Bad breath: Some of us get it more often than others. When we have it, we don't always recognize it. In fact, it is often others – namely, those you come into close physical proximity with – who do recognize it. Following is a look at the causes of bad breath and four healthy, excellent supplements that can mitigate the occurrence of bad breath.
The Causes of Bad Breath
Bad breath is medically known as halitosis. The
foremost causes of bad breath include certain foods, certain lifestyle habits, and certain medical conditions.
As far as foods go, spicy foods such as onions, spices, and garlic are the usual suspects; Particles from these foods are broken down and then enter the blood. From there they are transported to the lungs from where they are emitted via exhalation.
Another foremost cause of bad breath is
poor dental hygiene. When plaque is not brushed and flossed away, it can get trapped in the gums and between teeth. This, as well as gum disease, can be a major factor in causing bad breath. Brushing and flossing daily is critical for avoiding bad breath.
Medical conditions that can precipitate bad breath include metabolic disorders such as
acid reflux. Separately, the internal conditions of the nose and throat affect breath odor. Sinus inflammation, as well as the presence of small stones that form in the tonsils and foster bacteria growth, can cause bad breath.
Products to Combat Bad Breath
The following remedies can render assistance, perhaps a significant amount, in alleviating the offensive odor that is emitted with one's breath. You should note that these are not a replacement for decent, daily dental hygiene. However, they can help improve the internal conditions (of your gut and otherwise) which affect the odor of your breath.
Probiotics
Probiotics are positive bacteria that, when ingested, can benefit the gut and foster the flourishing of healthy bacteria internally. They have an additional benefit in promoting the presence of
good bacteria in the mouth, which can help combat bad breath.
Zinc
Zinc can help reduce the
presence of sulfurous compounds in the breath, thereby mitigating bad breath. Taking zinc orally can help accomplish this.
Coenzyme Q10
If you have gum disease and experience bad breath as a result, then coenzyme Q10, or CoQ10, might be for you. Studies support the efficacy of CoQ10 in
reducing gum bleeding and inflammation. It is thought that it does this by increasing blood circulation to the gums. Alleviating gum disease can alleviate the halitosis that often accompany it.
Eucalyptus oil
Certain essential oils can be useful in relieving bad breath because they have
natural antimicrobial properties. Each of them can affect the gut and internal conditions a little differently, but eucalyptus oil can help reduce mucus production. This means less mucus build-up on the teeth and gums, which can cause bad breath. It also has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Combating bad breath starts with good dental hygiene. It begs addressing the underlying causes of bad breath (e.g., acid reflux), if needed. On the other hand, the right healthy supplements can be of significant help in setting you up to have decent-smelling breath. Talk to your doctor before using any of these supplements for the first time.
