If you are here, it is because you have bad breath or halitosis and you are looking for solutions to your problem. It is true that even though halitosis is a minor health problem, it can be a source of stress and a social handicap.
Here's a guide to help you better understand what halitosis is.
What is bad breath?
Bad breath is an odor that is particularly unpleasant. It is produced by the air that is expelled through the mouth and nose. It is linked to the presence, in the oral cavity, of bacteria that cause odors by degrading proteins.
The different symptoms of bad breath
Many people who suffer from halitosis do not necessarily realize it, which makes it difficult to find the right solutions for this oral problem. However, pink tongue, pain and bleeding are the main symptoms of bad breath
Here are the different symptoms of bad breath:
- A throat infection or angina
- Tonsils or sinuses, or even bronchitis
- Certain gastrointestinal diseases, for example gastroesophageal reflux
- Metabolic disorders such as diabetes
- Chronic renal failure
Why do we have bad breath?
In 85 to 90% of cases, bad breath is oral in origin. The mouth contains bacteria that feed on proteins (from food, saliva, mouth cells...) The breakdown of these proteins by the bacteria releases malodorous volatile sulfur compounds (VSC) when present in significant quantities in the mouth. 60% of the bacteria in the oral cavity are found on the surface of the tongue, in folds called villi. The tongue is responsible for 41% of oral malodour cases.
Causes of bad breath:
- inflammation and disease of the gums
- particularly poor oral hygiene
- the presence of cavities and defective restorations
- retention of food particles between the teeth
- breathing through the mouth, which causes dryness of the mucous membranes
- occasional or regular smoking
- Decreased salivary flow, i.e. saliva production
- accumulation of bacteria and food debris on the tongue
The mouthwash against bad breath
The mouthwash against bad breath acts by fighting against the bacteria present in your mouth for their negative actions and their degradation. The latter is the first responsible for the bad smell. Bacteria also cause gum irritation and infection, canker sores, bleeding, plaque and cavities, which in turn 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 from between the teeth, on the gums, tongue, palate and inside of the cheeks for better efficiency. Clean and sanitized, your oral cavity is rid of the agents responsible for the odors that cause bad breath.
If it does not replace a brushing of the teeth with a toothbrush, the mouthwash is an excellent complement to perfect the cleaning of your mouth. In prevention, it is useful to avoid the formation of the dental plaque and to limit the causes of the inflammation; it is ideal after each brushing to leave you a healthy mouth with a fresh breath. In care, it relieves irritations and mouth aches for the wellbeing of your oral hygiene.
The principle of use of the mouthwash against bad breath
Every day, after brushing your teeth, it is recommended to use a mouthwash to complete the cleaning and fight effectively against bad breath. To do this, pour 10 to 15 ml of the product into the measuring cap or into a glass. Check the instructions to find out if your mouthwash is to be used pure or diluted, in order to fully benefit from its advantages. Some models are ready to use and do not require the addition of water. Rinse your entire mouth for about 30 seconds, or even one minute in case of infection or particularly strong breath. Spit out and avoid rinsing unless specified in your instructions.
For an optimal effect, do not hesitate to spread it and to make it circulate in all your mouth. Puff your cheeks, lift your tongue and move your lips to allow it to reach all surfaces of the oral cavity and all interdental spaces. This is the best way to remove bacteria, relieve inflammation and achieve fresh, pleasant smelling breath. Repeat these steps after each brushing, two to three times a day, for better effectiveness.
Other tips to stop bad breath
- You can brush your teeth morning and evening, or after each meal, for at least two minutes. However, it is advisable to wait 30 minutes before brushing your teeth after consuming sugary foods or acidic drinks. This will prevent damage to the enamel, which is vulnerable at that time.
- Bacteria and food residues tend to accumulate under a thin mucous membrane on the tongue. That's why it's just as important to brush your tongue to fight bad breath.
- A dry mouth is an ideal breeding ground for bad breath bacteria. It is therefore particularly important to drink water frequently. When your mouth is well hydrated and producing enough saliva, you reduce the risk of bad breath.
You can use the Y-Brush toothbrush to brush your teeth. It is a sonic toothbrush that allows you to brush all the teeth and their faces at the same time.
We hope this guide has helped you understand what bad breath is and what the different symptoms of bad breath are. We also hope that you will understand what causes bad breath. Mouthwash is one of the most useful solutions for bad breath if used properly. You can also combine its use with the tips to get rid of bad breath.
