How Do You Stop Chronic Bad Breath?

Bad breath is technically known as halitosis. It is estimated that up to 50% of the population has halitosis, with varying degrees of severity. Unless they are told directly by others, some go through their daily life completely unaware of this problem. Treating bad breath starts with recognizing the fact that conventional bad breath remedies, such as mouthwashes, don’t address the cause of the problem and only deal with the symptom. To address the cause, you must look deeper.

The Problem with Mouthwashes:

Many mouthwashes contain sodium chlorite, also referred to as chlorine dioxide. Although they claim to freshen you breath for up to six hours, an independent study found that sodium chlorite only freshens breath for 4 to 42 minutes. While these mouth rinses focus on altering the chemical composition of the rancid gases, they do nothing to stop the bacteria causing bad breath.

A better option would be to use essential oils like thyme, peppermint, wintergreen and eucalyptus. Several studies, including one from the University of Rochester Eastman Dental Center, have found that these natural solutions reduce inflammation and plaque that may cause bad breath.

Another natural technique that can promote oral health is oil pulling. This ancient Ayurvedic Indian tradition is done by swishing oil, such as coconut oil in your mouth, by “pulling” it between your teeth for 20 to 30 minutes. This practice is said to kill pathogenic bacteria, promote optimal oral hygiene and detoxify your system. Just make sure to spit out the oil when you are done, don’t swallow it.

Poor Oral Health and Microbial Metabolism in Your Mouth:

In most circumstances, halitosis stems from odor-inducing microbes that reside in between your teeth, your gums and on your tongue. It can also be caused by bacteria linked to gum disease. Gum disease comes in two stages, gingivitis and periodontitis. If not treated, gingivitis can progress into periodontitis, which literally means “inflammation around the teeth.” Both types involve varying degrees of inflammation. Roughly 10% of the population have severe gum disease with accompanied halitosis.

People who have gum disease often have space in between their teeth and gums, where food can get stuck, leading to the proliferation of bacteria. In severe cases, individuals can experience considerable blood loss due to bleeding gums. Bad breath can also surface from decomposing blood. It is very important to follow proper oral hygiene practices to prevent bacteria from building up in your mouth.

Other Factors Linked to Bad Breath:

1. Drugs - There a number of drugs that have dry mouth as a side effect. Dry mouth, which is referred to as xerostomia, occurs when your saliva production is inhibited. According to one study published in 2000, over 600 drugs have the ability to suppress saliva production. Included in the list are antidepressants, diuretics and aspirin. Saliva plays a significant role in preventing bad breath, since it helps to rinse odor-producing germs from your mouth. If you suspect that the root of your foul breath is drug-induced, see your doctor about possible adjusting your medications.

2. Breathing through your mouth - is another habit that can cause dry mouth and possibly bad breath. Paying close attention to how you breathe can remedy this.

3. Snoring can also lead to and worsen dry mouth and bad breath. Being a chronic snorer can be a serious problem and should be addressed. Snoring may also lead to other health complications.

4. Drinking alcohol can also cause you to develop bad breath, since the scent of alcohol lingers in your breath. You may also develop dry mouth from frequently ingesting alcohol.

5. Smoking - Cigarette-induced halitosis is one of the more serious forms of bad breath. Smoke contains several chemicals that produce a strong odor and stain teeth

6. Eating certain foods - Some foods can produce a temporary halitosis

The Little-Known, But Major Cause of Bad Breath and Other Diseases:

A healthy digestive system is crucial for optimal overall health and preventing bad breath. In your gut resides trillions of beneficial bacteria that influence many of your body functions, including your immune system. Studies show that an estimated 80% of your immune system is located in your gut. The ratio of good and bad bacteria is a crucial indicator of the condition of your health. Your gut should have at least 85% good bacteria and less than 15% bad bacteria.

An imbalance between good and bad bacteria can predispose you to a wide number of health problems, many are much more serious than bad breath. Having less-than-optimal gut flora can make you vulnerable to health conditions linked to bad breath. Increasing the beneficial bacteria is essential for optimal health and disease prevention.

Factors That Can Make or Break Your Gut Health:

What you eat can positively or negatively impact your gut.

A poor balance of bacteria in your gut can be caused by:

1. Eating processed food, which are high in sugar and bleached flour. They promote a gut bacterial imbalance.

2. Antibiotics – They not only kill bad bacteria, but also destroy the beneficial organisms in your gut.

3. .Factory-farmed meats – Meats that come from confined animal feeding operations (CAFOs) or factory farms are routinely fed low-dose antibiotics, including synthetic hormones and genetically engineered grains, which are linked to the destruction of beneficial bacteria in the gut.

4. Chlorinated and/or fluoridated water – Having a high-quality water filter can reduce your exposure to these dangerous chemicals.

5. Antibacterial soap – These soaps contain triclosan, which is the active compound that kills bacteria. The use of triclosan, promotes resistant strains of bad bacteria.

6. Agricultural pesticides – These pollutants can destroy the beneficial bacteria in your gut. You can avoid exposure to pesticides by supporting organic farmers who use sustainable methods to grow food.

How to Restore the Balance in Your Gut:

The key to keeping your digestive health at optimal condition, is to consume:

1. Unprocessed whole foods
2. Only raw or lightly cooked meals – Try to eat at least one-third of your food raw
3. Organic pastured meats and dairy products
4. Foods that come from high-quality, organic sources
5 Vegetable carbohydrates, with the exception of potatoes
6. Healthy fats, such as coconut oil, avocados, raw nuts and raw seeds
7. Eating more fermented foods - Ideal choices include fermented organic milk, such as kefir and yogurt, fermented vegetables and fermented organic soy natto.
8. Taking a probiotic supplement

Optimizing your gut flora will also go a long way in preventing halitosis and strengthening your immune system.

Oral Hygiene:

Brushing, tongue scraping and flossing are effective ways to promote a healthy mouth and consequently helping to prevent bad breath. Before you use a toothpaste with fluoride, consider the level of toxicity that fluoride has on the human body. I personally do not feel that any benefit from using fluoride is worth the risk of fluoride’s toxicity.

Once microbes penetrate your teeth’s enamel, they release enzymes that break down the collagen of your tooth’s inner structure. This also leads to cavities.

In order to neutralize the acidity of your mouth, try brushing your teeth with baking soda at night. You may even use it as a mouth rinse by dissolving a little in water.

Read More