Bad breath is very common and is becoming an increasing problem. About 25% of people often suffer from bad breath, which is often caused by bad bacteria in the mouth or on the tongue. And often chewing gum will only help temporarily.
What does bad breath mean?
Hundreds of bacteria live in the mouth, all different types of bacteria. These bacteria can cause bad breath by producing sulfur gas. This creates a kind of rotten egg smell. It is important that the balance between the good and bad bacteria is in balance, because then there is nothing wrong and you will not suffer from bad breath. If the bad bacteria gain the upper hand, this can result in bad breath. Socially, bad breath can have very serious consequences for the person. Out of shame, contact is avoided and he/she can become very insecure. Yet it is a problem that you can easily tackle with a simple change in your daily routine.
The causes of bad breath
If you want to tackle bad breath, it is important that you know where the cause lies. There are several causes for bad breath, namely;
Poor oral hygiene
There are certain factors that can cause bad breath, such as tooth decay, dentures, gingivitis, periodontal disease and poor oral hygiene. There are a lot of bacteria in these places. Good and bad bacteria. But as soon as the bad bacteria start to take over, the bacteria will break down proteins in precisely these places, causing sulfur compounds. This process causes bad breath.
A dried out mouth
Sufficient saliva in the mouth ensures that the mouth is less sensitive to bacteria. If saliva production is reduced and the mouth dries out, the mouth is more susceptible to bacteria and infections. It is therefore important to drink enough fluids every day to keep bacteria at bay. For example, if you have slept overnight you will often notice that your mouth is a lot drier and your breath is a little less fresh.
Tarnish on the tongue
Most bacteria in your mouth are located on the tongue and the cause of bad breath is in almost all cases due to the mouth. You sometimes see a white deposit on your tongue. This deposit can contain a lot of bad bacteria. These bacteria live on the proteins they receive from food scraps. These proteins will be broken down, creating sulfur compounds. It is wise to remove the tongue deposits, otherwise you can get very bad breath.
Disorders of the throat, nose or ears
In about 5% of all cases, bad breath can be caused by a throat, nose or ear condition. For example, if you have inflamed tonsils, bad breath is often a consequence of this. These tonsils can then be removed, for example. The cavities can also be completely full of snot, which can also cause bad breath through the mouth.
Digestion
In very few cases, bad breath can also be due to a blockage in your digestive tract. Food left in the intestines for too long will ferment. These gases will pass through your bloodstream into your lungs, which will then come out through your mouth.
Preventing bad breath
A piece of gum or a mint will temporarily hide the odor, but will not address the problem. It is important to clean your mouth properly and remove the bacteria and proteins. No proteins and bacteria means no sulfur gases, which means (permanently) fresher breath. What is the best way to clean your mouth?
Toothbrushing
Brushing your teeth at least twice a day is required for lasting fresher breath. If you brush with a good toothpaste, you will be able to remove plaque and bacteria as best as possible. For example, try an antibacterial toothpaste and then also try to brush all those impossible places in your mouth. The bacteria therefore have no chance to survive.
The dentist
Visit the dentist regularly to check your teeth. At least twice a year is required. Besides the fact that you prevent complications with your teeth, you also combat bad breath.
Mouthwash
Rinsing your mouth with mouthwash will kill all bacteria, but will also tackle plaque. The result is fresh breath and healthy teeth.
Flossing helps
Unfortunately, your toothbrush does not reach all areas of your teeth. The space between your teeth is important not to miss. Bacteria accumulate here, which you simply cannot always reach. This results in a rotten egg smell.
Tarnish on the tongue
You can tackle the deposits on your tongue with a tongue cleaner. You can brush and scrape the tongue using a type of toothbrush with a ribbed surface on it. Cleaner tongue and no more bacteria.
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