Bad Breath! Whether it’s barely noticeable or strong enough to turn people off, bad breath can spoil your self-confidence and cause embarrassment. Did you ever think, “Why does my breath stink???”
Morning breath: When you go to sleep, so do your salivary glands. Because there’s not enough saliva to wash away the food particles left in your mouth (even after brushing), bacteria forms and you wake up with “morning breath”. A good brushing and rinsing in the morning along with a tasty breakfast, and it’s gone!
Bacteria (the most common cause): If you have a breath problem that won’t go away, even after brushing, it’s likely that you have a lot of bacteria in your mouth, throat, lungs or sinuses. These bacteria feed on proteins that come from plaque, food debris and cells, producing compounds and acids that combine with the air in your mouth to cause bad breath. While the bacteria don’t seem to cause serious dental disease, they are the cause of most chronic bad breath problems.
What you eat: Garlic, onions and spices tend to stay with you after you’re done, causing temporary mouth odours.
What you don’t eat: Meal skipping, fasting or dieting cause bad breath by not having enough carbohydrates in your diet. This is a common complaint when you are on a Keto diet. This is easily remedied by eating fruits and drinking fruit juices.
Mouth problems: Cavities, inflamed gums or periodontal disease can create some really unpleasant mouth odours. Once these problems are corrected, bad breath is gone too. Better to prevent them with regular dental check-ups.
Stomach problems: Except when you burp, it’s unlikely that problems in your stomach will cause bad breath. A little TMI: neither will constipation.
Other causes: Other health problems like diabetes, kidney failure sinusitis allergies postnasal drip and hiatus hernia. Alcohol and prescription drugs, hormonal changes and stress.
Five steps to fresher breath:
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Rinse with a low alcohol antibacterial mouthwash, twice a day for 30 seconds and after meals to reduce oral bacteria.
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Brush your teeth twice a day and after meals. Proper brushing should take at least 2 to 3 minutes.
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Floss in the morning and before bedtime to reach those places your toothbrush cannot.
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Clean your tongue with a toothbrush or a tongue cleaner.
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Visit your dentist twice a year and eat a healthy, balanced diet.
