Bad Breath:Prevention and Remedies
July 28, 2009
Bad breath or halitosis is caused by several factors including bad oral habits and medical conditions like diabetes. Experts believe that bad breath is preventable in most of the cases with exception to the bad breath caused due to some medical condition.
What to Avoid
Certain foods increase tendency to develop bad breath. Frequent consumption of coffee and tea create an acidic environment in the mouth. This increased acidity aids in production of more bacteria inside the mouth and thus the bad breath. Try to consume herbal teas as an alternative to tea and coffee.
Cigarette smoking and alcohol make mouth dry and this decreases oxygen content inside the mouth. Production of sulphur related compounds is facilitated which form easy grounds for anaerobic bacteria to grow and multiply.
Proteins are converted into sulphur compounds for digestion. This function is performed by the bacteria present in the mouth which feed on the proteins. Fish, cheese and milk must be avoided in excess to avoid bad breath.
Foods like onion and garlic should also be avoided since they contain sulphur compounds in volatile form. These compounds cause bad breath.
Foods that Prevent Bad Breath
Increase your consumption of foods that are rich source of vitamin C. Citrus fruits like lemon and oranges work as powerful antibacterial agents and prevent growth of bacteria inside the mouth.
Blueberries, strawberries, gooseberries, raspberries are very good source of vitamin C. Try to include only natural sources of the vitamin rather than the pills. The additives present in the supplements often increase bad breath. Additionally, this vitamin is also helpful in preventing gum diseases.
The vitamin D present in yogurt is helpful in providing a hostile environment inside the mouth so that the bacteria’s can not grow. The American Dental Association also recommends eating yogurt daily to get rid of bad breath.
Chewing gum that provides a temporarily fresh breath cause bad breath after a while. Best is to avoid them and chew on natural herbs such as coriander, spearmint, peppermint, cardamom, rosemary and tarragon. Chew them after meals and feel the difference. Additionally, these herbs fight growth of bacteria in mouth and help in digestion.
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