The cause of bad breath is sometimes difficult to pinpoint because there are a large number of potential sources that can create problems with halitosis. Just some of the potential causes of bad breath include:

• Pneumonia
• Bronchitis
• Post Nasal Drip
• Chronic Sinus Infection
• Xerostomia
• Gum Disease
• Acid Reflux
• Ketosis
• Kidney or Liver Disease
• Diabetes

It is estimated that over 16 million people suffer with some form of diabetes with nearly half not aware that they have the condition. Diabetes does not cause bad breath directly but it does tax the immune system and leave the body more susceptible to infection and bacteria like those responsible for gum disease and/or bad breath. Plus, diabetes tends to dehydrate the body which lowers saliva levels in your mouth.

If properly controlled, diabetes will not increase chances of contracting gum disease or developing halitosis. It is very important to take a chronic bad breath problem seriously because for millions of people it is actually a warning sign for diabetes. If left uncontrolled, diabetes can lead to serious damage to many systems in your body, including:

• Eyesight
• Nerve endings
• Kidneys
• Heart

For those with diabetes, it is possible to prevent bad breath with proper treatment, good oral hygiene, and adequate hydration. Normally, a person should consume 1/2 ounce of water for every pound of body weight. Because diabetes causes the body to use more water than normal, intake should be increased to 2/3 ounces of water for every pound of body weight in order to avoid halitosis and gum disease.

Because diabetes can cause dehydration and dry mouth, you will also need to avoid anything that can have a diuretic effect upon your body and potentially cause bad breath. Here are some of the most common behaviors and substances to avoid if you have diabetes:

• Smoking tobacco products
• Drinking alcohol
• Using dietary supplements made with stimulants like ephedrine
• Using laxatives made with stimulants
• Going on a low-carb diet; ketosis known to have diuretic effect
• Inadequate hydration
• Excessive exercise

An all natural bad breath product made with an antibacterial agent is highly recommended for those with diabetes. Because diabetes strains the immune system, it is very important to use a bad breath remedy made with agents that help control the oral bacteria known to cause problems with gum disease and halitosis. However, a bad breath remedy made with chemicals and other inorganic ingredients may cause dehydration and other unwanted side effects so check the ingredients carefully before making a purchase.

Essential oils are organic plant extracts used in many of the top bad breath products because they help freshen breath and kill bacteria. Some of the best essential oils to look for in bad breath remedies include:

• Spearmint Oil
• Almond Oil
• Lime Oil
• Lemon Oil
• Peppermint Oil

When diabetes is the cause of bad breath, the problem can be controlled with proper treatment, drinking plenty of water, and using good oral hygiene with products made with all natural ingredients. If you are looking for an effective bad breath solution made with essential oils like those listed above, then try OraMD® today!