum disease is caused by the build-up of plaque on the teeth. The bacteria cause toxins to form in the mouth, which irritate the gums. If gum disease continues untreated, it can damage the gums and jawbone and can end up in surgery.
• Poorly fitting dental appliances.
• Yeast infections of the mouth and or intestines.
• Dental caries.
• Xerostomia (dry mouth) – can also cause bad breath. Saliva is needed to moisten and cleanse the mouth by neutralizing acids produced by plaque and washing away dead cells that accumulate on the tongue, gums, and cheeks. When it is not removed, these cells decompose and can cause bad breath. Dry mouth can also be caused by the side effects of various medications, salivary gland problems, or continuous breathing through the mouth.
• Other diseases: respiratory tract infections such as pneumonia or bronchitis, chronic sinus infections and postnasal drip.
• Diabetes.
• Chronic acid reflux.
• Liver problems.
• Constipation.
• Kidney problems.
• Unbalanced intestinal flora.

Bad breath can be reduced or prevented when:

• Good oral hygiene -brush twice a day with fluoride free toothpaste that also contain probiotics like Olgani to remove food debris and plaque. Brush teeth after meals and brush your tongue too. Toothbrushes should be replaced every two to three months. Use floss and / or an interdental cleaner to remove food particles and plaque between teeth once a day. Dentures should always be removed at night and cleaned thoroughly before being placed in your mouth the next morning.
• See your dentist twice a year – he or she will do an oral exam and professional teeth cleaning and will be able to detect and treat periodontal disease, dry mouth, or other problems that may be the cause of bad mouth odour.
• Stop smoking and / or chewing tobacco-based products.
• Drink lots of water daily – water will keep your mouth moist. Chewing gums (preferably sugarless) or sucking on candy (preferably sugarless) also stimulates the production of saliva, which helps wash away food particles and bacteria.
• Keep a logbook of the foods you eat and medicine you take – If you think they may be causing bad breath, bring the logbook to your dentist or healthcare professional to review. Similarly, make a list of the medications you take. Some drugs may play a role in creating mouth odours.
• Parasite and Candida cleanse

Who treats bad breath?

Consult with you dentist or healthcare professional for an evaluation and / or referral.

First line advice for eliminate bad breath elimination?

Try a mouthwash, do a paracite and candida cleanse, take a good probiotic, use milk thistle for the liver and a laxative if you have constipation. If there was no improvement – see your dentist or healthcare professional.

Is bad breath (halitosis) a problem that you have – take action and or consult with your Integrative Healthcare Professional.