These Foods Cause Bad Breath – Halitosis, How Food Affects Breath, 12 Ways To Prevent Bad Breath
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Halitosis, a medical term for bad breath, can stem from inadequate oral hygiene practices and could indicate underlying health issues. Consumption of certain foods and unhealthy lifestyle choices can also exacerbate bad breath.
However, there are measures you can take to prevent and treat halitosis, both at home and with the assistance of your dentist or doctor.
How Does Food Affect Breath?
Similarly, individuals on a diet who do not consume food frequently may experience halitosis. The breakdown of fat in the body emits certain compounds that can result in an unappealing odour emanating from the breath.
Why Do Poor Habits Cause Bad Breath?
Food particles may remain in your mouth if you fail to clean your teeth regularly by brushing and flossing. This can lead to the growth of bacteria between your teeth, around your gums, and on your tongue, thereby causing bad breath. Poor dental hygiene can also cause gingivitis, which is inflammation of the gums, which can also result in bad breath.
Improper cleaning of dentures can also cause bad breath due to the accumulation of food particles and odour-causing bacteria. When smoked or chewed, tobacco-based products can lead to bad breath, teeth staining, reduced ability to taste foods, and gum irritation.
What Health Problems Are Associated With Bad Breath?
A constant problem with bad breath or an unpleasant taste in your mouth could indicate gum disease, also known as periodontal disease. This condition is caused by the accumulation of plaque on your teeth, which produces toxins by bacteria that can irritate your gums.
If left untreated, gum disease can cause damage to both your gums and jawbone. Bad breath can also be caused by poorly fitted dental appliances, yeast infections in your mouth, and tooth decay.
Bad Breath Can Be Reduced Or Prevented If You:
- Improving your oral hygiene routine by brushing and flossing more frequently is recommended to maintain good dental health. You should brush your teeth twice daily using fluoride toothpaste to eliminate food particles and plaque.
Brushing your teeth after every meal is also advisable; you can keep a toothbrush at work or school for this purpose. You should replace your toothbrush every 2 to 3 months or after illness.
Additionally, trapped food can contribute to bad breath, and it’s suggested to use floss or an interdental cleaner to remove food particles and plaque between teeth at least once a day.
2. To enhance your oral hygiene routine, using mouthwash after rinsing your mouth out is recommended, as it can eliminate bacteria and provide extra protection. Another way to improve your breath is by swishing your mouth with plain water after eating, which can help loosen and remove trapped food particles that often get stuck in between your teeth.
3. Removing the layer that naturally accumulates on your tongue can effectively eliminate odour-causing bacteria. Tongue scrapers are designed to apply pressure evenly across the tongue’s surface area and remove buildup.
4. Clear foods that can cause bad breath, such as onions and garlic. Even though brushing your teeth after eating them may seem like a good idea, it won’t eliminate the odour.
5. Avoid consuming after-dinner mints and opt for chewing gum instead. The reason is bacteria in your mouth tend to thrive on sugar, which they use to produce acid. This acid can erode your teeth and lead to halitosis.
Chewing sugar-free gum or sucking on sugar-free candy can also encourage the production of saliva, which aids in the removal of food particles and bacteria. When choosing gums and mints, opting for those containing xylitol is best.
6. Maintain healthy gums by using an antiseptic mouthwash, which can effectively eliminate the bacteria responsible for bad breath and plaque buildup that can cause gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease in its early stages.
7. To avoid tooth decay and bad breath caused by insufficient saliva, it is recommended to keep your mouth moist. Drinking an adequate amount of water during the day can help to keep your mouth hydrated. If you experience dry mouth, using a humidifier at night can add moisture to the air in your home.
8. It is important to maintain the cleanliness of your dental devices. At night, removing dentures and cleaning them thoroughly before putting them back in your mouth in the morning is suggested. Additionally, braces and retainers should be cleaned according to the instructions provided by your dentist.
9. You should visit your dentist at least twice yearly for routine checkups. The dentist will conduct an oral examination and perform professional teeth cleaning during these appointments. This helps to identify and treat any underlying dental issues, such as periodontal disease or dry mouth, that could be causing bad breath.
10. Cease the use of tobacco-containing products, whether it is smoking or chewing. Consult your dentist for advice on how to quit the habit.
11. Increase your intake of fruits and vegetables while reducing your meat consumption. Consuming hard fruits and vegetables such as apples, carrots, and celery can assist in removing food particles and plaque that cause bad breath from your mouth.
12. Record the foods you consume, and if you suspect they are responsible for your halitosis, present your food log to your dentist for review. Additionally, create a list of the medicines you are taking, as some of them may contribute to bad breath.
