Chronic bad breath, clinically referred to as halitosis, is a common condition that an estimated one out of four people struggle with according to the findings of 13 medical journals. This condition can be hereditary, caused by certain foods in your diet, or even a sign of a lingering oral health problem. Fortunately, some people have found that by incorporating yogurt into their diet, they’re able to curb their halitosis and enjoy fresher breath. Read on to learn why this is the case!
What is Halitosis?
Halitosis can lead to social anxiety, making you avoid situations in which anybody may have to come into contact with your breath. While some people may be able to curb their bad breath with a stick of gum or other fresheners like mouthrinse, others may have a harder time fighting their condition, as it could be caused by genetics, poor oral hygiene habits, or an oral health condition.
Halitosis is a result of harmful oral bacteria thriving and producing waste in the form of sulfuric-smelling acid that can also erode dental enamel. Some common causes of this condition besides genetics and poor oral hygiene include:
- Dry mouth
- Use of tobacco products
- Eating certain foods regularly (i.e. onions, garlic, etc.)
- Side-effects of medications
- Oral infections
- Medical conditions such as GERD
Can Yogurt Cure Bad Breath?
Typically, routine checkups and cleanings from your dentist and a good at-home oral hygiene routine are often the best ways to get rid of bad breath. However, recent studies have shown that eating sugar-free yogurt daily can help fight bad breath-causing bacteria within the mouth by reducing the levels of Hydrogen Sulfide in the mouth. It’s also a great source of calcium, which can help strengthen your teeth and help repair damage caused by acid released by harmful oral bacteria.
While yogurt can aid in your efforts towards improving your breath, it’s important to also follow these preventive measures to keep your breath smelling fresh:
- Brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily.
- Eat a balanced diet that isn’t too high in carbohydrates and sugars (which oral bacteria love to feed on).
- Regularly rinse your mouth with mouthwash.
- Stay hydrated throughout the day, especially if you have dry mouth.
When Should You See a Dentist?
While it’s a given that you should be seeing your dentist once every six months, halitosis can also be a sign of lingering oral health problems, like gum disease. So, if you’re not able to curb your halitosis with good oral hygiene and routine checkups and cleanings, it may be necessary for you to go to the dentist to see if your bad breath is being caused by a lingering issue.
Bad breath can have a drastic impact on your confidence and life, but with your dentist’s help, a good oral hygiene routine, and a balanced diet that includes yogurt, you can ward off bad oral bacteria and keep your mouth smelling minty-fresh.
About the Author
Dr. Mihran Asinmaz is a passionate dentist with years of experience under his belt and a drive to provide his patients with outstanding care. He takes pride in being a highly ethical oral healthcare provider and treating everyone who enters his practice how he would want to be treated. For questions or to schedule a checkup and cleaning, visit his website or call 561-640-9200.