Prevent Bad Breath

If you want to prevent bad breath, the first step is a healthy lifestyle. This may seem like an impossibly general statement, but it really is true that a healthy lifestyle benefits the body in so many ways and avoids the conditions that make us predisposed to bad breath. In particular, new evidence suggests that good nutrition is the cure for halitosis we've all been looking for.

Any worthy bad breath tip will include the information that bad breath is usually caused by anaerobic bacteria multiplying in the mouth and producing sulfur compounds that smell foul. That's true as far as it goes, but it begs the question "Why do these bacteria gain the upper hand in the mouths of some people while leaving others unaffected?" And "How can we prevent bad breath by preventing these organisms from proliferating?" The answers to these questions are still not entirely clear but we do know about some health conditions and some nutritional factors that can be part of the picture.

First, a bad breath tip that's been around as long as mouthwash: take care of your teeth and gums. Regular brushing, flossing and professional checkups will keep the mouth healthy and discourage the unhealthy proliferation of oral bacteria. Regular medical checkups are basic to a healthy lifestyle as well. Prompt attention to any physical symptoms that arise may help you prevent bad breath: digestive upsets, sinus problems, mouth infections, respiratory illness, and even chronic diseases such as diabetes can contribute to bad breath.

Another bad breath tip - don't smoke tobacco. And another: avoid alcohol. Both of these habits cause a decrease in saliva production that encourages bacterial growth. For a healthy diet to prevent bad breath, consult a good food guide. Aim for low fat, low sugar, high fiber foods, including lots of colorful vegetables. A lack of carbohydrates in the diet causes the body to burn fat and produce ketones, which have an unpleasant odor when exhaled in the breath - so include carbohydrates like whole grains, potatoes, and pasta in moderation. Make sure you are getting adequate amounts of the B vitamins, as well as Vitamin C and zinc in your diet.

If, in spite of following every helpful bad breath tip, you still find yourself dealing with the problem of halitosis, purchase a reputable bad breath product, remembering that you likely need something that will decrease the numbers of odor producing bacteria in the mouth. Once you get the bacteria under control, continued use of the product and/or living a healthy lifestyle can help prevent bad breath from recurring.