22 Jun 2010

Bad breath - friend to no one

3 mins to read
Bad breath, whether it be yours or someone else's, is not something we like experiencing. Naturopath Kathryn Terrill looks at causes and solutions for this embarrassing problem.


For some of us, having bad breath is something to be feared. It has the capacity to affect our personal, social and work lives, and it leaves some with a sense of low self confidence. For many others, it is a common experience but is usually relatively mild. Bad breath can affect even the healthiest of people.

What doesn't help is that knowing whether or not you have bad breath is sometimes hard. We've all seen (or done) the trick where you breathe into your hand to try to smell your breath. Does it work? That's debatable. We often have different perceptions of our own bodily odours than others do.

So, how can we do our best to avoid this embarrassing problem?

First, let’s get an understanding of what causes it.

Causes of bad breath

Bad breath, or 'halitosis' as it is medically known, can have a variety of causes, ranging from the relatively benign to the more serious.

Most cases of bad breath are due to the fermentation of food particles by bacteria in the mouth. Common places where these bacteria reside include around the teeth and gums, especially if there is any mouth or tooth infection present, and the back of the tongue. Gingivitis (infection of the gums) is a common cause of the overgrowth of bacteria that causes bad breath.  A build up of dental plaque also contributes. Reduced saliva production from certain diseases or medications can also increase the amounts of these bad bacteria in your mouth.

More serious but less common causes of bad breath include kidney or liver disease, serious digestive problems and diabetes. Smoking is another obvious cause of bad breath, as is sinus infection, as the sinus cavities are connected to our nose and mouth.

Another common cause of bad breath does not involve bacteria at all. Certain foods are capable of excreting odours via the lungs long after they have been digested. Garlic is a well known example of this. Thankfully there is an upside to garlic's ability to be partially excreted by the lungs; this is one of the reasons why it is so beneficial when you have a cold!

Naturopathically, bad breath can be considered a sign that the body is detoxifying. You may notice that your breath smells more if you are undertaking a detox program.

Solutions for a fresh mouth

  1. Regular dental check up and teeth clean
    Dentists recommend a check up and clean every six months. Not only does this help to keep on top of any developing dental problems like cavities or infections, it also helps to ensure that your mouth is as bad-bacteria free as possible. Dentists can remove plaque build up and clean your teeth in a way that is not possible from brushing and flossing alone. Remember, both plaque build-up and gingivitis are very common causes of bad breath.
  2. Thorough and regular brushing and flossing
    There is no point in making the effort to go to the dentist every six months if you do not brush and floss regularly. Dentists recommend brushing and flossing after every meal, and although this may not be possible every day, doing it morning and evening is a bare minimum for good oral health.

    Brushing and flossing help to remove bacteria and the food particles that they ferment, whilst also preventing plaque build up and helping to prevent gingivitis. Don't forget the flossing part, because it reaches places where your tooth brush cannot go. Floss by using a sawing action to get between the teeth and then pull the string through the gap in the teeth when done. Do not push the floss between the gaps in the teeth with force as it can encourage gum bleeding.
  3. Natural remedies
    Common natural remedies for bad breath include:

Chlorophyll
Chlorophyll is known for giving plants their green colour, and it is found in high quantities in green leafy vegetables such as broccoli and spinach and algae supplements such as spirulina and chlorella. It has a history of being used for bad breath and other body odours, and has been used to help the body's detoxification processes.

Parsley
Parsley is an excellent breath freshener due to its bacteria fighting properties and ability to neutralise odours such as onion. It is available in some breath freshening products, but it can be picked straight from the garden for an instant pick-me-up for your mouth.

Mint
We are all familiar with breath mints and many of us have them on us at all times, but have you ever considered incorporating fresh mint into your day? Fresh mint is easy to grow and readily available in supermarkets or fruit and vegetable stores. It has the advantage of being  sugar and additive free, is packed full of nutrients and it still tastes great! You can simply chew on the leaves, make a herbal tea or add it to iced water. Fresh mint can be added to ice cubes  prior to freezing, which means that it's always on hand when you feel like a refreshing drink.

References available on request



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