Indirect Causes of Bad Breath May Surprise You

The true causes of bad breath are often far from what we might normally suspect. You may believe that food causes bad breath in most cases but this would only be partially true. Yes, food will cause bad breath when it becomes metabolized by the body and particles pass through the respiratory system and are exhaled. However, within a couple of days the food will completely pass from the body and will completely put a stop to the bad breath problem until the offending substance is again consumed.

Food can, however, be an indirect cause of halitosis. If we do not brush after meals, then we leave food particles in the oral cavity. Our mouths are filled with several dozen varieties of oral bacteria. Toxins produced by the bacteria actually cause the odors that we need bad breath remedies to eradicate. The more bacteria in the mouth, the more toxins are produced and the greater the bad breath problem becomes.

One reason for a large anaerobic bacteria population is an abundance of food-especially certain kinds! According to a recent bad breath report, bacteria populations become larger when these foods are commonly found in the oral cavity:

• Eggs
• Meat, especially red
• Cheese
• Peanuts
• Seafood

Aside from failing to brush after meals and remove excess food particles, another common failure in bad breath prevention comes when we do not remain properly hydrated. Saliva will naturally prevent bad breath by controlling the bacteria and removing food particles and the very toxins responsible for halitosis. Anything that causes dehydration will make curing bad breath impossible so be sure to avoid the following:

• Alcoholic beverages
• Bad breath products made with alcohol and other harsh chemicals
• Medication (antidepressants, beta blockers, and some pain killers are known to cause dry mouth so be sure to ask your doctor about medication alternatives if you notice dehydration)
• Laxatives made with stimulants
• Caffeinated products of any kind
• Smoking cigarettes and other tobacco products
• Low-carb diet (initial phase during ketosis)

Always be sure to consume at least one-half ounce of water for every 1 pound of body weight. If you are sick or taking any medications or undertaking any activities that are known to have a diuretic effect, then increase water consumption until dryness in mouth goes away. A dry mouth and bad breath go hand-in-hand so you may want to try chewing on some sugarless gum to stimulate salivation and prevent halitosis.

You also want to choose your bad breath remedies with care and always try find organic products. All natural bad breath and herbal remedies are less likely to cause dehydration and other side effects. Just be sure to find an organic or herbal bad breath remedy made with some form of antiseptic or antibacterial agent. Essential oils are organic plant extracts enriched with nutrients that contain a number of medicinal benefits-including controlling the oral bacteria responsible for chronic bad breath.

While the indirect causes of bad breath may surprise you, the direct source of the problem is typically oral bacteria so be sure to buy halitosis remedies made from all natural ingredients and some form of antiseptic agent. If you are looking for a bad breath solution made from essential oils that will control bacteria without causing dehydration, then try OraMD® today!