The most important points at a glance:
- The accumulation of bacteria causes bad breath
- Sage can help combat bad breath and also has a disinfecting effect
- Beware of chewing gum and sweets
Bad breath is usually caused by the accumulation of bacteria that produce an unpleasant odor. Possible reasons include incomplete oral hygiene, certain diets, as well as stress or insufficient fluid intake. Tobacco use or a dry mouth can also cause bad breath. Bacteria can form in the mouth especially when food particles have not been removed adequately. However, illnesses or taking certain medications can also trigger bad breath.
Bad breath is not a rare phenomenon
Bad breath is common, and practically everyone has suffered from it at some point, whether in the morning after waking up or after eating certain foods. Below, we would like to share what we consider the most important tips for combating bad breath:
- Clean your tongue regularly, as most bacteria live on the tongue.
- Antibacterial mouthwashes can help freshen your breath.
- Sage is a proven home remedy for bothersome bad breath and also has a disinfecting effect.
- Brush your teeth daily and use dental floss. This helps eliminate odor-causing bacteria.
- Anise and fennel seeds make unpleasant odors disappear from the mouth.
- If the bad breath is caused by a dry mouth, lemon juice is recommended. The acidity stimulates the salivary glands and helps promote fresh breath.
- Have your teeth professionally cleaned regularly; this removes plaque from areas that are very difficult to reach on your own.
It is particularly important to mention that various chewing gums and sweets (e.g. peppermint) do not actually help against bad breath. Since most of these products contain a large proportion of sugary ingredients, which can in turn promote the growth of bacteria, they usually have the opposite effect, and the bad breath persists or even becomes worse.
When should you see a doctor?
Bad breath usually has a harmless cause. However, if it persists despite thorough cleaning and care, you should contact your family doctor or dentist. Bad breath can also be caused by illnesses, which must then be appropriately examined. It is particularly important to mention that in most cases, no one is to blame for having bad breath.
