BAD BREATH originates from the mouth, mostly from the surface of the tongue, gums, teeth and other hard to reach areas.The mouth is normally inhabited by aerobic and anaerobic bacteria and the balance between these bacteria determines the quality of your breath.

The odor causing bacteria are anaerobic (i.e. they cannot live in the presence of oxygen.) These bacteria inhabit the surface of the tongue by residing between the papillae of the tongue which is oxygen deficient and in the gingival crevices around your gums. These naturally occurring bacteria feed on proteins and produce volatile sulfur compounds (VSC) as a by-product. These (VSC) cause the malodor of bad breath. Everyone has some level of volatile sulfur compounds (VSC) in his/her mouth, but it is at a level that is undetectable by the nose. But when these levels of VSC get high it becomes detectable as bad breath.

These proteins come from oral cellular debris accumulated on the surface of tongue and in your gums due to poor oral hygiene, dead bacteria, saliva, mucous, post nasal drip and phlegm.

Certain medical conditions and foods cause these bacteria to produce volatile sulfur compounds at an unusually rapid rate. Types of foods may include milk products especially if you are lactose intolerant and certain foods high in protein. Coffee and acidic foods increase acidity. Bacteria reproduce faster in a more acid environment. Alcohol and even certain mouthwashes containing alcohol can dry the oral tissues causing bacteria to proliferate.

Saliva irrigates our mouth, and stimulates swallowing thereby flushing away debris. Anything that decreases the flow of saliva stimulates the growth of anaerobic bacteria. The dry mouth and the thicker saliva, decreases the washing action and hence lower level of oxygen is available creating a more anaerobic environment for bacteria to produce sulfur compounds. Chewing Gum stimulates saliva and aids in cleaning out noxious bacteria. Morning bad breath can also occur due to decreased salivary flow during sleep.

Certain medications for high blood pressure, antihistamines and depression can also decrease saliva flow. Numerous antibiotics upset the balance of bacterial flora causing some to proliferate and others to perish. Hormonal changes are also supposed to cause bad breath. During menstruation, oestrogen causes sloughing of body lining tissue including that of the mouth. This gives additional nutrition for anaerobic bacteria. Genetically, you may be predisposed because of your tongue morphology. The more fissured the tongue, the greater the anaerobic environment and the higher the level of VSC.

Cure for Bad Breath

To treat bad breath, the level of anaerobic bacteria and the amount of volatile sulfur compounds (VSC) produced needs to be reduced and or neutralized

It is important to brush and floss to maintain oral health. As the anaerobic bacteria which cause bad breath reside deep within the tongue, tongue cleaner may be used.

You need to visit your dentist regularly and have an oral prophylaxis done and if need be deep cleaning is also recommended. This would take care of the bad odor originating from your gums.

It is important to know that most toothpaste contains Sodium lauryl sulphate which is used as a foaming agent. This is actually a detergent which dries out the mouth even more. So patients with chronic bad breath due to dryness of mouth should avoid using tooth pastes containing sodium lauryl sulphate

An oxidizing agent chlorine dioxide is needed to neutralize the volatile sulphur compounds from the active sulfite to an inactive odorless, tasteless sulfate form. It besides neutralizing the acidic ph is also an antimicrobial agent. Drink lots of water!!

Mouthwashes, Fresh mint tablets cover up the odor and do nothing to treat the cause of bad breath.

You can yourself test for Bad Breath

Lick the back of your hand. Let it dry for a few seconds and then smell. If you notice an odor, you have a breath disorder.

Place dental floss between your back teeth and then smell the floss.

While looking at the mirror, grab the tip of your tongue and pull it out as far you can. If the back of your tongue is whitish or yellowish in color, you may be having bad breath.