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News--
Low-Carb Diets Can Cause Bad Breath
May 14, 2004
THURSDAY, May 13 (HealthDayNews) -- The Atkins diet
might chase away more than just unwanted pounds -- it could lead to bad breath
that chases away your friends.
But there are ways to battle halitosis caused by low-carb dieting, says the
Academy of General Dentistry.
Low-carb diets work by getting the body to burn stored fat as fuel rather
than carbohydrates. As that fat burns, chemicals known as ketones build up in
the body. They are released through the breath and urine, and they can be
smelly.
The types of food ingested also play a role, academy spokesman Dr. Bruce
DeGinder said in a prepared statement.
"Most cases of bad breath originate from the breakdown of food particles that
produce sulfur compounds, and from bacteria on the gums and tongue," DeGinder
said. "High protein foods can produce more sulfur compounds, especially
overnight on the surface of the tongue when saliva production is
diminished."
To combat this bad breath, the academy suggests that dieters:
- Drink plenty of water to wash away germs in the mouth.
- Chew sugarless gum or parsley.
- Keep a toothbrush handy and brush after every meal.
- And if the bad breath persists, see a doctor. Halitosis can be a sign of a
more serious condition, such as diabetes.
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