“Bad Breath, Halitosis, Morning Breath, Oral Malodor 
Whatever you call it
It Just Stinks”
“What’s that smell, where is it coming from, how do you get rid of it and how do you keep it from returning?”
Bad Breath is a medical condition known as Halitosis. There are many causes, but the majority begins in the mouth. Volatile Sulfur Gases are the primary culprits. Sounds scary but these are just compounds released by bacteria. These bacteria start the digestion process and are essential in the breakdown of food. Your mouth is a Petri dish with lots of hiding places for bacteria.
So let’s start with the most obvious — Keep a Clean Mouth!
- Daily Brushing of the Teeth removes plaque and debris which bacteria feed on
- Daily Flossing- wrapping the floss around teeth and going below the gums removes bacteria that likes to live in an anaerobic (without oxygen) environment and also removes debris your toothbrush can’t reach
- Clean your Tongue! This is often overlooked and is a very common reason for bad breath. Your tongue has many fissures and crevices that Volatile Sulfuric producing bacteria love to hide in. Scraping/brushing the tongue can be a simple fix.
Saliva is important in maintaining oral health. Saliva moistens, cleanses and aides in removal of food and debris. Lack of it is called Xerostomia (Dry Mouth) and can be caused from stress, salivary gland problems, mouth breathing, and certain medical conditions. It is the number one side effect of many medications. Chewing sugarless gum, swishing/drinking water frequently or using an artificial saliva substitute may help.
Visiting your Dentist/Hygienist regularly for cleanings and exams is very important!
Gum Disease (Periodontal Disease), Gingivitis, Cavities, Abscesses and Mouth Lesions are often responsible for the unwanted odor. Only your Dentist/Hygienist can address and treat these issues.
Certain foods can affect the air you exhale. Examples such as garlic/onions are notorious for causing bad breath. Food is absorbed into the bloodstream and transferred to the lungs where it is expelled. If food is the cause, odors will continue until the body eliminates it. Brushing, flossing, tongue scraping, and mouthwashes will only mask it. On the other extreme, dieters may develop unpleasant breath from infrequent eating.
If chronic bad breath continues, it may be the result of a medical condition. Chronic sinusitis, post nasal drip, infection in the respiratory tract, chronic bronchitis, diabetes, gastro intestinal disturbances, and liver or kidney ailments should be consulted with a medical health provider.
A common myth is that mouthwash cures bad breath. Most over the counter rinses contain alcohol and only temporarily mask the problem. There are several active ingredients that have proven effective at reducing bacterial levels in the mouth as well as eliminating volatile sulfur compounds that are available in alcohol-free formulas
- Cetylpyridium Chloride breaks down the bacterial cell membrane thus killing bacteria
- Chlorahexidine has been widely recognized as helpful in reducing bacterial plaque and is now available in an alcohol-free rinse. The undesirable side effects- staining of teeth and taste alteration- limit the acceptance of this rinse
- Chlorine Dioxide or Sodium Chloride is a strong oxidizing agent and a broad spectrum antimicrobial. The oxidizing properties work best against anaerobic bacteria that cause destructive periodontal (gum) disease. It has been shown to inhibit plaque equivalent to Chlorahexidine with out the side effect of staining
- Zinc has been shown in clinical trials to reduce the levels of VSC
- Fluoride gives extra protection against cavity causing bacteria
- Xylitol is a naturally occurring sugar substitute
- Essential Oils like Thyme Oil, Clove Oil, and Eucalyptus are germicidal
Bad Breath can be embarrassing and a sensitive subject to broach. It can cause marital distress and is sometimes difficult to pinpoint the exact cause. Everyone will or has experienced it. If fresh breath is what you strive for then daily meticulous oral hygiene, consistent dental cleanings and evaluations, salivary flow, food and diet balance, medication and medical health awareness and sometimes help from certain mouth rinse ingredients can help you attain this goal.
Here is a Video that explains bad breath and gives tips to getting rid of it