The hidden cause of bad breath (Hint: it’s on your tongue)

We know it’s not the most pleasant thing to talk or think about, but bad breath affects many people. You are not alone. It can be uncomfortable and make you withdraw from social interactions, however, the key is to recognise the symptoms and improve your oral health hygiene sooner than later. If left untreated, bad breath can become a serious health concern.

Quick Read:

  • Bad breath is far more common than we realise and you can take steps to fix the problem.
  • It’s worth taking a look at your diet as some foods may affect your breath.
  • Some medications can also cause bad breath as a side-effect.

What causes bad breath?

There are two types of bad breath. For some, bad breath happens after eating a strongly flavoured food, such as a meal with lots of garlic. Then, there’s chronic bad breath – also known as halitosis. This type is caused by bacteria in the mouth that create unpleasant smells, leading to constant bad breath. These bacteria accumulate from leftover food particles and get worse if you neglect your oral hygiene.

It’s not just food that can affect the freshness of your breath. Certain medications trigger side-effects, such as bad breath. If you take a variety of medications, please ask your doctor about these effects.

Why won’t bad breath go away even if after brushing?

If you are dealing with halitosis, bad breath can be a daily companion. Picture your mouth as a tiny yet busy city. Most bad breath (over 85%) comes from inside your mouth, as your mouth naturally has lots of bacteria (tiny living things).

Some of these bacteria, especially ones hiding at the back of your tongue feed on leftover food bits. When they eat, they release unpleasant gases (like rotten eggs). These are called volatile sulfur compounds. That smell becomes bad breath (also called halitosis).

How bad breath gets worse

  • If you don’t brush and clean properly, that results in more food + more bacteria = more smells.
  • If your tongue isn’t cleaned, bacteria builds up there.
  • If you have braces, cavities, or places where food gets stuck, this gives bacteria extra “hiding spots”.
  • If your mouth is dry, there’s less saliva to wash things away, so bacteria grow faster.

Bad breath usually happens because bacteria in your mouth are eating leftover food and releasing smelly gas, and anything that helps bacteria stick around makes it worse.

Worst food culprits of bad breath

Certain foods are worse than others when it comes to unpleasant odours. These include:

  • Garlic contains sulfur compounds which leave behind that lingering smell in the mouth. It can also be absorbed into the bloodstream, causing your breath to smell pungent even after a few hours.
  • Onions add tons of flavour to our food, but they also contain sulfur compounds that can cause bad breath.
  • Spicy foods that contain ingredients like curry, cumin, and chilli can lead to bad breath.
  • We all love our daily dose of caffeine, but coffee is often a bad breath culprit as it may cause dry mouth, which reduces the saliva in the mouth. Saliva is necessary to wash away food particles and bacteria. The lack of moisture can lead to bacteria growth, which contributes to bad breath.
  • Alcohol is another dehydrating beverage that can cause dry mouth and worsen bad breath. Also, alcohol can produce an unpleasant odour as it is metabolised in the body.
Bad breath fish

Smells fishy…

Certain types of fish, especially canned varieties like tuna, have strong odours that tend to linger. The fishy smell is caused by compounds that break down into trimethylamine, which can be released through your breath.

Help at hand: tips to banish bad breath

Consider your oral health routine. How long do you really brush your teeth? What about flossing? To effectively brush your teeth, you need to spend at least two minutes twice a day at it – not forgetting to brush your tongue. Bacteria can build up on your tongue and the roof of your mouth. Flossing is also important to remove all the tiny bits of food in between your teeth.

Keep up with your water intake as saliva helps wash away bacteria. Sugarless gum can also help to stimulate saliva production, especially after a meal. Make it a practice to drink a glass of water after every meal.

Daily habits to improve bad breath

  • Many people tend to ignore sores, cuts, or small infections in the mouth. The longer these are left untreated, the worse they can become and these sores and infections are big contributors to bad breath.
  • Stub out that cigarette! It sounds obvious, but bears repeating. Smoking is a big, bad culprit when it comes to breath hygiene.
  • Calcium-rich foods like milk, cheese, and yoghurt are necessary for healthy teeth and gums. Eating crunchy fruits and vegetables, such as apples, carrots, and celery, may help clean your teeth naturally by scrubbing away plaque.

In some cases, bad breath can be a sign of more serious health issues, such as oral cancer. If you have any concering symptoms like difficulty swallowing, mouth pain, unexplained weight loss, or a lump in your neck, please see a doctor or visit a clinic as soon as possible.

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