Halitosis

1.Diet

What you eat affects the air you exhale. The foul odor is usually caused by the breakdown of proteins by bacteria in the mouth — garlic, onions, and cheese are common culprits. Once absorbed into the bloodstream, they are transferred to the lungs and expelled, and this continues until the body eliminates the food.

Foods that help prevent bad breath:

• —Spices — parsley, coriander, spearmint, tarragon, eucalyptus, rosemary, cardamom, cloves, fennel, or anise seeds
• —Yogurt — reduces odor-causing hydrogen sulfide and bacteria levels
• —Apples, carrots, celery — fiber-rich fruits and vegetables
• —Sugarless gum and candy — stimulates saliva flow
• —Berries, citrus fruits, melons — vitamin C creates an inhospitable environment for bacteria
• —Pineapple juice

2.Poor Oral Hygiene

Not brushing and flossing allows food particles to accumulate and even rot on and between teeth, on the tongue, and around the gums, leading to a buildup of odor-causing bacteria. Dental plaque accumulation — above and below the gum line and on the tongue — can tip the scales in favor of the odor-causing bacteria.

A solid daily regimen should include:

• —Flossing twice a day
• —Brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste
• —Eating a balanced diet — limit snack/meal frequency, favor nutritious snacks and water
• —Visiting your dentist regularly
• —Supplementing flossing and brushing with a fluoride rinse to strengthen enamel and prevent decay

3.Xerostomia / Dry Mouth

Saliva is necessary to cleanse the mouth and remove particles that may cause odor. A reduction in saliva is a side effect of many medications, and can also result from age, damaged salivary glands, mouth-breathing, chemo and radiation therapy, and some autoimmune diseases.

To combat dry mouth, first determine the cause. Generally:

• —Artificial saliva / saliva substitutes
• —Sugarless gum and candy to stimulate saliva
• —Drink copious amounts of water
• —Reduce coffee, alcohol, and tobacco intake
• —Use a humidifier at night

4.Tobacco

Smoking and chewing tobacco inhibit saliva flow, resulting in dry mouth, and contribute to periodontal disease by affecting the small blood vessels that nourish the gum and supporting bone — the resulting pockets around teeth are more susceptible to odor-causing bacteria. Tobacco residue also adheres to the cheeks, teeth, and tongue, and worsens sinus problems that can lead to foul-smelling breath.

Avoid Tobacco

In addition to halitosis, tobacco's oral effects include oral cancer, periodontal disease, delayed healing after extraction or oral surgery, fewer options for treatments such as implants, staining of teeth and tongue, and a diminished sense of taste and smell. We are here to support you, alongside your physician, in taking the steps to quit.