Everyone has had a case of bad breath at some point in their lives. Maybe you notice it every morning the second you wake up, or shortly after eating a pungent food. The good news is that it’ll usually go away after cleaning your teeth or rinsing your mouth. However, the foul-smelling odor never disappears for some people. Those who suffer from chronic halitosis often have difficulty fighting the scent. With that in mind, read on to learn about some possible causes of bad breath and how yogurt can help.
What Causes Bad Breath?
When finding a solution for bad breath, the first thing you must do is identify the root of the problem. It’s the best way to determine what your next steps should be. That said, here are some potential causes of chronic halitosis:
- Pungent Food –Eating foods like onions, garlic, and spices can contribute to bad breath. These foods have very strong smells that can linger in your mouth long after your last bite.
- Smoking or Using Tobacco Products – Unsurprisingly, these habits can cause an unpleasant mouth odor. They also increase your risk of gum disease, which is another contributing factor to bad breath.
- Poor Oral Hygiene – Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and rinsing regularly with antiseptic mouthwash are necessary to get rid of lingering food particles in your mouth that may be causing bad breath.
- Dry Mouth – Certain health conditions or medications can lead to dry mouth. If your mouth isn’t producing enough saliva to wash away bacteria and food particles, it can result in a foul-smelling odor.
Can Yogurt Help Reduce Bad Breath?
A recent study by researchers from Tsurumi University in Yokohama, Japan suggests that eating six ounces of plain, sugarless yogurt a day can keep your breath nice and fresh. It reduces the levels of odor-causing compounds (like hydrogen sulfide) in the mouth and attacks bacteria on the tongue. When bacteria breed and process food, they release unpleasant odors throughout the mouth. Fortunately, yogurt is rich in active flora (Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus bulgaricus), which has a beneficial effect on odor-causing mouth bacteria. What’s more, incorporating yogurt into your everyday diet can lower levels of plaque and gum disease as well.
Tips to Prevent Bad Breath
Eating yogurt is a safe and effective way to fight bad breath. However, there are other steps you can take to prevent halitosis, including:
- Brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time
- Flossing daily
- Rinsing regularly with an antiseptic mouthwash
- Cleaning your tongue at least once a day
- Drinking plenty of water throughout the day
- Following a healthy diet full of nutrient-rich foods
- Visiting your dentist every six months for a checkup and cleaning
Are you currently suffering from bad breath? You may want to pass on the mints and try some yogurt instead! By eating six ounces a day, you’ll be one step closer to having reliably fresh breath!
About the Author
Dr. Tammy Ton is passionate about helping patients of all ages achieve their happiest, healthiest smiles. After completing her Doctor of Dental Surgery at the Marquette University School of Dentistry, she has taken numerous hours of continuing education to grow and refine her skill set. If you’re struggling with bad breath, Dr. Ton and her team will do everything possible to find a solution. To make an appointment, visit her website or call (972) 698-5988.