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Simple Tips To Prevent
Bad Breath
By Rebecca Prescott
Bad breath simply comes and
goes for some people. Perhaps we only wake up with bad breath in
the morning. Or eating certain foods, like onion or pizza. These
are more obvious triggers for bad breath. But the bacteria that
release the volatile sulfur compounds of bad breath find a great
breeding ground in tongues that are coated or lined with cracks.
Mucous and phlegm also contain proteins, and these bacteria
exist to break down proteins. So if you suffer from phlegmatic
nasal conditions, there's a good chance there is an associated
increase in bad breath.
However, despite any
existing conditions like fissured tongues or excess phlegm, that
are more difficult to change, there are things we can avoid to
minimize bad breath occurring.
What makes bad breath
worse?
·
A
dry mouth:
Saliva keeps bad breath at bay because it is rich in oxygen. The
bacteria that lead to symptoms of bad breath are anaerobic
bacteria, meaning they live in an environment that does not have
oxygen. When you have a dry mouth you're creating an environment
that is more similar to their 'home', one that has little
oxygen. So the bacteria thrive, and so does bad breath.
This is a problem for people who sleep with their mouths open,
in particular. Breathing through your mouth all night dries out
your mouth so you wake up with less-than-pleasant morning
breath.
·
Certain foods that are high in protein like meat, and for those
who are lactose intolerant, dairy:
If you don't digest dairy products well, the bacteria have more
of a chance to digest the proteins in milk and produce the
volatile sulfur compounds that result in bad breath.
·
Not
flossing:
Similarly, if you don't floss after a meal, especially if you've
eaten meat, the bacteria in your mouth have ample time to break
down the meat proteins stuck between your teeth.
·
Acidic foods and drinks like coffee:
Acidic foods and drinks create an environment in which bacteria
will multiply faster
·
Alcohol:
Even if its in a mouthwash, alcohol will dry your mouth out, and
then you have all the bad breath problems associated with a dry
mouth
·
Sugar:
Sugar is food for bacteria. Enough said!! And this is why even
mint flavored sugar products won't make your breath smell any
better.
·
Toothpaste containing SLS, or sodium laureth sulfate:
SLS is a harsh chemical that damages the lining of the mouth,
albeit on a microscopic level. In the lab, SLS is used to
destabilize membranes, and make protein and fats soluble. That's
why it has a 'soapy' or foaming effect. Because it is a soap, it
has a drying effect in your mouth. This of course leads to bad
breath. It has also been linked to canker sores, and many people
who suffer from these have found relief by switching to a
toothpaste that doesn't contain SLS.
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