Bad Breath (Halitosis)

Causes:

  • Poor oral hygiene (most common cause)
  • Gum disease
  • Tooth decay
  • Medications
  • Medical disorders such as infection of the respiratory tract and diabetes
  • Constipation
  • Smoking
  • Fasting or dieting: The lack of food caused by fasting or dieting causes the body to break down stored fat and protein for fuel, producing metabolic wastes. These wastes are expelled from the lungs giving off an unpleasant odor. Advice: Don't fast or diet. If you must lose weight do it the bodyteen way by eating right and exercising. (See controlling your weight)
  • Fever
  • Indigestion
  • Stress
  • Radiation therapy: used to treat cancer
  • Certain foods: onions, garlic, ginger, anchovies, blue cheese, pastrami, pepperoni, salami and tuna leave oils in your mouth that may release odor for up to 24 hours no matter how much you brush or gargle! Pee yoo! Coffee breath is a known phenomenon. Alcoholic drinks leave residues on your teeth and in your digestive tract. This is why cops can easily detect traces of alcohol in your breath.
  • Dehydration:If your mouth is dry there isn't enough saliva to wash away food debris and bacteria. That's why you get bad "morning breath" if you sleep with your mouth open. Most saliva evaporates before it has a chance to wash food and bacteria away. Using a humidifier and drinking plenty of water throughout the day and before bedtime will decrease dehydration. Reduce the time you sleep with your mouth gaping open by sleeping on either side instead of on your back.

Treatment:

  • Ask your dentist.
  • Use a toothpaste with neutralizers that combat bacterial odors.
  • Replace your toothbrush every month and after sickness.
  • Gentle tongue scraping as directed by your dentist to remove bacteria in the grooves of your tongue.
  • An alcohol free mouth rinse that neutralizes sulfur compounds for hours such as Listerine or scope.
  • Sugarless breath freshening gum or mints Brush thoroughly twice a day.
  • Floss daily at night after dinner.
  • Avoid sticky junk food that adheres to your teeth.
  • Drink lots of water.
  • Use a humidifier if your bedroom is dry.
  • Sleep on your side.
  • Avoid onions, garlic, ginger, anchovies, blue cheese, pastrami, pepperoni, salami, tuna, alcohol, and coffee.
  • Make sure to eat 3 square meals a day.
  • If you're not eating enough, try exercising to boost your appetite.

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Related Info

The Bad Breath Report
A very helpful guide that covers...

  • The single most common cause of all bad breath
  • Why perfect dental hygiene including scraping your tongue does not prevent bad breath in many people
  • What common bad breath treatments can actually make your problem much worse
  • How to eliminate bad breath entirely