Dental knowledge: bad breath (halitosis)

For many people bad breath — medically, halitosis — is a taboo subject.

Bad breath is a common problem, but one that is rarely talked about. For many people the subject – medically, halitosis – is taboo. In most cases (around 90 per cent) the source of the unpleasant odour is intraoral and is to be found in the mouth itself.

Bad breath is caused by the bacterial breakdown of organic material in the oral cavity. The bacteria involved are anaerobes – micro-organisms that live in an oxygen-free environment – and settle between the papillae on the surface of the tongue, in the throat and in periodontal pockets.

The unpleasant odours are less often caused by problems with internal organs or by existing illness. Most oral bacteria are found on the surface of the tongue, especially the back of it. Alongside inadequate oral hygiene and poor dental health, a coated tongue is one of the most common causes of halitosis.

Answered briefly

Frequently asked questions

Where does bad breath usually come from?

In most cases, about 90 percent, the source of the unpleasant odour lies in the mouth itself. The cause of bad breath, medically halitosis, is a bacterial breakdown of organic material in the oral cavity. Alongside poor oral hygiene and a bad state of the teeth, a coating on the tongue is among the most frequent causes.

Which bacteria cause bad breath?

Anaerobes are responsible, that is microorganisms that live in an oxygen-free environment. They settle between the papillae of the tongue surface, in the throat and in gum pockets. Most oral bacteria are found on the surface of the tongue, especially on the back of the tongue.

Can bad breath come from internal organs or from an illness?

That does happen, but it is the rarer case. In only a small proportion of those affected are the unpleasant odours caused by problems with internal organs or by existing illnesses. Around 90 percent of cases have their origin in the area of the oral cavity.