Halitosis or Bad Breath - Cause and Cures

Halitosis can be caused by poor dental hygiene, but that is not always the cause. Better known as bad breath most often it is caused by volatile sulfur compound producing bacteria in the oral cavity (85%). To continue, bad breath (halitosis) is caused by anaerobic bacteria.  The odor is caused by bacteria from the decay of food particles, other debris in your mouth, and poor oral hygiene.  Bad breath is caused by medical problems only 10% of the time.

Halitosis is often caused by a bacterial growth or infection in areas of the mouth typically not involved with regular dental cleanings.  Approximately 90% of all halitosis is caused by oral sources and not, as many people believe, from the stomach or sinuses.  Approximately 10% of halitosis is caused by problems not within the mouth.  Most cases of oral halitosis are caused by bacteria. 

In general, halitosis is caused by the production of various malodorous compounds from the metabolism of amino acids by gram-negative bacteria in the mouth

It appears that non-pathogenic halitosis is caused by the actions of anaerobic bacteria residing on the rear portion of the tongue.

Other Causes of Bad Breath:  Less than 10% of bad breath is caused by systemic infections or diseases including intestinal disorders, bacterial sinus infections, kidney and liver disease, leukemia and others.

Bad breath is caused by certain bacteria that bind protein particles on their surface, eat or metabolize the protein particles and produce sulfur gases. 

Dry Mouth:  Although some cases of dry mouth are naturally occurring, most cases are caused by one of these factors: prescription medications (usually prescribed for high blood pressure or depression), antihistamines, adult beverages, or mouthwashes with alcohol in them.

Halitosis is produced by the production and liberation of volatile compounds, mainly volatile derivatives of sulphur, such as hydrogensulphide and methyl-mercaptane and, according to the localisation of theorigin of the unpleasant odour, it can be classified as oral (localised inlips, tongue, teeth, dental prosthetic elements, periodontal tissues,oropharynx) or non-oral [caused by diseases of the respiratory tract,systemic diseases (hepatic dysfunction, cirrhosis, diabetic ketoacidosis, carcinomas and certain metabolic diseases in which an enzymatic anomalyoccurs), diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and certain foods, drinks,tobacco and medicaments). 

Though the reasons for bad breath odor are not completely understood, most unpleasant odors are caused by food debris trapped in the mouth.  Halitosis is often caused by a bacterial growth or infection in areas of the mouth typically not involved with regular dental cleanings. 

Halitosis Cure

Learning how to find out why you have halitosis will in most cases cure it. Flossing regularly will also help cure chronic bad breath as it will loosen and eliminate any food lodged between your teeth.  Certain cures will work on certain types of bad breath, and some people will experience more profound results than others using the same product.

Halitosis is a word that evokes a certain stigma as being one of the most socially unacceptable conditions in our culture, and a taboo subject to boot.

But even though we know that the cause of halitosis is usually bacterial plaque on the tongue, the significance of tongue hygiene is still underestimated: Only 7 % of the population state that they clean their tongue.  Unfortunately, traditional dental schools have not educated most dentists in the proper diagnosis and treatment of chronic halitosis.

Using a tongue scraper is by far the most effective, easiest, and cheapest treatment for bad breath that is available as we speak.