Fighting bad breath in 4 simple steps

Bad breath is a sensitive topic that people don't like to talk about. Who likes to tell a fellow human being that he smells unpleasant from the mouth? It is expected that 3 out of 10 people suffer from bad breath.  What helps against bad breath? This article will explain what the most common causes of bad breath are and show you how to get rid of annoying bad breath in four simple steps and prevent it permanently. 

Bad breath: causes and triggers

Eaten garlic or drunk too much alcohol the night before? Temporary bad breath, which is due to the consumption of food or stimulants, comes out of the stomach and disappears on its own after some time and does not require further treatment.

Persistent bad breath, on the other hand, is most often due to problems in the oral cavity. A common trigger for bad breath is anaerobic bacteria in the interdental spaces and in the tongue coating. Food residues are decomposed by the bacteria and released into sulfur compounds – hence the unpleasant smell. Here are the most common causes:

• Lack of oral hygiene 
  
• Dental diseases such as tooth decay or root inflammation
  
• Periodontitis (inflammation of the periodontium)
  
• Fungal infections and abscesses in the mouth
  
• Tumors
  
  

Furthermore, various non-oral causes can also be triggers for bad breath:

• Taking medication
  
• Stress
  
• Hormonal fluctuations, for example during menopause
  
• Ear, nose and throat diseases (angina, sinusitis)² 
  
• Food allergies 
   

If you suffer from bad breath and are unsure what the trigger is, ask your dentist for advice.