How to make your breath arctic-fresh

Bad breath – where does unpleasant breath come from?

Our oral cavity hosts countless bacteria – roughly 800 to 1'000 different species. They thrive where food debris and dead cells accumulate. On tooth surfaces they form dental plaque, which can be largely removed by thorough brushing, but remains especially in hard-to-reach areas such as interdental spaces and the tongue.

Some of these bacteria release odour-producing substances when breaking down food, particularly sulfur compounds, which are considered the main culprits of halitosis. People with dental diseases such as periodontitis are especially prone to bad breath because pathogenic microbes tend to colonise these areas.

A natural opponent of odour-producing bacteria is saliva. It flushes food debris, bacteria and other microorganisms out of the mouth and also contains antibacterial substances that protect the teeth. If saliva production is reduced – for example at night, during strict diets or due to snoring – the mouth becomes dry and bacteria gain the upper hand. That is why morning breath is so common.

Why do I have bad breath despite brushing my teeth?

Bad breath does not only arise from poor oral hygiene – other factors also play a role. The toothbrush cannot reach every spot in the mouth. Especially in the narrow interdental spaces food particles and bacteria become trapped, where they can multiply undisturbed. Dental floss or interdental brushes are therefore essential to clean these problem areas thoroughly.

Conditions such as gingivitis or periodontitis damage the tooth-supporting tissues and can lead to persistent bad breath. Inflamed gingiva provide microbes with an ideal nutrient environment and favour the development of unpleasant odours. Regular dental check-ups help detect and treat such problems early.

If the mouth is too dry – for example due to certain medications, mouth breathing or illness – this natural cleansing is lacking. The result: bad breath. That is why many people wake up with bad breath.

Garlic, onions or heavily spiced foods often leave persistent odours. These can even be absorbed into the bloodstream and released via the lungs, so that breath may be affected for hours afterwards.

Tobacco and alcohol negatively affect the oral flora. They dry out the mucous membranes and promote the growth of odour-producing bacteria. If you value fresh breath, you should therefore reconsider your consumption.

Sometimes bad breath is a sign of a health issue beyond the mouth. Conditions such as respiratory infections, acid reflux, diabetes or even kidney and liver problems can manifest as bad breath. In such cases, medical investigation is advisable.

What causes bad breath in children and babies?

Bad breath is not only an adult problem – children and even babies can be affected. Poor oral hygiene is not always the cause.

If a child has a blocked nose, frequent sore throats or oesophageal issues, inflammation may be the cause. Increased mucus production allows bacteria to accumulate in the throat and cause bad breath. In these cases, medical treatment is often required to combat the infection.

Young children are curious and sometimes insert small objects such as marbles, peas or toy parts into their nose. If a foreign body goes unnoticed, it can lead to an infection with unpleasant mouth and nasal odour.

Tonsil infections (tonsillitis) can cause not only sore throats but also strong bad breath. Especially if the tonsils are red, swollen or covered with white spots, a bacterial or viral infection may be present. In such cases, it is advisable to see a doctor to start appropriate treatment.

Children are often very active and sometimes forget to drink enough. Lack of fluids reduces saliva production, allowing odour-producing germs to multiply unchecked. This is a common problem in children who do a lot of sports or breathe through their mouth. Regular water intake can help keep the mouth moist and reduce bad breath.

Even when children brush regularly, hidden cavities or gum inflammations can cause bad breath. Bacteria in decayed teeth or inflamed gingiva produce foul odours that ordinary oral care often cannot eliminate.

In babies, a sour mouth odour can be caused by frequent spitting up or regurgitation. Milk or food that has become acidic in the stomach returns to the oral cavity. This is usually harmless but should be monitored – especially if the baby vomits frequently.

Can medications trigger bad breath?

Yes, certain medicines can cause bad breath. A common cause is dry mouth as a side effect. Many drugs inhibit saliva production, disrupting the mouth's natural cleaning process. Saliva flushes away germs and food debris; when it is lacking, odour-producing microorganisms can multiply. Drugs particularly associated with this are antihistamines for allergies, antidepressants and some blood pressure medications.

