Bad breath: what to do about it?

Halitosis is not a fatality

Bad breath, also called halitosis, is in most cases caused by bacteria in the mouth. Halitosis occasionally affects a large number of people. In this article, you will find our tips on how to combat this unpleasantness.

Causes of bad breath

Halitosis is an unpleasant odour from the mouth and in some cases from the nasal cavity. In about 90% of cases, the development of bacteria in the mouth and on the surface of the tongue is the cause of this bad breath.
Several factors can be involved in the formation of halitosis:

• Dental diseases: dental caries, periodontal disease (bacterial infections of the tissues supporting the teeth), gingivitis;

• Oral-nasal affections: angina, mycosis, rhinitis and sinusitis, caseum;

• Diet: garlic, onions, cheeses and cold cuts, as well as alcohol and coffee are all predisposing factors for bad breath. Food retention in the mouth can also cause halitosis;

• Tobacco. On this subject, you can read our article on the impact of smoking on oral health here

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which can also lead to tooth decay and lesions attributed to acid reflux;

The consequences of bad breath

The consequences of bad breath are primarily psychological. Indeed, halitosis can have serious repercussions on the individual's social life, both personally and professionally.
The appearance of halitosis should also alert you to your oral health. Indeed, the formation of this bad breath may be the consequence of more or less serious dental lesions: periodontitis, gingivitis, dental caries... The appearance of halitosis should also alert you to your oral health. Indeed, the formation of this bad breath may be the consequence of dental lesions of varying degrees of severity: periodontitis, gingivitis, dental caries, etc.
Knowing that 50% of French people have gingivitis and 20% have periodontitis (see here), the appearance of halitosis may be a sign of the onset of these pathologies

What are the solutions for halitosis?

Fortunately, there are several solutions, remedies and treatments to combat bad breath effectively.
In most cases, halitosis is the result of poor oral hygiene. By following the basic rules of hygiene, i.e. brushing your teeth three times a day after each meal, you can make a big step towards fresh breath. To accompany tooth brushing, you can use interdental brushes or dental floss, which will allow you to clean the areas of the mouth that cannot be reached with a conventional toothbrush, and to remove any food debris stuck between the teeth. You can also use a toothbrush with a built-in tongue scraper to clean the surface of your tongue and remove as much bacteria as possible. Mouthwashes are also effective in treating bacteria that form in the mouth. Finally, it is recommended that you visit your dentist at least once a year. If you have dental lesions, brushing your teeth and chewing "fresh breath" gum will not be enough. Your dentist will be able to identify the causes of your halitosis and provide the necessary care.
By putting this advice into practice, you will quickly notice an improvement in the state of your breath!
Dr Michaël LUMBROSO

Implantologist - Periodontologist - Dental Surgeon in Versailles