If you eat a meal containing garlic or onions, it's only natural that your breath will smell of them. However, this smell disappears after a while. In contrast, chronic bad breath – or halitosis – is extremely unpleasant for sufferers and can make face-to-face contact with other people very difficult.
A variety of triggers
In general terms, we differentiate between local and systemic causes of bad breath. In about 90% of cases the cause can be found locally in the mouth and throat area. Triggers can include bacterial deposits on the tongue, inflammation of the gums, periodontitis, tooth decay, inadequate saliva flow, local infections and inadequate oral hygiene.
Bad breath stemming from systemic factors is much less common. Here it can be caused by disorders of the intestinal flora, medicines containing sulphur, and illnesses such as kidney failure, diabetes or sinusitis.
Nutrition is another important factor. Diets which exclude carbohydrates often lead to bad breath. This is partly a result of metabolic readjustment (ketosis). In addition, a protein-rich diet leads to an increased incidence of sulphur-producing bacteria in the throat.
Oral hygiene is the key
The best way to combat bad breath is good oral hygiene. It's important to brush your teeth twice a day for around two minutes each time. Don't forget to also clean your tongue.
Odour-causing bacteria can accumulate there, particularly towards the back. You don't need any special equipment for this; you can simply use your toothbrush. You should also floss daily to remove particles of food from between your teeth.
Other tips for combating bad breath
Drink plenty of water to ensure that you're properly hydrated. A dry mouth is more likely to harbour odour-causing bacteria.
Chew gum (preferably sugar-free) to encourage the production of saliva.
Cut out or reduce your consumption of tobacco and alcohol, because they can increase the incidence of bad breath.
Fasting programmes and crash diets can lead to heartburn and belching due to the sharply reduced intake of calories and nutrients. A balanced diet will help prevent these symptoms.
Sage tea can be a good remedy. Drink or gargle with the tea to eliminate sulphurous gases which are produced in the mouth and throat.
If you find that you still suffer from bad breath despite practising good oral hygiene and following the tips above, you should consult a dentist. It may take a professional to track down the cause of your halitosis.
