Bad breath is unpleasant for oneself and for those around you. Many simply accept their fate, even though something can be done about it. Only in rare cases is a stomach ailment to blame. Often, it is a matter of putrefaction processes in the mouth. We have collected the most important information here.
How does bad breath develop?
In the mouth, bacteria live off food residues and shed mucosal cells, producing sulfur compounds and gases that often smell like rotten eggs. Especially during the breakdown of protein, sulfurous compounds can form. Thus, protein-rich foods like fish and dairy products can promote bad breath. Furthermore, overly dry oral mucosa promotes bad breath. Incidentally, the unpleasant taste in the morning is explained by reduced saliva production. Snoring and sleeping with your mouth open causes the mucous membranes to dry out more.
Diseases are rarely responsible
Diseases can also be to blame for bad breath, but this is usually quite rare.
Respiratory tract infections
Usually, with tonsillitis or sinusitis, temporary bad breath can occur.
Gastritis
If you suffer from gastritis, your breath may smell acidic. In this case, stomach pain and acid reflux are also present.
Diabetes
If the breath smells like nail polish remover (acetone), it could be poorly managed or undiagnosed diabetes mellitus. The smell is also typical for people who are on a strict diet or fasting. When the body lacks carbohydrates to convert fats into sugar, the breath odor changes.
Female cycle
For women, it can also be the female cycle. At the time of ovulation, women have been measured to have 2-4 times higher levels of volatile sulfur compounds than usual.
How do I find the cause?
First, you should visit your dentist; they will check the gums and the condition of any existing crowns and fillings. If everything is fine here, an ENT specialist should be consulted. They will check the nose, throat, and sinuses. If a cause is still not found, an internal examination should follow to rule out gastrointestinal diseases or diabetes. A visit to a lung specialist also makes sense, as lung disease can be ruled out here.
Home remedies for bad breath
Oral hygiene
Careful oral hygiene is very important here. Brush your teeth after every meal and clean the spaces between your teeth with dental floss once a day. Clean your tongue in the morning and evening with a special tongue cleaner.
Extra tip:Always replace the tongue cleaner after 2 months. After consulting with your dentist, you can also use disinfectant mouthwashes. However, pay attention to the active ingredients here; some have side effects after long-term use.
Apple cider vinegar
Anyone suffering from bad breath can try the home remedy vinegar: Mix 1 glass of water with 1 tsp apple cider vinegar and gargle with it. This drives away bad breath.
Juniper berries
Chew juniper berries every now and then
Ginger
Chewing ginger every now and then can also help against bad breath.
Parsley stems
Parsley stems are also helpful for bad breath. Chew these every now and then.
Hot lemon juice
Drinking hot lemon juice can also eliminate bad breath.
Yogurt with active bacteria (Lactobacillus bulgaricus)
Eat a yogurt with active bacteria like Lactobacillus bulgaricus daily. These prevent the spread of putrefactive bacteria in the mouth.
Extra tip: Chewing gums and lozenges with peppermint only help for a short time, as they only mask the bad breath briefly, but they do promote saliva production.
Read also: Help for cracked corners of the mouth in children
Photo by Sabine, meinhaushalt.at
