Bad Breath Tips

Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is a health condition easily identified by chronic odorous breath. Bad breath can be caused by many different things, including poor digestive health, improper hygiene, mouth dehydration or gum disease. Symptoms can typically be treated at home, depending on the cause of the condition. However, if the problem persists, a qualified physician should be consulted.

Food and Digestion

• The food you eat plays a significant role in the presence of bad breath. Eating different combinations of food can reduce digestion rates. When food begins to build up in the digestive tract, it putrefies and produces an offensive smell, which may be evident in your breath. Eating smaller portions of food during meals can remedy this situation.

  Avoid eating proteins and carbohydrates in the same meal together to speed up your digestion. Foods high in caffeine, sugar and fat will weaken the digestive tract and cause food to stay in your stomach for longer periods of time. Milk and dairy products are mucus producing and should also be avoided, as mucus decreases the functionality of the bowels.

  Coriander, fennel seeds and caraway seeds kill the bacteria that cause bad breath, and should be added to food whenever possible. Adding foods rich in chlorophyll to your diet may also prevent bad breath. Chlorophyll is a digestive aid found naturally in green, leafy vegetables such as cabbage and spinach.

Oral Hygiene

• Most of the bacteria that causes bad breath is located in the mouth, and can be eliminated with proper oral hygiene. Brush your teeth, gums and tongue after every meal to remove any food debris that remains. Floss daily to get to bacteria and food particles hidden between teeth. The ideal time to floss is just before bed each night.

  Use mouthwash regularly to control the bacteria that cause bad breath. Most mouthwashes contain acids and alcohol that kills the bacteria on contact. Drink plenty of water to keep your mouth thoroughly hydrated at all times. When the mouth becomes dry, it is unable to cleanse itself of food particles and other debris that may cause bad breath.

Remedies and Supplements

• Regular doses of betaine hydrochloride, a stomach acid supplement, will increase your rate of digestion. Digestive enzymes taken in the form of liquid supplements or capsules may also help. Acidophilus is one such supplement that will increase the level of healthy bacteria in your digestive system. Taking one capsule after every meal will reduce the time it takes for food to be digested, thus reducing bad breath. Adding linseeds or sunflower seeds to food will also increase the rate at which toxins are removed from the body, resulting in less putrefied food in the system and fresher breath.