HEALTHY LIVING How to Tame Bad Breath
It may be caused by something more serious than forgetting to floss. :: BY GARY GREENBERG
B
ad breath creates social embarrassment and awkward interactions. It’s also a sign of potential health issues ranging from gum disease to lung infections to diabetes.
“At least half of bad breath issues come from
things not related to the teeth and gums,” says Dr. David Tecosky, a Philadelphia-based dentist and spokesperson for the Academy of General Dentistry. It’s estimated that about 25% of Americans have
bad breath problems that mints, mouthwash, and brushing won’t fi x. Medically called halitosis, it’s primarily caused by bacteria buildup from food remnants or part of the decaying process of the dead epithelial cells that line oral, nasal, and other tissues.
“Epithelial cells have a high turnover rate, so they’re always sloughing,” explains Tecosky. “When they collect, they form an odoriferous plaque.” Regular brushing, fl ossing, and rinsing should remove most food remnants and epithelial plaque. You should also brush or scrape your tongue, which can be a breeding ground for odor-causing bacteria.
If bad breath persists, a dentist can determine if it’s caused by
periodontal disease or tooth decay, both of which are treatable. But if your
mouth is in good shape and your breath still reeks,
there’s likely something else going on, such as: Dry mouth. Smoking,
being dehydrated, certain medications, and wearing a mask are among the culprits that can reduce the amount of saliva you produce, which is needed to fl ush out the mouth. “Morning breath” is a good example. Chewing sugar-free
92 NEWSMAX MAXLIFE | APRIL 2023
gum can stimulate saliva production. And be sure to drink plenty of water. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): This condition, which results in regurgitation of stomach contents, can leave a sour taste in your mouth that’s refl ected in your breath. Eating smaller portions, avoiding caff eine, alcohol, and other trigger foods, as well as taking antacids or other medications, can relieve symptoms of GERD. Postnasal drip: When bacteria-rich mucus drains
into the back of your throat, it can bring some funky breath with it. Sinus rinses or a hot shower may help. Antihistamines to dry up mucus may be needed. Respiratory infections: Ailments such as bronchitis, asthma, and pneumonia are often accompanied by coughing up foul-smelling sputum. Kidney or liver disease: These organs are responsible for detoxing the body, and if they are not functioning properly the buildup of toxins can give you musty or metallic-smelling breath.
Diabetes: Decreases in insulin cause the body to burn more fat — in the form of ketones — for energy, resulting in what is called “keto breath.” “Sometimes, dentists can recognize undiagnosed diabetes through bad breath,” Tecosky tells Newsmax.
WHAT TO DO
HERB Drinking green tea, or using its extract, may also help tame bad breath due to the antimicrobial eff ects of its
antioxidant compound epigallocatechin-3- gallate (EGCG).
If your halitosis isn’t a symptom of something serious, there are several home remedies that may help you control the stinky bacteria in your mouth.
Some essential oil rinses have antimicrobial and anti-infl ammatory
eff ects, which sweeten your breath. Try a solution including tea tree, clove, frankincense, cinnamon, and/or basil essential oils.
Another way to fi ght halitosis is to enlist “good”
bacteria, known as probiotics, to fi ght the “bad” odor-causing bugs. Studies suggest that eating
fermented foods, such as yogurt and kefi r, or using probiotic
toothpaste, can reduce the amount of bad breath-causing bacteria in the mouth.
ALEKSANDRA GOLUBTSOVA©ISTOCK
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