Can Chronic Bad Breath Be Due to Your Diet?

Bad breath is frustrating after eating trigger foods such as garlic or fish, but when having bad breath becomes a regular occurrence, there could be another problem going on. While chronic bad breath is typically a sign of gum disease, there are other causes of the condition, and your diet can absolutely influence your persistent bad breath.

We know that diet influences our oral health, but what do we know about diet and our breath? Here’s what you need to know if you’re considering whether or not chronic bad breath could be due to your diet!

Diets High in Sugar Can Lead to More Plaque

Added sugar (sugar that’s not contained naturally in fruits and vegetables) is known for causing adverse oral health symptoms. It’s well documented that sugar is a major contributor to the formation of cavities, as it leads to more plaque in the mouth. Plaque is a combination of bacteria, saliva, and food particles that sticks to your teeth and needs to be removed regularly with brushing and flossing.

But did you know that added sugars can actually change the bacteria in your mouth, which can lead to changes in your breath [1]? Diets consistently high in refined sugar—present in everything from baked goods to stir-fry sauces to sweetened yogurts—could increase your risk for chronic bad breath and tooth decay!

High-Protein Diets Such as Keto Can Cause Bad Breath

Diet high in protein and low in carbohydrates such as the ketogenic diet are known for causing bad breath [2]. While these diets can be beneficial for people suffering from certain health conditions, they generally aren’t considered long-term ways of eating and can have consequences for your breath.

“Keto breath”, as it’s commonly called, is the result of your body switching from burning carbohydrates for energy to burning fat. The reason for this is because of increased ketones—chemicals made in the liver—in your body, which happens when your body doesn’t have enough glucose to turn into usable energy.

You Eat Foods That Aggravate Your Acid Reflux

About 20 percent of American adults have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), otherwise known as acid reflux disease [3]. Some people don’t know they suffer from acid reflux, which can be dangerous as the condition causes unpleasant side effects and can have detrimental effects on your oral cavity.

Acid reflux disease can lead to bad breath, as it causes traces of corrosive stomach acids to end up in your mouth. If you’re eating foods that aggravate your acid reflux, including tomatoes, citrus fruits, garlic, onions, and high-fat foods, this could be a cause of chronic bad breath that you’re not aware of!

The Best Diet for Oral Health

The best diet for oral health is a well-balanced diet that includes all the nutrients you need, plenty of water, and of course, regular dental care! When it comes to persistent bad breath, it’s time to schedule an appointment with your dentist to see what the problem could be. It could very well be your diet, but it could also be gum disease!

Sources:
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3893787/pdf/ISRN.DENTISTRY2013-
2. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/ketogenic-diet-is-the-ultimate-low-carb-diet-
3. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/acid-reflux-ger-gerd-

Summary
Can Chronic Bad Breath Be Due to Your Diet?
Article Name
Can Chronic Bad Breath Be Due to Your Diet?
Description
We know that diet influences our oral health, but what do we know about diet and our breath? Here’s what you need to know if you’re considering whether or not chronic bad breath could be due to your diet!
Author
Leesburg Family and Cosmetic Dentistry