There are many reasons that people can have bad breath, and the more reasons you are aware of, the more you can do to make sure that you avoid the condition altogether. Here are some of the common causes of bad breath, as well as some remedies that you can take advantage of to make sure you always have fresh breath.
Bad Breath, Halitosis, & Ketone
With the increasing popularity of high protein and/or low calorie diets, another rising cause of halitosis is the build up of ketones. Your body uses carbohydrates and calories as a source of energy. When the carb or calorie levels fall, your body will break down stored fat cells to compensate. This produces a substance called ketones which can cause bad breath.
Food Odors
Eating foods with extremely strong odors is probably one of the most common causes of bad breath. If you enjoy foods with ingredients like garlic, onion, or eggs, you’ll want to make sure that you can brush and floss after these meals in order to keep your mouth feeling fresh. You may also want to avoid these foods completely if you’re going to be talking to someone up close, so you won’t risk having the scent on your breath.
Medications
If you are on any type of medication, you may experience bad breath as well, so you should talk to your doctor about ways to avoid the condition. Antihistamines, which are forms of medication giving to people with allergies, can cause halitosis due to their drying properties. When the mouth does not have enough saliva, bacteria can stay in the mouth for longer periods of time, causing an odor that may be harder to get rid of. Certain antidepressant drugs can have the same effect, so it’s best to speak to your doctor about alternative medication options.
Internal Conditions
Certain internal conditions can also cause halitosis. For instance, if you have liver or kidney problems, you may want to speak to your doctor about ways you can eliminate the sulfurous taste in your mouth, and you can drink increased amounts of water to rid your mouth of the sugary odor that may occur as a result of diabetes. If you think you may have these conditions, or think that halitosis may be a warning sign for any type of sickness, be sure to see your doctor right away.
If you want to avoid halitosis, keeping your mouth clean and changing your diet will help, no matter which factors caused it. Brushing and flossing after each meal, rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash, and consuming a diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables is the best way to make sure you don’t contract halitosis again, since you will be ridding the mouth of bacteria and rinsing impurities from the mouth several times a day.
