Bad breath is a common and widespread problem. Research has in fact shown that 50% of adults have breath problems or have suffered from halitosis.
Halitosis is an embarrassing problem, yet it is often underestimated. It can have many causes: sometimes it depends on oral hygiene or diet, but in some cases bad breath can be a sign of something more serious.
Let’s look at its most common causes, as well as some lesser-known ones.
Bacteria
Bad breath can be caused by the thousands of bacteria that normally live in the mouth. When we eat, these bacteria feed on the food left in the mouth and produce waste that gives off an unpleasant smell. Poor dental hygiene is therefore one of the most frequent causes of halitosis.
Dry mouth
Does your mouth feel dry? This may be due to low saliva production. Saliva is very important because it constantly rinses the mouth; when there is not enough of it, the mouth is not cleansed as it should be. A dry mouth can be caused by medication, by a problem with the salivary glands or by breathing with the mouth open because of blocked nasal passages.
Problems in the mouth
Persistent bad breath or an unpleasant taste in the mouth can be a sign of gum problems caused by dental plaque. A professional dental cleaning can tackle the problem at its root. Other oral problems that cause halitosis include dental infections, tooth decay, surgical wounds and teeth that need root canal treatment.
Food
Garlic, onions, coffee… the list of foods that affect the breath is long, and the effect varies from person to person.
Smoking and tobacco
Smoking stains the teeth, makes the breath heavy and seriously endangers general health. Tobacco also dulls the ability to taste food and irritates the gum tissue. Smokers suffer far more often from periodontitis, a bacterial gum disease which, if left untreated, leads to tooth loss. Because smoking also impairs the sense of smell, smokers are often unaware that their breath is bad.
Illness
The white patches that sometimes form on the tonsils are covered in bacteria and therefore produce a bad smell. Catarrh, mucus and colds are also causes of halitosis. Bad breath can also be a symptom of conditions such as sinusitis, gastro-oesophageal reflux, diabetes or liver disease. Some types of cancer (stomach cancer, for example) and metabolic diseases can leave a characteristic odour and a metallic taste in the mouth.
How can you get rid of bad breath?
Use a toothbrush and dental floss
Brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing every day helps remove the bacteria that cause halitosis.
Clean your tongue
Good oral hygiene should not neglect the tongue. Most of the harmful bacteria build up in the white or darker coating that forms at the back of the mouth. You can remove it with a toothbrush or a tongue scraper.
Gargle
Over-the-counter mouthwashes help kill bacteria and neutralise bad breath. However, they are only a temporary solution, and mouthwash cannot replace a toothbrush and dental floss.
Stimulate saliva flow
To increase saliva production, it is a good idea to eat healthy foods that need a lot of chewing, such as carrots or apples. Sugar-free sweets and chewing gum can also help.
Stop smoking
Giving up this harmful habit benefits the whole body, not just your breath. Quitting smoking improves your quality of life.
Have regular dental check-ups
If bad breath persists, it is time to book an appointment with your dentist. Regular check-ups allow the dentist to spot any gum problems, dry mouth, tooth decay and so on, and to treat them before they become too serious.
