www.womanthismonth.com August 2016 45 Lowcarb diets cause the body to burn fat as its energy source. The end product of making this energy is ketones, which cause a fruity acetonelike odour or ‘ketone breath’. The key to banishing bad breath lies in brushing day and night and after meals, brushing your tongue and replacing your toothbrush every three months. Also, reach for the floss! Mouthwash may mask bad breath, but it may not treat the underlying cause. Alongside keeping the mouth moist by drinking enough water, natural remedies include chewing on mint or parsley. A dental check-up at least twice a year can ensure that any dental niggles can be nipped in the bud, saving you much time and agony. There is no universally accepted, goldstandard treatment which reliably relieves dental hypersensitivity in the long term and suggested treatments have varying degrees of efficacy when scientifically studied. Generally, over-the-counter products are effective for mild to moderate hypersensitivity associated with several teeth. These include desensitising toothpastes or potassium salt mouthwashes and chewing gums. You may have to visit the dentist if you are experiencing localised, severe hypersensitivity associated with one or two teeth. Halitosis: Bad breath, or halitosis, is the most common complaint reported to dental professionals. Who doesn’t know at least one person with a case of death breath? However, perpetuators can be blissfully unaware of the problem, unless they are directly alerted to it. This embarrassing issue may stem from oral or other physiological conditions, though most cases are of oral origin, maintains Dr Komal. She says: “Bad breath can be caused by a variety of things, including diet and conditions such as diabetes, lactose intolerance or gum disease. Medications that cause a dry mouth can trigger bad breath and certain medications cause it as a side effect. The proper treatment depends on the cause.” However, the prime causes of bad breath are related to adequate hygiene. Food particles that may remain in the mouth can rot and cause odours. Over time they promote the growth of bacteria, which can also stir up a stench, eventually leading to tooth decay and gum disease. Foods with strong odours like onions and garlic, exotic spices, some cheeses, fish and acidic beverages, such as coffee, can cause bad breath. These foods may also cause belching, which can contribute to bad breath. Certain supplements, such as fish oil capsules, can also be a culprit. “Bad breath can also be caused by decreased flow of saliva, which is a vital part of the digestive process and removes odour-causing particles in the mouth. This is called xerostomia, and may be caused by medications, breathing through the mouth or salivary gland problems,” says Dr Komal. Tobacco users also suffer less than fresh breath, as do diabetics and those suffering from periodontitis, liver or kidney disease or respiratory tract disorders. Studies associate gingivitis with an increased risk of diabetes, heart attack, stroke, and lung disease as well as premature childbirth or low birth weight in infants.
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