Bad breath: It may not be coming from the mouth.

While bad breath originates from the mouth 90% of the time, there are other instances where it may originate from somewhere else. Some of   these include:

• Sinus infections
• Tonsil stones
• GERD and reflux
• Helicobacter pylori infection
• Liver or kidney disease
• Diabetes
• Pulmonary infections
• Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)
• Upper airway (Chronic sinusitis, Postnasal drip, Tonsil stones, Adenoid infection, Chronic rhinitis, Nasopharyngeal infection)

While it would require a referral to various medical colleagues to determine the non-oral sources, they should not be ruled as a potential partner in finding the source.

Nutrition and Gum Health

A group of anti-oxidants called carotenoids are have been shown to positively influence inflammation and support immune function. Carotenoids are often found in brighty colored fruits and vegetables, such as tomatoes, carrots, peppers, sweet potatoes, etc. Because gum disease leads to bone loss and and inflammation, the carotenoids can help counteract it through the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The ROS aid in neutralizing the pathogens implicated in periodontitis (gum disease). In other words, eat more veggies!

Klotho, the longevity protein

New studies are showing that low levels of Klotho are linked to higher rates of periodontitis, tooth loss and lower oral health. This protein is associated with many different jobs in the body, such as regulating oxidative stress, inflammation, cellular repair, periodontal repair, balancing bone turnover, dentin mineralization and regulating salivary gland function.