The Causes of Halitosis and Bad Breath Smell

There are several causes of halitosis, and bad breath smell can have several origins including sinus and tonsil infection, diseases of the lungs, kidney and liver, some cancers and a variety of oral problems. Bad teeth, or poor dentistry, rarely cause bad breath unless the teeth are seriously rotting and decomposing, and over 90% of cases of bad breath are caused by bacteria.

The tongue and cheeks contain numerous fissures which are devoid of oxygen, or nearly so, and it is there that the major causes of halitosis reside. The offending creatures are gram negative anaerobic bacteria that thrive in the moist oxygen-free conditions within these fissures. They quietly decompose food that has penetrated the fissures, releasing as they do so obnoxious evil smelling sulfurous gases.

Not only that, but the bacteria and the rotting foods form a white/yellowish fur on your tongue that also adds to the smell. In order to cure halitosis you have to kill these bacteria and remove the fur. Since the bacteria are anaerobic, you can kill them by introducing oxygen to their habitat. This is not easy to do with buccal and lingual fissures, and simple opening your mouth to the air will not suffice.

There are substances that release oxygen, and these can be used in preparations such as toothpastes, mouthwashes and chewing gums. The oxygen is released as the preparations penetrate the tongue and cheeks and kills of the bacteria. To increase their effectiveness, toothpastes should be used with tongue scrapers, both to remove the fur or plaque on the tongue, and to force the oxygenating substances into the fissures. The cheeks should also be brushed with a soft-bristled brush.

It is important that when you find an effective treatment, you continue to use it as a maintenance treatment, or the condition will recur. You will not be aware of this until your partner averts their face when you get too close, or somebody with whom you are conversing takes a few steps back when you speak. Occasional use of a mouth spray, or chewing specially prepared gum is generally enough, once you have successfully removed the bulk of the bacteria.

Keep in mind that the causes of halitosis are not always bacteria, and that just under 10% of cases are for other reasons. If using recommended treatments has no effect then get professional advice since bad breath can be a symptom of a much more serious condition than just a foul smelling by-product of bacterial degradation.

Halitosis is an antisocial condition, and one that you are unaware that you have until you either notice the reaction of others, or somebody tells you. It's like any form of body odor - people, including your friends, will talk about you among themselves but will be too embarrassed to mention it to you.

It's important, then, that you know what causes that bad breath smell, and what the causes of halitosis are, because you will then understand the importance of the remedial treatment, how to follow it properly and why the condition can easily recur if you stop caring for your oral hygiene.

If you have bad breath and want more details on the causes of halitosis and how to cure it, then check out Pete's web page Causes of Halitosis for a number of recommended remedies.