Halitosis, more commonly known as bad breath, may be considered a minor health problem but it can negatively affect many parts of your life. It can cause your social and business relationships to suffer, and sometimes no amount of breath mints or mouthwashes can truly remedy your problem.
Do foods cause bad breath?
The most common source of stinky breath is the foods that you eat. Some of the typical triggers for mouth odor include garlic, onion, meat, fish, and high fat foods. When you eat these foods, the chemicals transfer into your bloodstream and end up in your lungs, and then are ultimately exhaled in your breath. Limiting these foods is the first step in reducing halitosis.
Are there other sources besides food?
If you’re familiar with the term “morning breath”, you know that it doesn’t have to do with food intake. Due to the lack of saliva flow while asleep, people wake up with bad breath in the morning. Other non-food causes for halitosis include:
- Tobacco use
- Alcohol consumption
- Dentures
- Oral infections like thrush
- Sinus or respiratory infections
- Gum disease
- Medical issues like diabetes
- Pregnancy
- Poor dental hygiene
- Some medications, especially those that cause dry mouth
How can I get rid of bad breath?
Dentists suggest a variety of ways to help reduce bad breath. Here are some things to try:
- Brushing three times a day and flossing at least once a day
- Brushing your tongue
- Regular professional teeth cleanings
- Stimulating saliva flow by sucking citrus candy or chewing sugarless gum
- Drinking at least eight glasses of water daily
- Drinking less alcohol and coffee
- Eating fiber-rich foods that may stimulate saliva flow
- Treating respiratory or sinus problems
- Asking your doctor about changing medications to those without dry mouth side effects
