Bad breath, medically known as halitosis, is a common problem that affects one in four women. It is an unpleasant condition that often leads to insecurity and stress, especially in social situations. This article mainly focuses on the causes and solutions for bad breath in women.

Main causes of bad breath

The main cause of bad breath in women and men is usually in the mouth itself. Bacteria in our oral cavity, on our tongue and in the throat play a central role. These bacteria can be divided into many different genera, all of which have the task of decomposing food residue. Unfortunately, some of these types of bacteria produce volatile sulfur compounds, which are responsible for the bad smell. These bacteria are particularly stubborn and multiply particularly quickly under certain conditions:

Groceries

Sugary foods in particular, such as sweets, soft drinks and fruit, can increase the growth of certain bacteria that cause bad breath. However, these should not be confused with foods such as garlic, onions and spices, which have a strong odor and can also cause bad breath.

Dry mouth

Dry mouth can also cause bad breath. Saliva cleanses the oral cavity by removing bacteria and food particles. Therefore, a dry mouth promotes bad smells, which is particularly noticeable after waking up.

Certain diseases

Various medical conditions can affect the respiratory system and may also affect the smell of breath. These include asthma, cystic fibrosis, renal insufficiency, liver insufficiency and others. Diabetes can affect breath because the disease increases glucose levels in saliva, which promotes the growth of certain bacteria, leading to bad breath.

Poor dental hygiene

Perhaps the most common reason for bad breath is poor dental hygiene. Failure to brush and floss your teeth daily can lead to an excessive buildup of bacteria between the teeth and on the gums, causing bad breath.

Smoke

Tobacco not only stains teeth and irritates gums, but it can also cause bad breath. When you smoke, the chemicals in cigarettes stick to the surface of your teeth and gums, leading to more sulfur-releasing bacteria.

Bad breath in women during pregnancy

Bad breath can also occur during pregnancy. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause bad breath. Increased hormone levels can cause more plaque to form, which can lead to gum inflammation and bad breath. In addition, nausea and vomiting, which often occur during pregnancy, can also lead to bad breath.

What to do about bad breath?

There are several ways to prevent and treat bad breath. Here are some tips that can help:

Good oral hygiene

Good oral hygiene is key to preventing bad breath. Regular brushing, flossing, and mouthwash can help keep your mouth clean and free of odor-causing bacteria.

Drink plenty of water

Drink plenty of water to prevent dry mouth. A dry mouth can promote bad breath because it reduces the production of saliva, which is used to keep the mouth clean.

Smoking cessation

If you smoke, you should consider quitting. Smoking can cause bad breath and affect your overall health.

Probiotics for the oral flora

An additional way to prevent bad breath and eliminate bad bacteria is to take oral probiotics, such as PRObiom Dental. It contains special bacterial strains that inhibit the growth of bad bacteria and build up healthy oral flora in the long term.

Regular dental check-ups

Regular dental exams and cleanings can help prevent bad breath. Your dentist can remove plaque and tartar that can cause bad breath and give you tips to improve your oral hygiene.

Final thoughts

Bad breath can be an unpleasant problem, but there are many ways to treat and prevent it. Establishing a routine of good oral hygiene, drinking regularly, and taking probiotics is the quickest and safest way to combat bad breath long-term. During pregnancy in women and hormonal imbalances, it is also important to maintain the routine and stay free of bad breath.