Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is an embarrassing condition that can affect your mental and emotional health. A variety of health conditions such as gingivitis, gum infections, tooth decay, dry mouth, poor nutrition and tobacco can trigger bad breath. Treatment generally consists of daily flossing and brushing, a healthy diet and regular dental checkups. Certain dietary supplements can improve the condition of your mouth and gums and eliminate bad breath.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that strengthens your immune system and protects your body from harmful free radicals that can cause bad breath, according to Michal Zimmermann, author of the book "Burgerstein's Handbook of Nutrition: Micronutrients in the Prevention and Therapy of Disease." Zimmerman notes that vitamin A also heals wounds, increases red blood cell production, aids in iron absorption and lowers your risk of gum infections, dental decay and gingivitis, a type of gum disease that causes redness and irritation, pain and inflammation. The recommended daily dosage for vitamin A is 900 mcg for men and 700 mcg for women. Foods rich in vitamin A include fortified breakfast cereals, milk, butter, eggs, sweet potatoes, collard greens, butternut squash, mangoes and carrots.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a water-soluble antioxidant that improves immune system function and protects your body from damaging free radicals that can affect the pH level in your mouth, according to Jorg Kastner, author of the book "Chinese Nutrition Therapy: Dietetics in Traditional Chinese Medicine." Kastner reports that vitamin C also lowers your risk of gingivitis, hydrates your mouth, eliminates harmful bacteria, prevents tooth decay, repairs damaged tissues and accelerates the healing process. The recommended daily dosage for vitamin C is 1,000 mg for adults. Foods rich in vitamin C include cranberries, lemons, pineapple, grapefruit, spinach, kale, broccoli, tomatoes, strawberries, blackberries and oranges.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant that strengthens your immune system and protects your body from damaging free radicals that can cause halitosis, according to Steve Blake, author of the book "Vitamins and Minerals Demystified." Blake reports that vitamin E also repairs damaged tissues, aids in the healing process, reduces inflammation, improves bad breath and lowers your risk of gingivitis. The recommended daily dosage for vitamin E is 15 mg for adults. Foods rich in vitamin E include wheat germ oil, kiwi, broccoli, peanuts, sunflower seeds, spinach and tomatoes.
Zinc
Zinc is an essential mineral that boosts immune system function and prevents gum infections and diseases, according to Alan Gaby and Schuyler Lininger, authors of the book "Natural Pharmacy: Complete A-Z Reference to Alternative Treatments for Common Health Conditions." Gaby and Lininger explain that zinc also destroys harmful bacteria, heals wounds, aids in cellular metabolism and alleviates bad breath. The recommended daily dosage for zinc is 11 mg for men and 8 mg for women. Foods rich in zinc include lobster, Swiss cheese, dry-roasted almonds, chickpeas, raisin bran cereal, canned baked beans, low-fat fruit yogurt, chicken, beef shanks, oysters and Alaskan king crab.
References
- "Natural Pharmacy: Complete A-Z Reference to Alternative Treatments for Common Health Conditions"; Alan R. Gaby and Schuyler W. Lininger; 2006
- "Atlas of Oral Pathology"; William G. Young and Heddie O Sedano; 1981
- "Chinese Nutrition Therapy: Dietetics in Traditional Chinese Medicine"; Jorg Kastner; 2004
- "Personal Hygiene? What's that Got to Do with Me?"; Pat Crissey and Noah Crissey; 2004
- "Burgerstein's Handbook of Nutrition: Micronutrients in the Prevention and Therapy of Disease"; Michael Zimmermann; 2001
- "Vitamins and Minerals Demystified"; Steve Blake; 2007
