A first date, a job interview, or a visit to the dentist – these are just a couple of occasions that may cause you to do a breath check. When we communicate through speech, we want our words to be front and center, not the smell of our breath.
Foul breath is not only caused by garlic sauce and raw onions, there are lots of things that trigger bad breath and as many suggestions for how to combat it. October is Dental Hygiene Month, and keeping your mouth clean plays a big role in how to fight bad breath, as do a number of other lifestyle and health factors.
Causes of Bad Breath
Certain foods will change the smell of your breath, but there are a lot of other factors at play as well.
Plaque
Keeping your mouth clean and free of plaque is your first defense against bad breath. Plaque is a sticky paste that forms on your teeth and gums and if you don’t brush it away two times a day, it can build up, leading to smelly gum disease and tooth decay.
Diet and Dietary Changes
Spicy and pungent foods are clearly connected to bad breath. As your body digests these foods, they move into your bloodstream and your lungs, changing your breath for a few hours. Additionally, if you’ve made drastic changes, such as switching to the keto diet, you may notice a change in your breath at first.
Dry Mouth
A dry mouth can cause bad breath as well, as your saliva helps keep your mouth clean. When you are dehydrated, your saliva production is decreased (think morning breath), and this can cause an odor.
Disease
Occasionally, bad breath can be an indicator of disease or a more serious problem. Certain cancers, metabolic disorders, and digestive issues can cause foul smelling breath, so if you have tried everything, it’s best to see your doctor.
How to Fight Bad Breath
Brushing and flossing is the best way to fight bad breath and prevent tooth decay, but there are other tricks that some people find effective.
Home Remedies
There are several home remedies that may help fight bad breath. For example, ever wondered why many restaurants serve you a sprig of parsley? It’s not only there for plating, some believe that chewing parsley after a meal can help fight bad breath. Additionally, many people recommend drinking pineapple juice, chewing gum, or using a baking soda mouthwash.
Supplements to Fight Bad Breath
Wondering how to fight bad breath with supplements? Here are a few trusted products and brands we recommend.
OralBiotic from Now Foods
OralBiotic from NOW Foods may reduce bad breath as it contains the naturally occurring probiotic organism Streptococcus salivarius BLIS K12, which has been clinically shown to support oral and throat health.
PRO-Dental for Oral Health by Hyperbiotic
Looking for a way to support healthy teeth, gums, nose, ears, and sinuses? PRO-Dental for Oral Health by Hyperbiotics is formulated with oral probiotics to support pH levels in the oral cavity.
Spry Moisturizing Mouth Spray from Xlear
Struggling with dry mouth or bad breath? Spry Moisturizing Mouth Spray from Xlear uses xylitol and aloe vera to soothe and moisturize the gums and tissues in the mouth and throat, leaving your mouth feeling fresh and healthy.
How do you keep your mouth fresh and odor-free? Use the comments section below to share your healthy habits.
About Theresa Groskopp, CN
Certified Nutritionist in Appleton, Wisconsin, Founder of Natural Healthy Concepts. Natural health and nutrition advocate. Enjoys gardening, biking, fitness, boating, animals (especially cats), and cooking.
Theresa Groskopp
