1. Brushing Your Teeth May Not Be Enough
Contrary to popular belief, your bad breath may have little to do with your oral hygiene. If you brush and floss regularly and continue to fight against halitosis, you may be pleased to know that there are several vitamins that help bad breath. While no vitamin supplement is a replacement for your daily dental regimen, you may just be able to get to the root of the problem with a nutrient boost.
2. What's Scurvy Got to Do With It?
While an extreme condition, scurvy is a disease which is caused by lack of vitamin C in the diet and causes destruction of the gums as well as bad breath. It should come as no surprise, then, that vitamin C helps fight bad breath, as it destroys anaerobic bacteria in the mouth, one of the root causes of halitosis and gum disease. If you smoke, you have even more reason to boost your vitamin C, as nicotine destroys your body's supply. Vitamin C can be taken in daily supplements of 1,000 to 2,000 mg.
3. B is for Bad Breath
Deficiencies in B vitamins are among the most common vitamin deficiencies, particularly among vegetarians. Vitamin B, however, is essential for proper digestion and when lacking can cause a decrease in enzymes which fight bacteria in the mouth and aid in proper digestion. Studies have shown that 50 mg of niacin taken with meals, particularly when taken with a daily B-complex vitamin, can help to eliminate bad breath caused by vitamin B deficiency.
4. Get Your Dose of Vitamin D
Overgrowth of bacteria in the mouth is one of the many causes of bad breath, and can occur for a variety of reasons. Getting enough vitamin D in your diet is key to fighting halitosis, as the vitamin works to produce an environment in the body, including the mouth, which is inhospitable for the growth of bacteria. Vitamin D can be found in yogurt and other fortified foods or can be taken in daily supplement form in 400 to 800 mg tablets.
5. A Little Vitamin A Action
Vitamin A, present in yellow, orange and red fruits and vegetables as well as egg yolks and fish oil is the perfect way to combat halitosis caused by an infection in the mouth, such as gingivitis, gum disease or abscessed tooth. Vitamin A is essential for infection control and healing of the tissues of the mouth and can be boosted in your diet or taken in capsule form. Daily supplements of 2,000 to 5,000 IU per day can be taken until the infection has cleared.
