How To Prevent Bad Breath

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Bad breath can be caused by a plethora of things, including dental disease, digestive disturbances, smoking, and poor oral health.  Natural remedies can help neutralize oral odors and give you fresh smelling breath.

Bad breath affects thousands of men and women each year. Many people reach for breath mints, mouthwash, or gum to help mask their bad breath. Unfortunately, these methods are temporary and do not address the cause of bad breath. Many natural remedies and lifestyle changes can prevent or cure bad breath. Look at the top 11 remedies for neutralizing oral odors and giving you fresh-smelling breath.

Apple cider vinegar    

Vinegar contains acetic acid, which can help reduce bacterial growth in your mouth. Mix two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in a cup of water. Gargle with the mixture for at least thirty seconds to flush the bacteria from the back part of your tongue. As you gargle, swish the solution between your teeth to remove food particles that can cause bad breath.

Brush and floss your teeth.

One of the best ways to ensure fresh breath is to brush and floss your teeth at least twice daily. Brushing and flossing remove food between your teeth and bacteria that may be causing bad breath. When brushing your teeth, brush your tongue or use a tongue scraper. The bacteria that cause bad breath can grow on your tongue.

Digestive enzymes

You may have bad breath if you do not properly digest your foods. One way to counteract this is to take digestive enzyme supplements like those offered at Vita Living. Some of the most common digestive enzymes are bromelain, an enzyme found in pineapple; papain, an enzyme found in papaya; protease, an enzyme to help digest protein; lipase, an enzyme to help digest fats; and animal-sourced enzymes like pancreatin.

Functional doctor

A functional doctor can help determine the root cause of your bad breath. A functional medicine doctor may analyze the bacteria in your mouth to determine its cause. Some of the most common causes of bad breath include tooth decay, medications, sinus infections, diet, dry mouth, poor oral health, and many medical issues. Determining the root cause of your bad breath can help your functional healthcare practitioner determine the best treatment option for your unique needs.

Green tea

Green tea has been shown to help relieve bad breath naturally. It contains polyphenols, which provide antibacterial protection. Furthermore, green tea acts as a deodorant. For best results, drink three to five cups of tea each day. If you do not like tea, you can take an EGCG polyphenol supplement.  

Probiotics

Many people are surprised to learn that their bad breath may be due to an unhealthy digestive tract. Improving your digestive health with a probiotic supplement may help. Probiotics are live beneficial bacteria that help boost immunity, improve digestion, and fight off odor-causing bacteria. Eating probiotic-rich, fermented foods like yogurt, sauerkraut, and kimchi can also help prevent and cure bad breath.

Reduce stress

Did you know that stress can alter your body's natural odor? Stress can impact the delicate balance of your microbiome, allowing harmful bacteria to multiply and overrun the good bacteria in your body. One way to reduce bad breath is to lower your stress levels. Practicing stress reduction techniques, getting ample exercise, eating nutritious meals, and getting at least seven hours of sleep can help counteract the effects of stress on your body.

Sleep

Sleep, or lack thereof, can impact your breath. Not getting enough sleep can affect the saliva produced in the mouth. When not enough saliva is produced, it can alter the bacterial balance in the mouth, resulting in bad breath. In addition, sleeping with your mouth open can cause a dry mouth and lead to a smell of morning breath. 

Stay hydrated

One of the most common causes of bad breath is dry mouth. When dehydrated, your body does not produce enough saliva, which encourages bacteria growth and can cause bad breath. Drink water throughout the day to help hydrate your mouth and reduce the risk of bad breath. Experts recommend drinking one-half ounce of water for every pound you weigh. Sip water throughout the day rather than gulp it down quickly for best results.

Stop smoking

Most people understand that smoking is bad for your health; however, many do not realize that it can also cause bad breath. First, smoking cigarettes dries out your mouth, increasing the risk of bad breath. The smell of smoke also lingers, resulting in bad breath. Finally, tobacco products increase the risk of gum disease, which can cause odors in your mouth.

Zinc supplements

Zinc is a trace mineral used for more than 300 different cellular functions. Studies have shown that zinc stops volatile sulfur compounds from building up in your mouth. These compounds are one of the causes of bad breath. Zinc chewing gum or mouthwash can help eliminate bad breath. In addition to this, you can take zinc supplements to rebalance gut health and reduce bad breath.

Bad breath can be caused by a plethora of things, including dental disease, digestive disturbances, smoking, and poor oral health. Many different techniques can be used to prevent and cure your bad breath. Try the natural options listed above to make your breath smell great. If you are still experiencing bad breath after trying a few of these options, contact your functional doctor or dentist to determine the root cause of your bad breath.

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