What Causes Bad Breath? 

Bad breath, or halitosis, can be a major inconvenience, especially when you’re about to snuggle with your sweetheart or whisper a joke to a friend. The good news is that dangerous breath can usually be avoided with a few simple steps.

Bad breath is caused by odour-producing microorganisms that grow in the mouth. Microorganisms accumulate on the bits of food left in your mouth and between your teeth if you do not brush and floss frequently. The sulphur compounds released by these microorganisms contribute to the odour of your breath.

Certain foods, particularly those containing pungent oils, such as garlic and onions, will contribute to dangerous breath as the oils are carried to your lungs and out through your mouth. Smoking is also a significant contributor to bad breath.

There are numerous myths about dealing with bad breath. Here are three things you may have noticed about bad breath that aren’t true:

Myth #1: If you brush your teeth, you shouldn’t have bad breath.

The majority of people only brush their teeth for thirty to forty-five seconds, which is insufficient. Brushing for a minimum of two minutes twice a day is recommended to adequately clean all surfaces of your teeth. Remember to brush your tongue as well — microorganisms like to gather there. Flossing is also necessary because brushing alone will not remove harmful plaque and food particles that become stuck between your teeth and gums.

Myth #2: You can detect bad breath by breathing into your hand.

Wrong! When you breathe, you do not use your throat in the same way that you speak. When you speak, you tend to bring out odours from the back of your mouth (where bad breath originates), which breathing alone does not do. Furthermore, because we tend to become familiar with our own smells, it’s difficult for an individual to tell if he or she had bad breath.

Myth #3: Mouthwash can help bad breath escape.