Surprisingly enough this topic comes up more often than you think.
Usually discrete or hidden, how many times have you offered or asked for
a piece of gum or cautioned someone about eating too much garlic. How
many times during any given day do you do 'the breath test'?
Subconsciously we all worry about bad breath; after all who wouldn't?
It can be the difference of making a good first impression or a really
bad one. It can be the difference of feeling confident or wanting to
hide in the corner.
Bad breath sucks.
Most of us know that a stinky mouth can be caused by poor oral
hygiene and the build up of bacteria. However did you know that is only
one of several reasons that you might have a case of halitosis at any
given time during the day? Today we'll look at some of the other causes
of bad breath and some of the things that can be done to prevent it.
What Causes Bad Breath?
Bacteria is certainly a source of oral stink. People often assume
that this is due to poor dental hygiene. In some cases it is, but most
of us are good about brushing and flossing. In truth, other things
influence the presence of microbials in the mouth besides oral care.
Sugar for example actually affects the acidity levels in your mouth.
Normally we have a neutral pH level in which everything works in
balance. When that balance starts to tip, this can lead to an
environment in which bacteria are able to grow more rapidly.
Another example of something that affects bacteria growth are
medications, both prescription and OTC. For many types of medications
one of the most common side effects is dry mouth. What happens is that
saliva production is reduced causing the mouth to get pasty. Saliva
plays an important role in bad breath control. It works as a natural
rinse as well as an antibacterial. It helps to clean the mouth and
remove dead cells, bacteria and food particles.
Speaking of dry mouth, other things that can cause it include smoking
and alcohol consumption. Smoking results in another bad breath
contributor; mucus. Mucus production is increased in people who smoke.
Mucus contains proteins which bacteria feed on.
Another cause of bad breath is related to diet. Food is delicious,
necessary and an enjoyable part of the day. However, many foods that we
eat are high in compounds called sulfides. These little stinkers get
released during digestion and are absorbed into the body. From there
they make their way into our organs and blood, eventually getting
released through our skin, sweat and mouth. They aren't bad or harmful
to you, but they do have a foul odor.
The final thing we'll mention as a reason for breath odor is due to
illness and poor health. Many people feel how you smell is a reflection
of what is going on inside of you. Diseases, especially those of the
kidneys or liver cause toxins and other things to build up and
accumulate. They are eventually released throughout the body and make
their way out through your mouth (among other places).
How To Reduce Bad Breath Odor
Maintaining proper oral care is one of the best things to do. It not
only helps to eliminate bad breath, but also prevents gum disease and
other health issues. Brushing and flossing help to remove bacteria,
dead cells and left over food particles that contribute to bad breath.
Also, limiting alcohol consumption as well as foods such as garlic,
onions, eggs, beans and spicy foods can help. That isn't to say that
one should stay away from these things completely, but rather to eat
them in moderation along with vegetables and starches.
Mints and gums are useful, temporary solutions, but be sure to use ones that don't contain sugar.
Chlorophyll supplements are extremely effective against bad breath odor.
They are all natural and work internally to absorb odor compounds.
They also work day and night which can be very convenient, especially
when you don't have a toothbrush on hand.
To learn more about what causes bad breath, this site has more information.
