What Are The Real Causes Of Bad Breath, Also Known As Halitosis?

By: Del Carl

Not only bad breath, but also other oral health problems such as gum disease, have been shown in clinical research to be mainly caused by the build-up of nasty odour-releasing bacteria on the surface of the tongue.

Especially during sleep, the tongue is coated with a plaque film of bacteria and other odour causing compounds. The texture of the tongue is very conducive to housing this unwanted bacteria, which is why, fresh breath is difficult to maintain, even after brushing your teeth.

You won't remove the film of plaque by brushing your tongue with your toothbrush, you will only stir it up.

The primary cause of bad breath is the bacteria on the tongue, according to the halitosis experts. This was recently reportedby the American Dental Association News.

Time Life, "The Medical Advisor", reports that; "When saliva collects in the mouth - particularly in depressions at the back of the tongue - and is digested by oral bacteria, powerful odours can result."

Odorous chemical by-products from the bacteria thriving on the tongue will build up, and according to recent studies, may even cause gum disease. They will also be released by an active gum disease. They are known as Volatile Sulphur Compounds or VSCs, and smell similar to the chemicals given off by rotten eggs.

Although VSCs are the primary agents causing bad breath, the bacteria inhabiting our mouths also produce other bad smelling waste-products. They include:

Cadaverine - the smell we associate with corpses

Putrescine - decaying meat-like smells

Skatole - typically, human faecal matter gives off this smell

Isovaleric acid - sweaty feet smell like this

I bet you are surprised to learn that this pleasant cocktail of odour-causing chemicals is found in the human mouth, and everyone has them. Our breath always has some level of these compounds in them.

Normally, we can't even detect these compounds with our noses because the levels are usually very low. But when they increase beyond a certain level, other people can pick them up, and that's when we are said to have "bad breath."

Along with normal mucus productions, food particles left over after eating stay on the tongue and create a nice coating which is an ideal hiding place for the bacteria. Also, the rough texture of the tongue aids in their hiding.

Why is it safe? Because the bacteria are anaerobic, that is, oxygen is lethal to them. So the bacteria, hidden in the safety of the tongues coating, do their "dirty work" releasing odorous gasses in the process.

Not only is this the main cause of bad breath (halitosis), but also reduces our ability to taste food, and dramatically increases the risks of decay setting in. Remember that your health is your wealth, and it is also your responsibility to act to improve the level you are at.

Article Source: http://www.retirementlivingarticledirectory.com

About the author: Del Carl researches and publishes free articles and news about bad breath and gum disease online at his site. Be sure to drop by sometime.

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