Another cause of medication-related bad breath are sulfur-containing agents. Some antibiotics from the penicillin group and drugs like disulfiram contain sulfur compounds that are released during metabolism. These can be exhaled and produce an odour reminiscent of rotten eggs, which cannot be removed by brushing.

Does skipping breakfast cause bad breath?

Yes, skipping breakfast can lead to bad breath. During sleep, saliva production is reduced, which promotes the accumulation of bacteria in the mouth. These bacteria break down organic matter and produce volatile sulfur compounds responsible for the unpleasant smell. Eating breakfast in the morning stimulates saliva production and helps to remove these bacteria.

In addition, chewing fibre-rich foods like apples promotes mechanical cleaning of the teeth and stimulates saliva flow, which also helps reduce bad breath. Therefore, skipping breakfast can create conditions that favour bacterial growth in the mouth and thus promote bad breath.

Bad breath: how to get rid of it effectively

• If you are unsure whether you have bad breath, there are simple self-tests. A tried-and-true trick is the back-of-the-hand test: lick the back of your hand with your tongue, let the saliva dry briefly and then smell it. If the odour is unpleasant, you should review your oral hygiene and take targeted measures.
• The foundation of oral hygiene is thorough tooth brushing morning and evening for at least two minutes. Use a fluoride toothpaste and employ circular motions to remove plaque thoroughly. You should also pay attention to gentle but effective cleaning of the gums to avoid inflammation.
• Many germs that cause bad breath accumulate on the tongue. The rear area is particularly affected, as it is barely cleaned by saliva. A tongue scraper or brush can help remove deposits. Repeat this daily for a noticeable improvement in breath freshness.
• Food particles and bacteria accumulate especially in the spaces between the teeth, where the toothbrush cannot reach. Therefore, use dental floss or interdental brushes daily to clean these areas. Thorough cleaning not only reduces bad breath but also prevents tooth decay and gum inflammation.
• Have your teeth checked by a dentist at least twice a year to detect cavities, tartar or hidden inflammations early. A professional cleaning removes stubborn deposits and reduces bacteria that can cause bad breath.
• A dry mouth promotes bad breath because saliva has antibacterial properties. Drink at least 1.5 to 2 litres of water daily to stimulate saliva flow. Avoid sugary drinks, as they favour bacterial growth and thereby worsen bad breath.
• Sage tea has antibacterial properties and can be used as a natural mouth rinse to reduce oral bacteria. Green tea contains polyphenols that also help against unpleasant odours and additionally strengthen the gingiva. These rinses are a good complement to daily oral care.
• Certain foods like onions, garlic or heavily spiced dishes can promote bad breath. Fresh herbs such as parsley, mint or sage contain essential oils that neutralise bad breath. Apples help reduce odour-forming germs thanks to their natural enzymes.
• Oil pulling with coconut, sesame or olive oil can help remove toxins and germs from the oral cavity. In the morning before brushing, take a tablespoon of oil into the mouth, move it around and then spit it out. This may contribute to fresher breath in the long term.
• If you often sleep with your mouth open, your oral mucosa dries out, which can exacerbate bad breath. If you frequently wake up with a dry mouth, changing your sleeping position or humidifying the room air with a humidifier may help.
• If you wear a denture, bridge or fixed braces, thorough cleaning is particularly important. Use special cleaning tablets or ultrasonic cleaners to remove deposits and bacteria. Removable dental trays should also be cleaned daily.
• Chronic bad breath can indicate health issues, such as diseases of the gums, tonsils or stomach. Diabetes or liver problems can also be associated with unpleasant breath. If bad breath persists despite good hygiene, seek medical advice to investigate possible causes.

Bad breath is a common problem, often caused by inadequate oral hygiene or certain foods. Regular dental care, adequate fluid intake and a conscious diet can help prevent unpleasant odours. Those who still suffer from persistent bad breath should have potential medical causes investigated, as it may also point to gastrointestinal issues or oral diseases.