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The 10 most important tips for bad breath

1

Tip

Not all bad breath is the same

Bad breath is the umbrella term for various forms of unpleasant smelling breath. Eating certain foods such as onions or garlic, stimulants such as tobacco or alcohol or an empty stomach can cause short-term bad breath.

There are two forms of persistent bad breath:

  1. Bad breath that is only perceived by strangers when exhaling through the mouth (medically known as foetor ex ore) and has its causes in the mouth, nose or throat.
  2. Unpleasant odour when exhaling through the nose, which is also perceived by the person affected (medical halitosis) and whose causes usually stem from diseases of the digestive system, the respiratory organs or the metabolism.

Expert tip
Bad breath is not a disease, but in the long term it is often a sign of poor oral hygiene or a concomitant symptom of systemic diseases. Older people are affected more often than younger people, men more often than women.

2

Tip

Around one in four adults is affected

In well over 90 % of all cases, it is a so-called foetor ex ore. It is not "the stomach" that is responsible, but bacterial putrefaction processes in the mouth (especially the base of the tongue, interdental spaces, dentures) or in the nasopharynx (especially tonsillitis, tonsil stones).

Expert tip
Co-factors such as stress or an unbalanced diet or dry mouth can promote bad breath.

3

Tip

Musty-rancid to fishy or faecal odour

The causes of foul odours are sulphur compounds, biogenic amines, ketones or short-chain carboxylic acids, which are produced by the bacterial decomposition of organic substances from food or detached mucous membrane cells in bacterial coatings.

The oral cavity and pharynx offer ideal conditions for this with the many niches and roughnesses on the teeth, tongue and tonsils.

Expert tip
Bacterial plaque on the back of the tongue, in interdental spaces and inadequate dentures are the most common causes of unpleasant bad breath (foetor ex ore).

4

Tip

Other causes of bad breath

  • Disease of the periodontium (periodontitis) and tooth decay (caries)
  • Reduced saliva flow (dry mouth), also in connection with mouth breathing, snoring or taking certain medications such as antihypertensives, antidepressants, etc.
  • Bacterial inflammation of the mouth and throat such as pharyngitis, sinusitis, rhinitis, etc.
  • Very rare: Tumours in the mouth and throat area
  • Lung diseases such as bronchitis

Expert tip
Diseases of the digestive tract (oesophagus, stomach, intestines), infections such as Helicobacter pylori, diabetes mellitus or poisoning (phosphorus, arsenic, selenium) are only the cause of unpleasant bad breath in a few exceptional cases.

5

Tip

Bad breath can be imagined

Some people perceive bad breath in themselves, although objectively there is no bad breath (halitophobia). This can trigger anxiety and even lead to obsessive thoughts or actions.

Expert tip
Bad breath can be measured. The most accurate way is to have your breath analysed by gas chromatography, for example at the dentist. Simply speak to your dentist at your next visit. That way you can be absolutely sure!

6

Tip

Bad breath can be treated well

The basis of any treatment is a careful diagnosis by the dentist and/or doctor in order to identify the triggering factors. If there is an underlying systemic general disease, this must be treated causally. However, dental restoration, gum or periodontitis treatment or professional tooth and, above all, tongue cleaning is often necessary.

If medication is one of the causes, it is important to check whether it can be changed. In children and adolescents, the question of a "tonsillectomy" often arises, which must be discussed with the ear, nose and throat specialist.

Expert tip
Effective treatment of bad breath raises the self-esteem of those affected and improves their quality of life in the long term.

7

Tip

The best way to prevent bad breath

The most important thing you can do to prevent bad breath is to carefully clean your teeth and tongue every day, ideally in conjunction with a twice-daily mouthwash. In addition, foods that directly cause bad breath, such as garlic, onions or cabbage, should be avoided - at least when it comes down to it. Alcohol, coffee and nicotine should also be reconsidered and consumed in moderation.

Expert tip
Brush your teeth twice a day!
The most effective way to clean your teeth (and tongue) is with a medium-hard toothbrush (e.g. ApaCare Sonic) in combination with a fluoride toothpaste. The interdental spaces in particular should be carefully cleaned once a day using interdental brushes or dental floss. Toothpastes with medical hydroxyapatite such as ApaCare also reduce the build-up of plaque on the tooth surfaces, which has an additional positive effect.

8

Tip

Particularly recommended: daily cleaning of the interdental spaces

Interdental spaces and the transition areas to the gums are best cleaned with monobrushes as interchangeable heads on the electric toothbrush (e.g. ApaCare Sonic Inter Polish brushes) and in addition with so-called interdental brushes or dental floss.

Expert tip
Tartar in particular can smell bad. Using the ApaCare Sonic Inter Polish brush and special polishing pastes (e.g. ApaCare Polish tooth polishing paste) is a very effective way of preventing tartar.

9

Tip

Focus on the tongue

The back third of the tongue in particular is an ideal habitat for odour-causing bacterial plaque and should be brushed daily. This can be done with a conventional toothbrush or with special tongue scrapers.

Expert tip
Apply gentle pressure from back to front: stick out your tongue and gently hold the tip of your tongue with your thumb and index finger. With the other hand, move the toothbrush or tongue cleaner from far back to the front several times with gentle pressure. Clean the brush/cleaner in between.

10

Tip

Particularly sustainable: colonising good bacteria (probiotics)

Regular use of natural probiotics such as OraLactin can have a particularly lasting effect on reducing harmful microorganisms or those associated with bad breath. Probiotics such as OraLactin effectively reduce bad breath, protect against tooth decay and periodontitis and are beneficial for the oral mucosa. Used as a lozenge or in the form of sachets once a day consistently for 30 days: up to 3 months of effective protection.

Expert tip
Regular use of high-quality oral probiotics such as OraLactin can restore the balance of healthy oral flora and supports the body's natural defences. For all age groups from the age of 3.