What are the causes of bad breath?
About 50% of the population suffers from bad breath, also known as halitosis. There are many possible causes, the main one being poor oral hygiene. Fortunately, there are simple solutions.1
Everyone can suffer from bad breath. However, it is best not to take this ailment too lightly, as people can be genuinely embarrassed by it. Furthermore, bad breath is the 3rd most common reason for a dentist visit! Generally, a few good habits are enough to resolve the problem, such as proper brushing and quitting smoking.2
More than 500 types of bacteria live in our mouths, and they form gases that affect our breath1
The main causes of bad breath1,2
The most important cause of bad breath lies in brushing teeth: more and more food particles remain behind between the teeth. These decompose slowly, leading to an unpleasant odor. This layer of bacteria, known as plaque, can cause your gums to become inflamed, which in turn is another cause of bad breath.
Note: a dental prosthesis that is not cleaned regularly or thoroughly can also harbor bacteria that cause bad breath.
Other sources of a foul-smelling mouth include:
- smoking;
- cavities;
- diet: in addition to the decomposition of food particles between the teeth, eating certain foods and their digestion can also cause worse breath;
- certain diets: particularly intermittent fasting and low-carb diets;
- a dry mouth: saliva cleans the mouth naturally; those with a dry mouth will more quickly develop unpleasant breath;
- certain medications;
- mouth, nose, and throat conditions: bacteria can grow on the tonsils and release an odor; infections and inflammation of the nose, throat, or sinuses can also cause halitosis.
Solutions for bad breath1,3
Breath problems can definitely be addressed. For fresh breath all year round, you can adopt the following good habits, among others:
- brush and floss your teeth after every meal (by only brushing, you clean only 60% of the tooth surface); get a new toothbrush every 2 to 3 months;
- don't forget your tongue: bacteria, food debris, and dead cells accumulate on your tongue; a tongue scraper can be useful;
- clean your dental prosthesis: dentures, bridges, and mouthguards must be cleaned every day with a suitable product; this prevents bacteria from accumulating and entering the mouth;
- counteract a dry mouth: drink enough water, limit your alcohol consumption, and do not smoke;
- visit the dentist every year.
If you continue to suffer from bad breath, it is better to seek advice from your doctor.
Scientific references
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