Bad breath - Why do we have it?

According to the most current research over 90 percent * of all cases of chronic bad breath originate in the mouth, NOT in the stomach, sinuses or lungs. Virtually all cases of bad breath are caused by volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs). One compound is hydrogen sulfide (the rotten egg smell) and another is methyl mercaptan (the essence of skunk oil).

The source of these compounds is bacteria in the mouth breaking down the cell wall of dead cells. These anaerobic bacteria collect and multiply mainly on the tongue. They thrive in a dry, dark environment such as under the gums, the spaces between the teeth and the crevices of the tongue.

These bacteria are active in inflammation of the gum (gingivitis) and gum disease (periodontitis). While these bacteria are causing gum disease and destroying bone, they are also producing VSCs that cause bad breath. If you suffer from chronic bad breath, make sure to visit your dentist for an examination. Be alert for warnings of gum disease: 1)gums are red, tender, swollen, pull away from your teeth or bleed when you brush or floss, 2) loose teeth or change of a tooth's position and 3) bad taste or bad breath.

* As you can see, about 10% of bad breath cases are caused by non-oral conditions. Some of these are the use of tobacco, offensive smelling foods, use of some prescription drugs and medical disorders of the respiratory tract, liver kidney, gastrointestinal tract as well as some systematic diseases. However, these conditions consitute a small percentage - overwhelmingly the cause is VSCs in the mouth.

Who has bad breath

Treating bad breath