(NewsGlobal.com)- Poor dental hygiene isn’t the only cause of bad breath. The foods you eat can also give you a mouth like a sewer.
According to American Dental Association spokesperson Roopali Kulkarni, if you want to avoid bad breath, in addition to maintaining good oral hygiene, you should also cut certain foods and beverages out of your diet.
Dr. Kulkarni said things like garlic, onions, and even coffee can give someone bad breath because they contain odor-causing compounds that, when they enter the bloodstream, make their way into the lungs where they are then exhaled.
Foods rich in sugar can speed up the growth of oral bacteria that can lead to bad breath which is why it is so vital to brush your teeth right away after eating sugary foods or beverages.
Dr. Kulkarni suggested brushing your teeth a minimum of two times a day, flossing daily, and using ADA-approved over-the-counter mouthwash.
To keep saliva flowing, people should eat healthy foods that require chewing, like carrots or apples. Dr. Kulkarni also suggested using sugar-free gum or candies.
And as much as people hate going to the dentist, Dr. Kulkarni also recommends regular dental checkups to make sure any problems like gum disease or dry mouth are found early and treated before they become more serious.
If someone makes the necessary changes and still struggles with bad breath, it might not be an issue of diet or oral hygiene. In that case, it could indicate a medical problem that should be addressed by a physician.
