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If you are here, it is because you have bad breath or halitosis and are looking for solutions to your problem. Although halitosis is a minor health problem, it can be a source of stress and a social handicap.
Here is a guide to help you better understand what halitosis is.
What is bad breath?
Bad breath is a particularly unpleasant odor. It is produced by the air expelled through the mouth and nose. It is linked to the presence of bacteria in the oral cavity that cause odors by breaking down proteins.
The different symptoms of bad breath
Many people who suffer from halitosis do not necessarily realize it, which makes it difficult to implement suitable solutions to resolve this oral health problem. However, a pink tongue, pain and bleeding are the main symptoms of bad breath
Here are the different symptoms of bad breath:
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- A throat infection or tonsillitis
- Tonsil or sinus problems, or even bronchitis
- Certain gastrointestinal diseases, such as gastroesophageal reflux
- Metabolic disorders, such as diabetes
- Chronic kidney failure
Why do we have bad breath?
In 85 to 90% of cases, bad breath originates in the mouth. The mouth contains bacteria that feed on proteins (from food, saliva, oral cells, etc.). The breakdown of these proteins by bacteria releases volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs), which smell unpleasant when present in large quantities in the mouth. 60% of the bacteria in the oral cavity are found on the surface of the tongue, in folds called papillae. The tongue is responsible for 41% of cases of bad breath originating in the mouth.
Causes of bad breath:
- inflammation and gum disease
- particularly poor oral hygiene
- the presence of cavities and defective restorations
- food particles trapped between the teeth
- mouth breathing, which causes the mucous membranes to dry out
- occasional or regular smoking
- reduced saliva flow, meaning reduced saliva production
- the accumulation of bacteria and food debris on the tongue
Mouthwash for bad breath
Mouthwash for bad breath works by fighting the bacteria present in your mouth and their harmful effects and breakdown. This breakdown is the primary cause of bad odors. Bacteria also cause gum irritation and infections, canker sores, bleeding, plaque and cavities, which in turn can cause bad breath.
Its main advantage is that it allows you to reach certain areas that are inaccessible or difficult to reach with your toothbrush. It removes plaque and eliminates bacteria and residue present between the teeth, on the gums, tongue, palate and inside of the cheeks for greater effectiveness. Clean and purified, your oral cavity is rid of the agents responsible for the odors that cause bad breath.
Although it does not replace brushing your teeth with a toothbrush, mouthwash is an excellent supplement for perfecting the cleaning of your mouth. As a preventive measure, it helps prevent plaque formation and limit the causes of inflammation; it is ideal after each brushing to leave your mouth healthy and your breath fresh. As a treatment, it soothes irritation and mouth discomfort for better oral hygiene.
How to use mouthwash for bad breath
Every day, after brushing your teeth, it is recommended to use mouthwash to perfect the cleaning process and effectively fight bad breath. To do this, pour 10 to 15 ml of the product into the measuring cap or a glass. Check the instructions to find out whether your mouthwash should be used undiluted or diluted, so you can fully benefit from its effects. Some products are already ready to use and do not require the addition of water. Rinse your entire mouth for about 30 seconds, or up to one minute in the event of an infection or particularly strong breath. Spit it out and avoid rinsing, unless specified in the instructions.
For optimal results, distribute it throughout your mouth and move it around thoroughly. Puff out your cheeks, lift your tongue and move your lips so that it can reach all the surfaces of the oral cavity and all the interdental spaces. This is the best way to eliminate bacteria, soothe inflammation and achieve fresh, pleasantly scented breath. Repeat these steps after each brushing, two to three times a day, for greater effectiveness.
Other tips to prevent bad breath
- You can brush your teeth morning and evening, or after every meal, for at least two minutes. However, it is recommended that you wait 30 minutes before brushing your teeth after consuming sugary foods or acidic drinks. This will help you avoid damaging the enamel, which is vulnerable at that time.
- Bacteria and food residue tend to accumulate beneath a thin mucous membrane on the tongue. That is why it is equally important to brush your tongue to fight bad breath.
- A dry mouth encourages the accumulation of bacteria that cause bad breath. It is therefore particularly important to drink water frequently. When your mouth is well hydrated and produces enough saliva, you reduce the risk of having bad breath.
You can use the Y-Brush toothbrush to brush your teeth. It is a sonic toothbrush that allows you to brush all your teeth and their surfaces at the same time.
We hope this guide has helped you understand what bad breath is and the different symptoms of bad breath. We also hope that you now understand the causes of bad breath. Mouthwash is one of the most useful solutions for bad breath when used correctly. You can also combine its use with these tips to prevent bad breath.
Learn more based on your situation
Every situation has its own specific characteristics. If your breath is especially strong when you wake up, the dedicated guide explains why morning breath occurs and how to reduce it. If the odor returns even though you brush your teeth carefully, discover the hidden causes of breath that persists despite good brushing. Finally, when the problem has lasted for several weeks, our action plan for halitosis that persists over time will help you regain fresh breath for the long term.
