Sure Signs You Have “Bad Breath” and How to Fix It — Eat This Not That

Bad breath can affect anyone and now that the masks are off, it’s time to get social again and take care of oral hygiene. How to determine if you have bad breath can be more difficult than you think. Someone doesn’t always know they have bad breath, but others around definitely notice. However, there are ways to find out if you have bad breath without asking others. Eat this, not that! Health spoke to Dr. Tomi Mitchell, a Board-Certified Family Physician with Holistic wellness strategies who explained the signs of halitosis and how to get rid of the problem. Read on – and don’t miss these to protect your health and the health of others Sure signs you already had COVID.

Woman worried about her teeth and looking in the mirror.
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dr Mitchell says: “Halitosis or halitosis can be a real problem. Not only is it uncomfortable for you and those around you, but it can also be a sign of an underlying health problem. So what causes bad breath? The most common cause is poor oral hygiene. When food particles and bacteria build up on your teeth and gums, they can cause your breath to smell noticeably bad. Other causes of bad breath include smoking, dry mouth, gum disease, and certain foods (like garlic or onions). It is estimated that around 80 million people suffer from chronic halitosis in the United States alone. While there are many over-the-counter products that can help with this problem, there are also some simple lifestyle changes that can make a world of difference. ”

Woman stands with her mouth open over a mirror in a bathroom.
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dr Mitchell shares: “You may be having a conversation with someone and notice a hint of disgust or horror on their face. They might try to move away from you discreetly, avoiding sudden movements. This is usually a sign that you have bad breath and people are trying not to get too close to you. Have you ever dated someone where there was no chemistry? Maybe they didn’t laugh at your jokes or they weren’t interested in kissing you. While there can be many reasons why the date didn’t go well, one possibility is that your breath smelled bad.”

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“Most people have experienced halitosis at some point in their lives,” says dr mitchell “Whether it’s after a night of drinking or first thing in the morning, bad breath is an uncomfortable reality we all have to face. But why does a sour taste in the mouth or a metallic taste mean bad breath? The answer lies in the composition of our saliva. Saliva is made up of water, electrolytes, mucus, white blood cells, and enzymes. It also contains minerals such as calcium, phosphate and fluoride. When these minerals interact with plaque on our teeth, they produce hydrogen sulfide gas, which gives bad breath its distinctive smell. In addition, saliva helps keep our mouth moist and prevents bacterial growth. If we have dry mouth due to dehydration or medication, this can also lead to bad breath. So if you want to freshen your mouth and breathe, make sure to stay hydrated and brush your teeth regularly!”

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“It’s no secret that poor dental hygiene can lead to bad breath,”dr Mitchell reminds us of this. “But why is it like that? To understand why it’s important to understand something about how our mouth works. Our mouth is full of bacteria, most of which are harmless. However, when these bacteria begin to break down food particles, they release smelly compounds known as volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs). Poor dental hygiene can cause these VSCs to build up, leading to bad breath. Regular brushing and flossing will help remove food particles and bacteria and prevent VSCs from forming. So if you want to keep your breath fresh, make sure to brush and floss regularly!”

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dr Mitchell explains, “This means brushing and flossing your teeth regularly and using a tongue scraper to remove bacteria from the surface of your tongue. Good oral hygiene is the best way to prevent bad breath build-up on teeth, gums and tongue. These are two of the main causes of bad breath. In addition, good oral hygiene helps keep your mouth moist, which also prevents bad breath. Dry mouth is one of the most common causes of bad breath Saliva helps clean your mouth and neutralize acids that cause bad breath. So it’s important to drink plenty of water and avoid mouthwashes containing alcohol, which can dry out your mouth. By following these simple tips By following this, you can maintain your oral hygiene and enjoy fresh breath all day long.”

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“Cigarette smoking is one of the main causes of bad breath,” emphasizes Dr. mitchell “When you smoke, the nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes stick to your teeth and gums, leaving an unpleasant odor. Also, smoking dries out your mouth, which leads to a build-up of plaque and bacteria. Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do to improve your oral health and get rid of bad breath. Your mouth will feel fresher and cleaner, but you’ll also reduce your risk of developing gum disease and other oral health problems. If you’re having trouble quitting smoking, talk to your doctor about breaking the habit for good.”

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according to dr Mitchell, “Drinking water throughout the day helps keep your mouth moist and inhibits bacterial growth. When your mouth is dry, bacteria are more likely to multiply, leading to bad breath. Also, water helps flush away leftover food and other particles that contribute to bad breath. For best results, drink eight glasses of water a day and avoid sugary beverages, alcohol, and coffee, all of which can contribute to dry mouth. Chew sugarless gum or sucking on candy can also help increase saliva production and keep your mouth moist. By following these simple tips, you can help keep your breath fresh and avoid awkward moments.”

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dr Mitchell says, “Many people don’t realize that the foods they eat can play a role in bad breath. Although there are many causes of bad breath, such as B. poor oral hygiene or certain diseases, diet is often one of the main culprits. Certain foods, such as garlic and onions, can cause bad breath due to their strong odor. Other foods, like sugary snacks and fizzy drinks, can encourage the growth of bacteria in the mouth, leading to bad breath. Acidic foods can break down tooth enamel, which can lead to gum disease and ultimately bad breath. Therefore, avoiding these types of foods can help get rid of bad breath. In addition to avoiding certain foods, good oral hygiene habits, such as regular brushing and flossing, are essential to keeping bad breath at bay.”

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dr Mitchell asks, “Regular dental appointments are essential to keeping your mouth healthy and disease-free, but did you know they can also help prevent bad breath?” Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that constantly builds up on your teeth, and if it’s not removed, it can lead to gum disease. Gum disease causes bad breath, but it can also damage the tissues that support your teeth. Regular teeth cleanings by your dentist remove plaque before it can cause problems. In addition, your dentist can identify other possible causes of bad breath, such as:

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dr Mitchell says, “While there are many over-the-counter treatments available, it’s important to understand the underlying cause of halitosis in order to provide the most effective treatment. In some cases, bad breath can be caused by poor oral hygiene or a buildup of plaque on the teeth. More serious causes of bad breath, however, can include gum disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. Therefore, it is important to see a dentist or doctor if bad breath persists despite good oral hygiene. Only a professional can determine the underlying cause of halitosis and recommend the most appropriate course of treatment.”

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