Get rid of bad breath by discovering the causes

What is bad breath?

Bad breath, technically known as halitosis, refers to a smelly breath that, socially speaking, is often considered to be unpleasant or disturbing. It’s an undesirable odour emitted from the mouth. Fresh breath, by contrast, is the opposite of halitosis and is generally seen as a sign of good oral hygiene and health. While bad breath describes the general perception of an unpleasant odour, the medical term halitosis refers to chronic, persistent bad breath.

Where does bad breath come from?

Bad breath, or halitosis, is caused by the decomposition of organic substances in the mouth cavity. Fine food particles on the lining of the mouth, on the tongue or in spaces between the teeth can trigger the unpleasant odour. Although careful cleaning could often prevent bad breath, the causes are actually more wide-ranging and individual. Prof. Andreas Filippi is a dental specialist for oral surgery at the University Centre for Dental Medicine in Basel. He specialises in halitosis and stresses that, in addition to the usual suspects like the mouth, throat and stomach, there are around 200 other, very individual causes of bad breath.

Sometimes bad breath occurs despite the person having cleaned their teeth thoroughly, especially in the morning or when they are hungry or fasting. It’s not a rare phenomenon, as one in four people experience bad breath at certain times of the day, and for around five per cent it persists throughout the day. Various factors such as age, diet and stress can make people more susceptible to bad breath.

Bad breath due to disease

Bad breath can also be an indicator of various diseases. Vitamin deficiencies, infections such as pneumonia and even serious conditions like lung cancer can be associated with bad breath. Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract can also cause bad breath, making diagnosis and treatment complex. In addition, fever and infections in the body can exacerbate the smell. Therefore, any sudden onset of bad breath or bad breath that becomes persistent should be examined by a medical practitioner to ensure there are no underlying health problems.

Bad breath in children

Although bad breath is more common in adults, children aren't completely exempt from the condition. Bad breath in children can point to inadequate oral hygiene or may also indicate infections in the throat or dental problems. Parents should make sure that their children brush their teeth regularly. Bad breath can also occur in babies and toddlers as young as two or four years of age and – if it goes on for longer – should be medically examined to ensure there are no serious causes.

Tips and home remedies for bad breath

There are all kinds of tips and home remedies to alleviate bad breath. Gargling with salt water or using herbs such as mint can help get rid of bad breath. Other effective methods include regularly removing the tongue’s coating and stimulating the flow of saliva with everyday products such as citrus fruit.

Mouthwash

Mouthwashes are also an effective remedy for bad breath because they neutralise bad smells. However, mouthwashes shouldn't simply neutralise the smell but also deal effectively with the cause. Particularly recommended are products that contain ingredients to counteract dry mouth and support the natural pH of the mouth.

Promote well-being

Bad breath can also be exacerbated by stress and psychological distress, as this often reduces saliva production. A dry mouth is a breeding ground for bacteria that cause bad breath. To counteract this, it’s important to drink plenty of water and reduce stress, for example by meditating or taking frequent breaks.

Diet

Diet plays a major role in the development of bad breath. Eating foods such as garlic, onions and certain spices can temporarily cause unpleasant smells. Yoghurt can help to combat garlic breath, as it neutralises the bacteria in the mouth that cause the odour. In addition, alcohol, coffee, cheese and fish should be consumed in moderation as they can also contribute to bad breath. By contrast, a balanced diet rich in fresh fruit and vegetables helps ensure fresh breath.

Foods that promote bad breath

These foods can promote bad breath, either due to their strong flavours or the way the body processes them:

• Garlic: Contains sulphur compounds that are released during the digestive process.
• Onions: Similar to garlic, they contain volatile sulphur compounds that are exhaled through the lungs.
• Dairy products: Milk and cheese can cause some people to develop bad breath as mouth bacteria break down the milk sugar (lactose).
• Coffee: Coffee can leave a sour breath and lead to a dry mouth.
• Alcoholic beverages: Alcohol promotes a dry mouth, which encourages the growth of bacteria that cause bad smells.
• Fish: Certain types of fish, such as sardines and anchovies, contain high amounts of amines that can cause bad breath.
• Fatty foods: Fats that are difficult to digest can lead to gastrointestinal conditions which indirectly cause bad breath.

Foods that alleviate bad breath

These foods can help neutralise bad breath or stimulate the production of saliva, which keeps the mouth fresh:

• Parsley and mint: Contain chlorophyll, which has natural odour-neutralising properties.
• Apples: Naturally chewing the water-rich fruit helps remove bacteria and food debris.
• Carrots and celery: Their crunchy texture helps scrape plaque from teeth.
• Yoghurt: Contains probiotics that promote the growth of good bacteria in the mouth and diminish bad smells.
• Water: Constant drinking helps to rinse the mouth and remove bacteria and food debris.
• Green tea: Contains polyphenols, which fight bacteria that cause bad breath.
• Citrus fruit: Oranges, mandarins and other citrus fruit promote saliva production and have a fresh scent.

Treat bad breath professionally

Prof. Andreas Filippi, author of the book Frischer Atem – Ein Ratgeber zum Tabuthema Mundgeruch (Fresh breath – a guide to the taboo subject of bad breath) and developer of the "Halitosis" app, provides professional assistance in getting rid of bad breath. The app helps people to identify their own particular causes of bad breath and prepares them for a professional consultation.

Consultation with a specialist

At such a consultation, dentists and specialists examine the oral cavity and use special tests to measure the intensity of the halitosis. This often involves the use of products such as sprays or tablets that have been specially developed for clinical use.

As a rule, one to two sessions are sufficient to determine the causes and take appropriate action. Prof. Andreas Filippi underlines the importance of this professional diagnosis, as it enables specific treatments to be introduced, such as the use of medicinal mouthwashes and other products that help get rid of bad breath in the long term. These professional approaches complement daily oral hygiene and can help those with the condition to not simply alleviate the symptoms, but achieve long-lasting relief.