Is Your Low-Carb Diet Giving You Dragon Breath?

The last thing anyone wants to do is chat with an individual whose breath could make an onion cry.  But when it comes to the origin of halitosis, commonly known as bad breath, the solution may seem elusive. You brush your teeth twice a day and clean your tongue; so what it causing this dreaded “dragon breath”?

What if you are trying a low-carb or no-carb diet? You’re watching your food intake, yet the dragon mouth is still present. The reasons for this are simple: bad breath from low-carb diets results from your body’s replacement of carbohydrates as its source of energy; instead, your body is breaking down stored fat and using that to produce enough energy to get you through the day.

The good news is your low-carb diet is proving beneficial in your weight loss goal; bad news is that your breath may be suffering. During your fat burning process, ketones are created in the body. Ketones have a distinct acetone-like stench, therefore causing bad breath in some low-carb dieters.

No matter what foods you eat or what diet you’re on, the best ways to avoid bad breath are some of the simplest. Increasing water intake can help remove food and bacteria from the mouth. Opt for sugar-free gum and mints to protect your teeth; gum that is high in sugar increases the risk of cavities and tooth decay. Lastly, your mom was always right when she told you to floss, as it helps effectively remove unwanted food stuck between teeth. If not removed, leftover food particles can become plaque, again increasing risk of dental hygiene problems.

Avoiding bad breath is as simple as watching what you’re eating and taking good care of your mouth.