It is one of the last major taboos in our society: bad breath (medically known as halitosis). Those affected often suffer in silence, withdraw socially or develop deep insecurities when interacting with others. Yet there is no reason for shame. Bad breath is not a sign of poor hygiene – it is usually the result of a medical imbalance that can be treated very effectively.
As dentists, we would like to start by clearing up a persistent myth: bad breath almost never comes from the stomach. In around 90% of cases, the cause lies directly in the oral cavity. That is the good news – because this is exactly where we can address the problem together.
Understanding the cause: where does bad breath come from?
To solve the problem, it is important to understand the mechanism behind it. Bad breath is caused by anaerobic bacteria – bacteria that thrive in oxygen-poor environments. These microorganisms break down proteins from food debris, saliva and dead cells. During this process, so-called volatile sulfur compounds are produced as waste products. These sulfur compounds are what we perceive as unpleasant odour.
These bacteria hide in areas that are protected from oxygen: deep periodontal pockets, leaking crown margins and, most importantly, the deep grooves on the back of the tongue.
Your 5-step plan for fresh breath
If you feel affected, you can immediately integrate the following measures into your daily routine:
1. The number one bacterial reservoir: the tongue
Around 60–80% of the bacteria responsible for bad breath live on the tongue – especially on its posterior third.
- What to do: Use a a tongue cleaner or tongue scraperdaily, ideally in the morning. Toothbrushes are often too soft for this purpose and tend to trigger the gag reflex due to their size.
- Technique: Gently pull the scraper from the back of the tongue forward. If you do not have a scraper available, an upside-down teaspoon can be used as a temporary alternative.
2. Use chemistry wisely: zinc instead of alcohol
Many patients turn to strong mouthwashes. Caution: if the product contains alcohol, it dries out the oral mucosa – which can actually worsen bad breath in the long term.
- What to do: Look for zinc as an ingredient in toothpaste and mouthwash. ZincZinc ions chemically bind sulfur compounds and neutralise odour instead of merely masking it.
3. Cleaning the niches: interdental care
Because bacteria love oxygen-poor environments, the spaces between the teeth are their ideal hiding places.
- What to do: Daily use of dental floss or interdental brushes is non-negotiable when dealing with halitosis. These tools remove the “food source” for bacteria and introduce oxygen into the interdental spaces, inhibiting bacterial growth.
4. Saliva is the natural enemy of odour
Saliva is rich in oxygen and has a natural cleansing effect. A dry mouth (xerostomia) – caused by stress, prolonged speaking or certain medications – almost automatically leads to bad breath.
- What to do: Drink plenty of water or unsweetened herbal tea (green tea contains polyphenols that can inhibit bacterial growth). Chew sugar-free gum with xylitol after meals to stimulate saliva flow.
- Home remedies: Chewing fresh parsley, mint or a slice of ginger can provide short-term neutralisation and also stimulate saliva production.
5. The professional check-up (halitosis consultation)
If home measures do not provide lasting relief, the cause is often something you cannot resolve on your own. This may include undiagnosed periodontal disease, leaking filling margins or hidden inflammatory sites.
- What we do: During a dedicated examination, we objectively measure breath odour and carefully inspect the oral cavity for bacterial niches. In many cases, a targeted professional dental cleaning (PDC) combined with periodontal therapy provides rapid improvement by cleaning deep pockets that are inaccessible at home.
Bad breath significantly affects quality of life – but it does not have to. Speak openly with us. For us, this is not a taboo, but a clear medical condition with an excellent prognosis.
Would you like to learn more about halitosis? We would be happy to advise you personally at our practice in Kronberg im Taunus.