What can be done about bad breath caused by excessive internal heat?

Jul 01, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

Today, while chatting with a friend, they mentioned that I have bad breath. After visiting the hospital, the doctor said it was caused by excessive internal heat (fire). What should I do?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Guo Huijie
When oral odor is caused by excessive internal heat, the following measures can be taken to effectively alleviate the condition: 1. Dietary adjustment: Avoid excessive consumption of spicy, stimulating, greasy foods, as well as smoking and alcohol, which may exacerbate symptoms of internal heat. It is recommended to consume more bland foods, such as mung bean porridge, watermelon, and bitter melon. 2. Oral hygiene: Maintaining good oral hygiene is an important measure in preventing bad breath. Brush your teeth twice daily, rinse your mouth after meals, and use a soft-bristled brush to clean the tongue's surface to remove bacteria and improve oral odor. 3. Exercise and rest: Appropriate physical activity can promote metabolism and help reduce internal heat. At the same time, ensure adequate sleep and maintain a regular作息 (routine作息 should be translated as作息 here, but please confirm if "routine" or another word is more appropriate), avoiding prolonged late nights. 4. Medication: If the symptoms of bad breath persist or are severe, consider using certain heat-clearing and detoxifying herbal medicines, such as Long Dan Xie Gan Wan (Gentiana Liver-Cleansing Pills) or Niu Huang Jie Du Pian (Calculus Bovis Detoxification Tablets), under the guidance of a physician. If you have any concerns, please consult a relevant healthcare professional.