Stinky breath happens to the best of us – it affects 1 in 4 people globally. Sometimes it’s that garlic bread you had for lunch to blame but other times bad breath can signal health issues. Here are the most common reasons for halitosis (a smarter, less obvious term to call bad breath) and how to fix the issue.
Food
Stuck in between your teeth, food particles have nothing better to do but slowly break down and cause odours. Some foods, like onions or garlic, cause trouble even from the inside of your body – their breakdown products are carried to the lungs through your blood to later appear in your breath. Drink some water or chew sugar-free gum after you eat these to avoid bad breath. Rinse your mouth with water – it protects your enamel by removing food and sugar leftovers and about 30% of oral bacteria.
Plaque on your teeth
A thin film that naturally forms on your teeth and gums every time you eat or drink something is one of the most common reasons for having bad breath. The plaque irritates your gums, causing inflammation. Make sure you brush your teeth properly to remove bacteria. Incorporating flossing and mouth rinse into your oral care routine is also a great idea.
Bacteria on your tongue
Our tongue, with all its grooves and crevices, is basically a bacteria Disneyland. Accumulating mostly at the back of the tongue, odour-producing bacteria can be really difficult to reach, making toothbrushes and tongue scrappers less than effective weapons to fight them. Special tablets or safe-to-swallow liquids are your best choice.
Dry mouth
A condition way more wide-spread than you might have thought, dry mouth is often caused by taking prescription medications on a regular basis but it can also be caused by alcohol or tobacco. When the lack of saliva prevents bacteria from being washed away, they’re basically given carte blanche to do their stinky job in your mouth. Staying well-hydrated is the most effective way to avoid any dry mouth condition. Lozenges or sugar-free chewing gum can also help.
Medication
Some pills can produce odours as they break down and release chemicals in your breath without you necessarily having a dry mouth condition. The most common ‘smelly guys’ are nitrates used to treat angina, some tranquilisers, some chemotherapy chemicals or even vitamin supplements. Once you stop taking them, your bad breath should disappear.
Diet
Fasting and low-carbohydrate diets force your body to break down fat. This process leads to the production of chemicals with a strong aroma called ketones. Ketones are the reason your breath can turn fruity or remind you of nail polish. A balanced diet is the best way to avoid this. Try these healthy Mediterranean recipes that will keep you fit without causing bad breath.
Medical conditions elsewhere in your body
Everything in our body is interconnected, so sometimes bad breath is a symptom of a health issue outside your mouth. More than likely it’s allergies, diabetes or lactose intolerance. But it can also be a symptom of liver failure, metabolic disease or even cancer. If a healthy diet and proper oral hygiene seem to do nothing to improve your breath, it’s time to see your doctor and identify the underlying health issue causing it.