From the Guidelines
Bad breath, or halitosis, can be effectively managed by maintaining thorough oral hygiene, using natural products, and addressing potential systemic causes. To manage bad breath, it is essential to maintain good oral hygiene by brushing teeth twice daily with a toothpaste containing natural ingredients, flossing daily to remove trapped food particles, and cleaning your tongue with a tongue scraper or toothbrush. Rinsing with a natural antimicrobial mouthwash, such as those containing herbal compounds like Ocimum sanctum, triphala, or green tea, can also be beneficial in reducing halitosis 1. Staying hydrated to prevent dry mouth and considering sugar-free gum or lozenges to stimulate saliva production can also help. Avoiding tobacco products and limiting foods that cause strong odors is also crucial. Some key points to consider when managing bad breath include:
- Using natural products that have anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties, such as those found in herbal-based toothpastes and mouthwashes 1
- Addressing potential systemic causes of halitosis, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease, diabetes, or sinus infections
- Replacing your toothbrush every 3-4 months to prevent the buildup of bacteria
- Consulting a dentist to rule out dental issues like gum disease or cavities, or a physician to check for underlying conditions. These approaches work because they target the bacteria and food particles that produce sulfur compounds responsible for the unpleasant odor, while addressing potential systemic causes of halitosis. Some natural products that have been shown to be effective in managing bad breath include:
- Eugenol, which has been used in dental practice for a long time 1
- Listerine mouthwash, which can be found in many households across the globe 1
- Herbal compounds like Ocimum sanctum, triphala, and green tea, which have anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties 1.
From the Research
Causes of Bad Breath
- Halitosis is caused primarily by bacterial putrefaction and the generation of volatile sulfur compounds 2
- Ninety percent of patients suffering from halitosis have oral causes, such as poor oral hygiene, periodontal disease, tongue coat, food impaction, unclean dentures, faulty restorations, oral carcinomas, and throat infections 2
- The remaining 10 percent of halitosis sufferers have systemic causes that include renal or hepatic failure, carcinomas, diabetes or trimethylaminuria 2
- Unhealthy eating habits and an imbalance of microorganisms in the oral cavity and gastrointestinal tract were identified as primary causes of halitosis 3
- Dental caries, periodontal disease, xerostomia, and digestive disorders like gastritis and irritable bowel syndrome were also found to be related to the development of halitosis 3
Management of Bad Breath
- Management of halitosis involves maintaining proper oral hygiene, and periodontal treatment, including tongue brushing 2
- Enhancing oral hygiene habits, using antimicrobial drugs, or administering probiotics may help regulate oral or intestinal flora, thereby improving halitosis and overall oral health 3
- Tongue cleaning may be an effective method for improving halitosis, as it reduces the numbers of periodontal disease-associated oral bacteria in tongue coatings 4
- Different methods targeting specific bacteria species have been designed to improve this condition, such as detecting periodontal diseases, insufficient dental restorations, alternating diets, and/or alleviating local factors 5