How To Get Rid Of Bad Breath And Body Odor

Everyone has bad breath and body odor from time to time. We sweat after working out, whether it is playing ball or dancing, and certain foods cause bad breath. You may have bad breath first thing in the morning or if your stomach is empty.

The major cause of bad breath is decreased saliva, which has a cleaning action that naturally helps reduce bad breath. If there is a lack of saliva, bacteria can grow and the result is bad breath. This is more likely to happen in the morning as saliva flow almost stops during sleep (or you’d choke on your own spit) or if you are hungry.

Bad breath is common in people who miss meals or are dieting because chewing food increases saliva. If you eat less often than your body wants you to, it begins to decrease saliva production.

If you are dehydrated, your body has slowed saliva production because it is conserving the water to keep from dying. Your body doesn’t know when you are going to drink more water; its just doing its job, and the payoff for keeping you alive is bad breath, so drink lots of water.

Disease can cause bad breath, so if none of these suggestions work and you still have chronic halitosis, see a doctor, and try not to drink a lot of alcoholic beverages, because they cause bad breath, too.

You are probably well aware of the other causes of bad breath, such as onions, garlic, and strong meats and cheeses. Smoking and using chewing tobacco and not brushing your teeth are all the first causes of bad breath that we think of, but if you take the others into consideration, you maybe able to control your breath and stay healthier.

Here are some tips to improve bad breath:

· Gargle with water.
· Brush your teeth, tongue, roof of your mouth, and gums at least twice a day with toothpaste.
· Floss your teeth once each day.
· Eat a low-fat diet rich in fruits and vegetables every day.
· Eat less meat.
· Do not smoke or use snuff or chewing (spit) tobacco.
· Avoid foods and drinks that cause bad breath, such as garlic and alcohol.
· Eat at regular intervals. Dieting or missing meals can decrease saliva and cause bad breath.
· Chew sugar-free gum, suck on sugar-free mints, or drink water, especially if your mouth is dry.
· Remove dentures, removable bridges, partial plates, or orthodontic appliances and clean them once each day or as directed by your dentist. Pieces of food and germs can collect on these appliances and cause bad breath.
· Use a mouthwash for temporary relief of bad breath. Swish it around in your mouth for 30 seconds before spitting it out.
· Get regular dental care.

Perspiration itself is normally odorless and serves a natural function in helping the body regulate temperature. When bacteria populating the skin decompose the perspiration, they create by-products, which are the source of the odor. Thus, cleanliness and hygiene are essential for preventing this problem.

The easiest way to avoid body odor is to shower as often as you can. If you’re playing ball at the gym, shower afterward. Take the time to shower before you leave the house in the morning. Most deodorants inhibit the growth of bacteria. If you’ve tried a lot of deodorants and antiperspirants to no avail, there may be other causes of your problem. You could also find light cologne that you like.

An article in the February 1999 issue of Cutis, reviewing the available research on body odor, explains that the problem also may be caused by sweat containing high levels of food substances, such as garlic or other constituents from spicy foods.

An undesirable scent can also be caused by zinc deficiency, liver disease, diabetes or gastrointestinal disorders that lead to poor or incomplete digestion, according to the researchers. A health care provider should rule out these possible causes.