Why do we develop bad breath while fasting?

Bad breath is commonly known as Halitosis or Fetor Oris. Foul breath is a troublemaker especially when you are attending social gatherings. Surprisingly though, people are unaware about their bad breath. It is relatively common in old age people but recently seen in youngsters also.

Friends and relatives who come in contact of the sufferer often hesitate to inform him/her of the condition just to protect the sentiments. That results in people believing that bad breath is incurable.

Reasons behind bad breath

• Periodontal diseases such as diseases of the gums, ill-fitting dentures, carious teeth, poor oral hygiene, metabolic activity of bacteria in plaque or putrefaction of sulfide-yielding food
• Smoking, alcohol, sinusitis, lung disease and less common diseases of the oesophagus.
• Other reason include local bacteria which metabolize sulfur-containing amino acids (cysteine, methionine) in protein to yield volatile hydrogen sulfide and methyl mercaptane

Hydrogen sulfide and methyl mercaptane contain foul smell and may damage the surrounding tissue. Hence, they add to bacterial retention and periodontal disease. At night and between meals conditions are most favorable for odor production.

Eating regularly may help prevent bad breath because prolonged fasting may cause a condition called Ketosis in which too much body fat is burned. Ketosis does not result from just overnight fasting. Fasting has to be longer than that to give rise to ketosis.

The body has enough glucose stored as glycogen which can last through the day. Beyond that it relies on its fat reserves. All the fat that is mobilized is not burnt in the final common pathway of metabolism. The excess fatty acid gets diverted to form ‘ketone bodies’, a product of fat metabolism. They are usually located in the liver and used by multiple tissues.

When the rate of synthesis exceeds the metabolic capacity of tissues, the result is ketonemia (presence of more than normal amount of ketones in blood) and ketonuria (presence of ketones in urine), together called ketosis. In ketosis, ketone bodies are excreted in breath leading to ‘bad breath’.

What are the Best Foods for Teeth

Yes, there are certain foods which tend to affect dental health in a good way while some do so in a bad way. The bacteria present in the mouth tend to react with various foods that you put in your mouth. The bacteria will react with these foods and will cause tooth decay, while some foods don't promote tooth decay at all. What happens is that the bacteria present in the mouth converts sugar into acids by reacting with the food that you eat. This acid begins to attack the tooth enamel, which starts the decaying process.

Foods which are good for teeth

Milk and Milk Products

Milk, yogurt, and cheese are one of the best choices of food to maintain good teeth and gum health. These foods protect the tooth enamel by coating it. These foods are high in calcium and phosphorus, which help to remineralize the teeth.

Fruits and Vegetables

Many fruits and vegetables which have high water content are great for teeth and gum health. This is because the water content in these foods dilutes the effects of sugars that they contain. These foods also tend to increase the flow of saliva, which protects against decay. The best choices of fruits and vegetables are the firm and crunchy ones. Some good choices of fruits are apples, strawberries, pears, etc. Some good crunchy vegetables are broccoli, sweet potato, carrots, pumpkin, and celery. Celery is especially good because it promotes extra chewing, which massages the gums and cleans the teeth, thus keeping it healthy.

Beverages

Plain drinking water, green tea, and other herbal teas are all good for teeth health. You can sip on unsweetened teas. These teas contain antioxidants, which prevent plaque from adhering to the teeth and thus you face a lesser risk of cavities and gum diseases. Teas also inhibit the growth of bacteria and can help fight bad breath problems.

Other Special Foods

Chicken, other meats and nuts are also good for teeth health. Just like milk and milk products, these are good foods which help to build the enamel. Onions contain powerful antibacterial sulphur compounds. Research shows that onions tend to kill different types of bacteria. So, eating fresh and raw onions can help you maintain healthy teeth.

Foods which are bad for teeth

The worst foods for teeth are sugary foods and sugary drinks. Sipping sugary sodas or drinks can greatly contribute to tooth decay. Also, one needs to eat sweets in limited amounts as they promote teeth and gum problems to a great extent. However, sugar-free foods are better than foods which contain natural sugars. This is because, natural sugar containing foods tend to react with bacteria in the mouth and promote the release of acids which cause tooth decay. This same reaction of bacteria with sugar-free foods is not observed. You can find many sugar free foods at the supermarket. However, make sure you stay away from natural sweeteners, as they can harm the teeth. Sometimes, chewing sugar free gum can also help, as it promotes saliva and dislodges food that gets stuck between teeth.

Apart from the foods which you eat, there are also many factors which tend to lead to teeth decay. Eating more often can also expose the teeth to harmful acids. You will also need to brush your teeth at least twice a day and if possible after every meal. If you can't brush after every meal, then you will need to at least gargle your mouth. You can also visit your dentist twice a year for a thorough check-up and cleaning of your teeth for an overall good oral health.