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The causes of bad breath

Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is an unpleasant problem for many people. There can be many reasons for this, from poor dental care to certain illnesses. In this article, we get to the bottom of the main causes and show you how you can restore and maintain fresh breath.

Andrea Seraina Author
Andrea Seraina
Dental Content Specialist
07/12/20248 min. reading time

Poor oral hygiene

One of the main reasons for bad breath is poor oral hygiene. If you don't brush and floss your teeth regularly, food debris can remain in the spaces between your teeth and on the oral mucosa. This food debris begins to decompose, creating an ideal environment for bacteria. These bacteria eat the leftovers, producing foul-smelling sulphur compounds that contribute significantly to bad breath.

The accumulation of plaque that is not regularly removed by dental care can lead to inflammation of the gums, also known as gingivitis. This condition is not only painful, but can also lead to other problems such as abscesses and ultimately to a decline in the periodontium, which exacerbates the bad breath problem. Dental plaque and tongue coating are often rich in bacteria and can noticeably affect the air we breathe.

Another element that can influence bad breath is the condition of dentures. Poorly fitting or unkempt dentures can trap food debris and become a reservoir for bacteria that cause bad breath.

Dental problems: tooth decay and gingivitis

Conditions such as tooth decay and periodontitis (inflammation of the gums) are also common causes of bad breath. These conditions lead to tooth damage and infections in the mouth, which can produce bad odours. A professional dental cleaning at our ALPINE WHITE Studio can help prevent or treat such problems.

Dry mouth: xerostomia

Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, occurs when not enough saliva is produced. Saliva helps to keep your mouth clean by washing away food debris and inhibiting the growth of bacteria. Medication, certain medical conditions or simply dehydration can lead to dry mouth. To combat this, it is important to drink plenty of water and, if necessary, use special mouthwashes that stimulate saliva flow.

Diet and stimulants

Certain foods such as garlic and onions can be possible causes of bad breath. Stimulants such as coffee and alcohol can also affect your breath by causing dry mouth and promoting the production of foul-smelling compounds. Eating a balanced diet and limiting these stimulants can help keep your breath fresh.

Medical conditions

In some cases, bad breath can be a sign of a more serious medical condition, such as a nasopharyngeal infection, sinusitis, gastritis, or even tumours in the gastrointestinal tract. If your bad breath persists, despite good oral hygiene, you should see a doctor to investigate the underlying causes.

In addition, certain medications and conditions such as mouth breathing, heartburn and a disturbed intestinal flora can negatively affect oral hygiene and thus lead to bad breath. Medications that cause dry mouth reduce saliva production, which normally helps to keep the mouth clean and ward off bacteria. Mouth breathing, which is often exacerbated by problems such as tonsillitis, can dry out the mouth and promote an environment for bacterial growth.

Home remedies for bad breath

In addition to professional oral hygiene and the use of high-quality dental care products, there are also simple home remedies that can effectively help against bad breath. These natural methods offer a practical and often immediate solution to unpleasant breath.

Rinsing with water and apple cider vinegar

One of the simplest and most effective ways to combat bad breath is to rinse your mouth with a mixture of water and apple cider vinegar. The apple cider vinegar has an antibacterial effect and helps to reduce the bacteria that cause bad breath. Simply mix one part apple cider vinegar with two parts water and rinse your mouth with it every day after brushing your teeth. This rinse can not only reduce the number of bacteria in your mouth, but also promote pH balance, which further helps to inhibit the growth of bacteria.

Chew parsley

Parsley is not only a popular culinary herb, but is also known for its odour-neutralising properties. Chewing fresh parsley after meals can help to combat bad breath. Parsley contains chlorophyll, which contains natural oils that can neutralise odours caused by food.

Tea tree oil supplement

Tea tree oil is another natural remedy known for its antibacterial and antiseptic properties. A few drops of tea tree oil in a glass of water can be used as an effective mouthwash. It is important that you dilute the tea tree oil before using it, as in concentrated form it can be too strong for direct contact with the oral mucosa.

These home remedies can be a useful addition to your daily oral hygiene routine and offer a natural alternative to commercial mouthwashes. They are easy to use and often contain ingredients that you can find in your kitchen. Nevertheless, if you have persistent bad breath or other symptoms, you should consult a professional to ensure that there are no underlying health problems.

The importance of regular tooth brushing

Regular tooth brushing is the basis of good oral hygiene and is essential to keep the oral cavity clean and free of food debris and bacteria. You should brush your teeth thoroughly at least twice a day to remove plaque and prevent the formation of tartar. This not only helps to prevent tooth decay and gum disease, but also bad breath caused by bacteria in the mouth. Use our Sonic Toothbrush, the sonic toothbrush from ALPINE WHITE, which enables deep cleaning with its high-frequency vibration technology. This advanced technology reaches even hard-to-reach areas between the teeth and along the gum line, effectively removing plaque. Regular use of the Sonic Toothbrush in combination with our anti-plaque toothpaste offers you the optimal solution to improve your oral health and promote fresh breath.

Promoting healthy oral flora

Healthy oral flora is crucial for preventing bad breath. Oral flora consists of various microorganisms that live naturally in the mouth. If this balance is disturbed, for example through poor dietary habits, inadequate oral hygiene or the use of certain medications, harmful bacteria can overgrow and cause bad breath. An effective way to support the natural balance of oral flora is to use specially formulated toothpaste such as ALPINE WHITE's "Anti Plaque". This toothpaste is designed to reduce plaque formation and prevent the proliferation of harmful bacteria. By maintaining regular dental hygiene, avoiding sugary snacks and using our Anti Plaque Toothpaste regularly, you can help maintain this balance and promote healthy oral flora.

The role of tongue cleaning

Tongue cleaning is an often neglected aspect of oral hygiene, but it is crucial to fighting bad breath. Many bacteria collect on the tongue, especially at the back, which is not easily reached by brushing. Regular cleaning of the tongue with a tongue scraper can help to remove this bacterial film and keep breath fresh.

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Dental Hygiene
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Professionelle Pflege im ALPINE WHITE Studio

Für diejenigen, die ihre Mundhygiene auf das nächste Level bringen möchten, bieten wir im ALPINE WHITE Studio professionelle Dentalhygiene Behandlungen an. Zusätzlich kannst Du eine professionelle Zungenreinigung als Add-on buchen, um sicherzustellen, dass auch dieser Teil des Mundraums gründlich gereinigt wird. Diese spezialisierten Behandlungen helfen nicht nur, Deinen Mundraum gesund zu halten, sondern bekämpfen auch effektiv die Ursachen von schlechtem Atem.

Durch die Kombination von täglicher Mundhygiene zu Hause und professioneller Pflege in unserem Studio kannst Du sicher sein, dass Du alles getan hast, um Deinen Atem frisch und Deinen Mund gesund zu halten.

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Schlusswort

Mundgeruch muss kein dauerhaftes Problem sein. Mit den richtigen Massnahmen kannst Du effektiv gegen unangenehmen Geruch vorgehen und Dich wieder sicher und wohl in Deiner Haut fühlen. Erinnere Dich daran, dass Deine Mundgesundheit ein wichtiger Teil Deiner allgemeinen Gesundheit ist, und nimm sie ernst. Ein frischer Atem ist ein Zeichen eines gesunden Mundes und eines gesunden Körpers.

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