Bad Breath

The foul oral odor (Bad Breath) is usually caused by a group of anaerobic, sulfur-producing bacteria that breed beneath the surface of the tongue and often in the throat and tonsil area. The term “anaerobic” literally means living without air, and in fact, these bacteria do not require oxygen to live. They occur naturally in the oral environment and are essential because they assist in digestion by breaking down proteins into amino acids. Proteins are commonly found in food, mucus or phlegm, blood, and in diseased oral tissue

Four Common Bad Breath Causes

Dry mouth- provides a perfect environment for anaerobic bacteria reproduction. Long periods of speaking, smoking, drinking alcohol, and snoring are a few common underlying causes. Most people experience foul breath in the morning due to lack of saliva production while they sleep. For healthy individuals, food odors are temporary and normal salivary flow will eliminate them within several minutes. However, those who suffer from dry mouth and lack of saliva find that even minor food odors may lead to long-term issues.

Foods– Halitosis can be made worse by certain foods such as onions and garlic because they contain smelly sulfur compounds, while dairy, meat, and fish contain dense proteins which are used as a food source by the anaerobic, sulfur-producing bacteria. Refined and processed sugars also provide a food source for bacteria. Coffee and juices can contribute to this problem because they are acidic and provide these bacteria with an ideal breeding environment.

Poor dental hygiene– Inadequate oral care causes bacterial buildup on the teeth and gums. Teeth cannot shed their surfaces the way skin can, so microorganisms can easily attach to the teeth and remain there for extended periods. If not continuously removed by adequate brushing, these bacteria develop into something called biofilm, commonly known as dental plaque. When plaque is allowed to accumulate near the gumline, it will harden and begin destroying teeth and gum tissues due to intense bacterial activity. This leads to gum disease such as gingivitis and periodontitis, which enable proteins from bleeding gums and diseased oral tissue to fuel odor-causing bacteria. Tooth decay and poorly fitting or dirty dentures can also contribute to this problem.

Illness and disease– According to studies, in approximately 10% of all cases, halitosis is caused by certain illnesses. Individuals who suffer from diabetes, lung disease, kidney disease, cancer, liver disease, respiratory tract infections, or metabolic disorders often experience chronic foul breath due to dry mouth. Sinusitis, pneumonia, bronchitis, post nasal drip, and polyps affect the airways and may also contribute to the problem. Other common illnesses associated with this problem include nasal odor. Certain drugs such as antidepressants, high blood pressure medications, can factor into dry mouth because they reduce saliva production

12 Easy Ways to Prevent Bad Breath

Please remember, preventing halitosis is always easier than treating it. By developing the right habits, you can effectively help prevent it.

1. Eat foods rich in fiber – High fiber foods actually help prevent halitosis. Avoid eating heavily processed foods that contain refined carbohydrates such as cookies, cakes, sweets and ice cream.
2. Use mouthwash – Some mouthwashes or oral rinses are effective at preventing bad breath. However, you should never use alcohol based mouthwashes because the alcohol makes the mouth very dry, which will actually make the problem worse.
3. Drink green and black teas – They contain polyphenols that help eliminate sulfur compounds and reduce oral bacteria.
4. Avoid drying medication – Try not to take antidepressants, diuretics, pain relievers, and antihistamines unless it is absolutely medically necessary. These drugs inhibit saliva flow and can cause chronic dry mouth.
5. Avoid products with sodium lauryl sulfate or alcohol – Do not use any oral hygiene products that contain sodium lauryl sulfate or alcohol because the alcohol makes the mouth very dry, one of the most common causes of bad breath.
6. Clean your mouth after eating meat, fish or dairy products – Practicing consistent and thorough oral hygiene is an effective prevention tool. Also wash up with baking soda.
7. Stop smoking – Studies have shown that smokers are at higher risk of developing periodontal disease and dry mouth. Furthermore, people who smoke may also engage in other habits that promote this condition such as dieting, drinking alcohol, and suffering from chronic anxiety conditions that require exacerbating prescription medications.
8. Breathe through your nose instead of your mouth – Try to address any snoring or sleep apnea issues that could be affecting your breath and causing dry mouth.
9. Drink water – Keep your mouth moist by drinking plenty of water.
10. Clean your dentures at least once a day – Practice the same, proper oral care that you would with your original teeth.
11. Eliminate dairy products from your diet – Lactose intolerance can be an underlying cause of halitosis.
12. Use an oral probiotic like S. salivarius K12 and M18  Use probiotics to balance the oral cavity and prevent an overgrowth of the odor causing bacteria.

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