Diet for Bad Breath
Halitosis is a clinical term for referring to problems related to bad breath. It is the unpleasant odor that is exhaled when we breathe out. It is very common early in the morning when one wakes up from sleep. However, it is common in many people and is an issue of concern as it can be socially embarrassing. If halitosis is left untreated, it can eventually develop into tooth decay and other oral diseases requiring dental help.
Thus, quick action is very essential to fight away from this unpleasant disorder. Halitosis is of two types: one is that can be cured easily and is temporary, whereas, the other is the chronic and very complicated to deal with. Low carb foods add to the bad breath of the person suffering from it. Diet for bad breath must include high protein foods that increase the saliva production. Foods which smell bad should not be included in the diet for bad breath, for example, onions are to be avoided. Yoghurt should be consumed around two to three bowls a day. This helps to fight the germs and thus the odor retreats. Foods to Include
Chronic halitosis is very difficult to tackle. However, temporary bad breath is not very tedious to deal with. Home remedies are enough to fight most of the bad odor produced in the mouth. Some of the foods for halitosis that work as a treatment for bad breath have been mentioned as follows: - Halitosis fighting herbs like spearmint, eucalyptus, coriander, rosemary, cardamom, etc. These herbs also help in digestion.
- Two bowls of yoghurt each day to reduce he hydrogen sulfide from the mouth, which causes bad odor. Yoghurt also considerably reduces plaque and gum diseases.
- Fiber rich foods like carrots and apples help in fighting bad odor.
- One should adopt masking techniques to freshen the mouth which in a way increases saliva production. This in turn reduces chances of bacteria formation.
- Vitamin C rich foods should be consumed, for example, berries, melons and citrus fruits.
Foods to Avoid
There are a few foods that worsen bad breath, and these are to be restricted completely. Some of the foods to be avoided are listed as follows: - Bad smelling foods like cabbage and onions
- Low carb foods
- Avoid sugar gums and stick to sugarless ones
- Restrict spicy food
- No garlic
- Avoid smoking and drinking
Bad Breath (Halitosis) Health Tips
To avoid symptoms of bad breath follow the tips mentioned below to maintain good breath. - First and foremost, avoid consuming onions, or for that matter, any food that is known to have a foul odor such as garlic, cabbage, eggs, red meats, etc.
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day (preferably after every meal).
- Keep a mouth freshener in your bag (preferably natural one like betel leaf).
- Avoid eating tobacco as it may lead to formation of bacteria in the mouth.
- Consult a specialist to eradicate the problem right from the root, especially its cause is an underlying condition like a tooth infection or abscess.
- Try controlling plaque and maintaining proper oral hygiene. It is recommended that one floss after every meal. If flossing is not always possible a simple slat water gargle after every meal will help clean any food debris from collecting in the mouth.
Additional Info Causes - Tongue bacteria
- Smoking and drinking
- Gum disease
- Nasal odor
- The gases from the esophagus that escape to the mouth
- Some systemic diseases like detor hepaticus, renal infections, diabetes mellitus, carcinoma, and trimethylaminuria
Symptoms - Plaque
- Swollen gums
- Tender gums
- Pain while chewing
Diagnosis & Treatment Halitosis can be diagnosed by the person himself/herself. It can also be diagnosed professionally with the help of a halimeter, gas chromatography, BANA test, and β – galactosidase test. Treatment options for fighting bad breath include: - Clean the tongue surface twice daily to remove the debris, mucus and bacterial film
- Have a healthy breakfast
- Chewing gum so that the mouth does not dry up (xerostomia). This in turn stops the buildup of bacteria in the mouth
- Gargling several times a day
- Probiotic treatment
Prevention Preventing bad breath is almost under one’s control. Yet it is not so always, and one might need to take some measures to prevent the foul smell. According to Ayurveda, chewing of betel leaf and areca nut can remove bad odor from the mouth. References
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