No one wants to have bad breath because it is offensive to others, but there are many reasons why you can have halitosis. In addition to poor dental hygiene, you can have cavities in your teeth or gingivitis in your gums that can cause a foul odor. When you visit our Brooklyn dental clinic twice a year for an examination and professional cleaning, you are less likely to have tooth decay or gum disease, and if you do have these problems, then you can have effective treatment right away. However, when you continue to have halitosis, you could have another problem in your oral cavity that requires a diagnosis from a dentist so that you can begin the proper treatment to overcome conditions that include fungal infections in the mouth or the ability to produce enough saliva. An additional reason for having bad breath is the foods that you eat. In fact, the foods you eat have a huge impact on your dental health. Here is a list of the most common foods that cause halitosis.
Onions
Onions are a tasty and versatile vegetable that is used in many recipes, but it has a pungent odor that remains in your mouth as your body digests a meal. After eating onions only one time, you may notice the foul odor from this vegetable for several days. If you are having a meal in a restaurant, then you should determine if it contains onions before placing an order.
Garlic
Garlic is another vegetable that has sulfuric substances that are difficult for your body to digest, leading to a pungent odor that emanates from your mouth. There are often small amounts of garlic in packaged food products, so you should read the labels on the things that you buy at the supermarket to avoid this vegetable.
Seafood
All types of seafood, including scallops, shrimp and fish will create a nasty odor from your mouth. One of the major reasons for this is that seafood tends to spoil quickly, and if you haven't brushed and flossed thoroughly, then tiny bits of the fish or other seafood may remain between your teeth or in the gum pockets around the teeth. If you eat seafood, then you should brush and floss your teeth right away.
Dairy Products
Dairy products are essential for your dental health so that you can have enough calcium for your bones and teeth, but milk, cheese and yogurt are often difficult for you to digest. If you have lactose intolerance, then your stomach and intestinal tract will become irritated from the dairy products, leading to indigestion that can cause a foul odor while you are breathing. When you have this problem, visit an allergist for a diagnosis concerning your lactose intolerance to find ways to avoid indigestion.
Meat
Your body needs protein, and meat such as pork, poultry and beef are sources of animal-based protein. However, meat can become stuck between your teeth, creating a foul odor that causes bad breath. This is another food that is difficult to digest, and it can travel slowly through your digestive system. If you consume a lot of meat, then you should use an oral irrigator to augment your daily oral hygiene routine.
Eggs
Eggs are another source of protein, but eggs also have sulfur compounds that create a pungent odor. This odor is especially strong when eggs are boiled because the sulfur is still inside the shell. If you scramble or fry eggs, then you are less likely to notice the smell of sulfur.
Dental Office Treatments
If you have a chronic problem with bad breath, then make sure to schedule a visit with your favorite Brooklyn dentist, Oceanview Dent