Bad Breath, also called halitosis, is mostly the result of a poor oral health habit. But Bad Breath can also be a sign of other health problems, such as gastrointestinal problems. Aside from these, bad breath can be worsened depending on the types of foods you consume and what other unhealthy lifestyle addictions you have.
What you eat affects your breath
Anything that is ingestible and enters your mouth has the potential of being a source of bad breath. The food you eat is being broken down in your mouth. Then, the food is digested and absorbed into the blood. Bacteria can be carried through the bloodstream to the lungs, thus resulting in a bad breath when you exhale. Foods that have strong odors, like onions and garlic, are hard to get rid of. Even if you brush your teeth, floss, and use mouthwash, the odor is covered only temporarily. The best way of getting rid of the smell is to wait for the food to pass through your system.
Can poor habits cause bad breath?
Well, YES! A persistent bad breath and bad taste can be a sign of periodontal disease (gum disease). This condition is the result of plaque buildup on your teeth. Sugars and food particles in your mouth favor the bacteria development between the teeth, on the tongue and around the gums. Bad breath will be present as a result. Other poor lifestyle habits that are the cause of bad breath are smoking and chewing tobacco. Aside from bad breath, these products also stain your teeth, irritate your gums and reduce the ability of food tasting.
How to prevent bad breath?
Today there are many ways of preventing bad breath, but depending on your condition, this could be a good thing or a bad thing. The first thing you need to do when you become aware that you suffer from bad breath is to visit a dentist. The bad breath could be a sign of other problems such as Dry mouth, pneumonia, bronchitis, postnasal drip, diabetes, chronic sinus infections or acid reflux or liver and kidney problems. After you have assessed the source of your bad breath with your dentist, you can ask him what products they recommend for bad breath.
In addition, try to have a good oral hygiene with a twice a day brush routine to remove the unwanted food debris and plaque. Also, floss and use antibacterial mouthwash to lower the levels of bacteria in your mouth. Attention, it is best if you use ADA (American Dental Association) approved products.
