Bad breath is a delicate but common problem that every second person has encountered at least once. Often its cause lies not in nutrition, but in the condition of the oral cavity and hygiene.
Olesya Izgareva, dentist, periodontist surgeon, told on the pages of the “Beauty and Health” channel in Zen (18+) what habits and diseases most often cause bad breath and how to restore the feeling of cleanliness.
The main causes of unpleasant odor
Insufficient hygiene
The main source of odor is plaque on the teeth, tongue and orthodontic structures. Leftover food becomes a breeding ground for bacteria, which release sulfur compounds – they are what give your breath an unpleasant tint.
Brush your teeth for at least three minutes, floss, and don't forget the back of your tongue.
Gum and periodontal diseases
When the gums do not adhere tightly to the teeth, pockets form in which food particles accumulate. This causes inflammation and a persistent odor.
Old or poor quality fillings
Over time, microcracks appear between the tooth and the filling, where food gets in. Bacteria actively multiply there.
Caries and wisdom teeth
Decayed teeth and hard-to-reach areas become real “hotbeds” of odor.
Dry mouth
Lack of saliva slows down natural cleansing. The cause may be medication, diabetes or vitamin deficiency.
Dietary habits and diseases of internal organs
The smell may intensify after consuming onions, garlic, coffee, alcohol, as well as in cases of disturbances in the functioning of the stomach, liver and respiratory system.
How to check if there is an odor
- Spoon test: Run a clean spoon along the back of your tongue, wait a minute and evaluate the smell.
- Dental floss test: use the floss between your molars – the smell of it will indicate a problem after half a minute.
- Sensory test at the dentist: the most accurate way to determine the source.
What will help
- Brush your teeth, tongue and the spaces between them regularly.
- Use an alcohol-free mouthwash.
- Monitor the condition of fillings and gums.
- Drink more water to avoid dryness.
- Do not put off visiting the dentist at the slightest discomfort.
An unpleasant odor is not just a cosmetic problem, but a signal of problems in the oral cavity or body. By eliminating the cause, you can restore not only fresh breath, but also self-confidence.
Important: This information is not a substitute for consulting a doctor. The body's response to changes in diet/training may depend on individual physiology, genetic predisposition and health status. It is recommended to consult a specialist.
