September 19, 2021 - Mom Wife Wine

Halitosis, known as bad breath, is a common occurrence. Understanding halitosis in detail can help you overcome the issue and get your breath smelling better. Many people know that they have bad breath, but they feel too nervous or scared to speak with someone about it. However, it is normal, and there are plenty of things you can do to combat it.

Below, we will explore the different reasons why bad breath happens. Plus, we will also give you some great tips to follow so that you can stop worrying.

Why Does Bad Breath Occur?

Bad breath can occur for several reasons. It usually originates in the mouth itself. In most cases, it’s bacteria living on the back of the tongue below the gum line.

Causes include medications, dental problems, mouth infections, health problems, a dry mouth, poor dental hygiene, tobacco products, and certain foods, such as garlic, cheese, and fish.

You will notice that poor dental hygiene is one of the causes mentioned. Simply keeping up with your appointments at your local dental office can make a big difference when it comes to ensuring your breath smells fresh. Your dentist will also be able to determine whether any other oral health problems could be causing an issue.

How Can You Prevent Bad Breath?

You don’t want people to hold their nose around you, so it’s good to know how to stop bad breath.

Avoid foods containing refined carbohydrates, and opt for foods rich in fiber.
Drink black and green teas, as they reduce oral bacteria. They offer additional health benefits too.
Clean your mouth after eating dairy products, meat, and fish.
Stop smoking and avoid drying medication unless essential.
Drink plenty of water and use mouthwash, yet choose one that is not alcohol-based, as alcohol makes the mouth dry.

Choosing a Dentist

If you don’t have a regular dentist, you may feel nervous and apprehensive about going to a new dental clinic with bad breath. Remember that your dentist has seen it all before, so you have nothing to worry about.

Furthermore, if you take the time to select a dentist with a good reputation, it will make everything smoother. Read feedback that has been left by patients so that you can ensure the dentist is caring and puts patients at ease.

Bad Breath is Common, but You Can Fix It

All things considered, you are not alone if you suffer from halitosis, but there are options available.

Your oral cavity is a sensitive part of your body, and what you put in there can impact your oral health. Some foods cause tooth decay, while others fight mouth bacteria. Admittedly, the American diet comprises several processed foods that can affect teeth and gum health. Already, 70% of most packaged foods in the country are ultra-processed. Ultra-processed means it contains high quantities of saturated fats, additives, and salt. Plus, the high sugar content is unhealthy for the teeth. Therefore, it’s your responsibility to determine your food choices based on how they affect your oral health.

Foods to Help Maintain Your Oral Health

1. Fiber-Rich Fruits

Fruits like bananas, apples, pear, oranges, and those from the berry family contain up to four grams of fiber. Meanwhile, guava has a whopping nine grams in a single fruit. More importantly, fiber-rich fruits contain high quantities of Vitamin C, making them natural plaque fighters. According to studies, biting into fiber-rich foods provides an opportunity to massage the gums, increasing blood circulation.

Additionally, these fruits contain enzymes that stimulate salivation. Stimulation leads to the neutralization of bacterial acids in the mouth. Do you know that saliva has calcium and phosphate traces? According to research, these mineral traces tend to increase automatically after eating fiber-rich fruits. That is good news for your oral cavity. However, if you’re not sure about the health of your mouth and teeth, dental experts such as those found at Sunrise Dental Studio can be of help.

2. Leafy Green Vegetables

Also known as leafy greens, these are vegetables with natural prebiotics that healthy oral flora feeds on. While providing support for beneficial bacteria in your mouth, leafy vegetables contribute to the production of the nitrate-reducing oral microbiome. Darker leafy vegetables like broccoli, spinach, collard greens, and kale are better options if you desire a healthier mouth.

The darker green it is, the more riboflavin, magnesium, potassium, and folic acid it will contain. Although other leafy greens such as arugula, chard, some cabbage types, etc., may not necessarily have a darker green color, they play significant roles in ensuring a healthy oral cavity.

3. Fiber-Fed Dairy and Dairy Products

The concentration on fiber-fed dairy supports America’s move to rely only on cattle fed on healthy amounts of roughage. This is necessary to enhance ruminants’ digestion and bowel movements. So you can be assured that dairy from these fiber-fed cattle has high amounts of healthy trace minerals, calcium, and proteins and are safe for human consumption.

Therefore, cheese, plain yogurt, milk, etc., are excellent for oral health. More importantly, they replenish your tooth enamel with minerals it may have lost from years of chewing and old age. Again, these foods improve saliva production, which is healthy for washing away toxic (from unhealthy foods) residue in the mouth.

4. Fatty Fish

Do not be appalled by the description of this food source. In very healthy amounts, it will not add to your weight or increase blood cholesterol. Meanwhile, a lesser-known fact about fatty fish is the high concentration of Vitamin D. This nutrient keeps the teeth and bones strong. Even better, it helps to keep tooth decay at bay. Additionally, Vitamin D binds with other healthy trace minerals to supply calcium to the teeth. For all its benefits, fatty fish can be a regular feature at the dinner table.

Maintain Your Oral Health

Maintaining your oral health should be a priority. While brushing after each meal and using strengthening or whitening products can help, your diet can, too. How important is your oral health to you? Leave a comment and let us know if you’d be willing to change your diet to improve your oral health!