1. What is bad breath?
A: Bad breath, otherwise known as oral malodor or halitosis, is a build up of several gases produced by excess bacteria. These gases form an unpleasant odor, which is noticeable when one speaks or breathes out. Often this is worse after a night’s sleep and is when it is referred to as “Morning Breath”. Most people suffer from morning breath and this can be resolved by brushing and using an alcohol-free mouthwash.
2. Where does the problem come from?
A: Bad breath is a common condition which usually originates in the mouth. Research shows 55% to 65% of people have halitosis chronically and 95% at some time or other. Even when the sufferer is diligent with good oral hygiene, bad breath usually still comes from the “oral cavity”. Bad breath almost never comes from the gastro-intestinal tract (stomach).
3. What causes bad breath?
A: Oral malodor mainly occurs from an accumulation of bacteria if the whole mouth is not thoroughly cleaned daily. Other conditions that can influence bad breath are illness, low fluid intake, stress, lack of salivary flow and exercise.
4. Do ‘I’ have bad breath?
A: It is notoriously difficult for anyone to detect whether they themselves have halitosis. The best way to check if you have bad breath is to ask a family member, partner or a close friend for their opinion. Another simple way to check if you have bad breath is to lick your wrist, starting at the back of the tongue and wiping the inner wrist to the tip. Leave the saliva to dry for 10 seconds and smell the area for any unpleasant odors. Many people think they have a problem with halitosis when they don’t. The Fresh Breath Centre can examine and test you to find out if there is a real problem.
5. Even though I brush my teeth daily, I still have bad breath. Why?
A: The odor of bad breath is caused by oral bacteria. People who have gum disease have more oral malodor than people without gum disease. If your gums have any redness, swelling or bleed at all on brushing, flossing or interdentally cleaning then you may well have some gum disease. However, gums may not be the only area where bad breath originates due to bacterial build-up within the mouth.
6. Do foods cause temporary bad breath?
A: Yes. We call this “Food Breath”. Certain foods such as onions, pizza, garlic, alcohol and spicy foods can cause bad breath. However, not eating these foods solves this problem. Likewise, many kinds of medication can have a similar effect.
