Foul breath...

[luv10nis 0]

MAN - I have had the foulest breath in the last 3 days. I was banded on the 14th. I did Clear liquids for 2 days. liquids since. Well, tonight I ate some mushies. All a head game, I didn't even need them. I just wanted them.

This breath of mine though has been awful. Any ideas on why and any suggestion? The only thing I could think of was ketosis. My doc said no gum chewing so I am not sure of the options for fresh breath.

[maryt 0]

congratulations on your surgery. lots of luck. youre right on target. the foul breath is from ketosis. just keep on popping those listerine strips. too bad there's no Protein content in them! the good news is once you start eating purees and bring some carbs back into your diet, i.e. bean dip, hummus, the bad breath will be a thing of the past. Just hang on...you'll get there.

[luv10nis 0]

Thank you. I didn't think about the Listerine strips. I will try those. Thanks for the help.

[losingjusme 12]

what about a sugar free mint maybe? i tend to get tired of the strips after a day or so. breath savers has a SF variety.

congrats on being banded! :thumbup:

[luv10nis 0]

Sf breath mints are a great idea. I am heading to Wal-Mart shortly and will check on that. Thank you.

[Wheetsin 714]

If you aren't dehydrated (big bad breath problem), you're probably in ketosis, and having "ketosis breath" (happens when there's an increase in ketones). Mints, gums, etc. will disguise the bad breath in the same way that an air freshener disguises bad smells (e.g. either you temporarily overpower the bad smell with the really strong air freshener, or you get this sick blend of bad smell + flowers).

I spend a long time in the "Atkins scene" and this was one of the constants we saw. So what can you do about it? Here were our recurring top 3 solutions:

• Fresh parsley is an odor neutralizer. It will not mask odors. Chew up fresh parsley very well, then spit it out and see if you notice any difference.
  
• Drink more Water. Maybe it won't make a difference, but it probably will. Most bandsters tend to be a bit dehydrated.
  
• If your diet will allow it, decrease your ketones (eat more carbs).
  

ETA - be wise with your breath mint solution. Keep in mind that if it's solid, and accidentally goes down, you're probably going to be in pain. I would suggest either the meltaway strips, or the little Gelatin ball-type (can't remember what they're called but they're part of the Ice Breakers line). Or a spray. There are organic sprays you can get that are stronger than anything you'll find at a mega mart, and probably better for you.

Edited March 20, 2008 by Wheetsin

[luv10nis 0]

Thank you for the advice. I teach and I know the kids are getting "knocked out" by the bad breath. LOL!!! I appreciate the help.

[Wheetsin 714]

RE: organic sprays, the one I use is "Breath Tonic" made by Herb Pharm. Ingredients: extracts of peppermint, giner, clove in a base of grain alcohol, vegetable glycerine and distilled Water. It's sugar free and non aerosol. It's not the yummiest thing around, but it really works, and tastes better once it has been in your mouth a bit. I get lots of compliments when I use it. :wink2: I picked it up at our local equivaent of Whole Foods. It was pricey (about $8 for a .47 Fluid ounce spray), but so is everything there.