Goodbye bad breath: Causes of bad breath and what really helps

Bad breath (halitosis) is a topic that hardly anyone likes to talk about, but it affects many. Whether after eating, in the morning or due to certain illnesses - bad breath can be unpleasantly noticeable in everyday life. But what is behind it and how can bad breath be combated sustainably?

Goodbye bad breath_ Causes of bad breath and what really helps

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Table of content

• What causes bad breath?

• Causes in teeth and gums

• Causes of bad breath: Problems in the oral cavity and throat

• Bad breath? These diseases in the nasopharynx could be the reason

• Bad breath from the lungs: How bronchial and lung diseases cause bad breath

• Digestive problems and bad breath: How the stomach and breath are connected

• Metabolic disorders and bad breath: When breath is a warning signal

• Essential halitosis: What to do if you have bad breath without a clear cause?

• The role of the microbiome

• How Mae Mae Care helps

What causes bad breath?

90% of bad breath occurs in the mouth itself. The main culprit is bacteria that settle on the tongue, teeth or gums and release sulphur-containing compounds. These can cause unpleasant odours. The most common causes include:

• Poor oral hygiene: Leftover food provides bacteria with ideal growth conditions.

• Dry mouth: The body produces less saliva, especially at night, which makes it difficult for the mouth to clean itself.

• Certain foods: garlic, onions or alcohol can make bad breath worse.

• Stimulants: Smoking, coffee and alcohol often contribute to unpleasant breath due to their intense odor and the fact that they promote dry mouth.

• Diseases in the mouth: Inflammation of the gums (gingivitis), tooth decay or periodontitis are often the cause.

• Other health causes: In rare cases, diseases of the digestive tract, respiratory tract or metabolic disorders are responsible.
  

  

Causes in teeth and gums

• Caries: Bacteria convert sugar into harmful acids, which causes tooth decay. The first signs are discoloration, followed by pain when exposed to heat or cold. Good dental hygiene and less sugar consumption help prevent this.

  
  

• Inflammation of the gums (gingivitis): Bacteria in plaque often cause inflammation of the gums. Symptoms are redness, swelling and bleeding when brushing teeth. Thorough oral care and regular tooth cleaning are essential.

  
  

• Periodontitis: This inflammation of the periodontal ligament can lead to sensitive teeth, bad breath and, in the worst case, tooth loss. Treatment requires intensive dental care and dental interventions.

Causes of bad breath: Problems in the oral cavity and throat

• Dry mouth: Saliva cleans the mouth and fights bacteria. Reduced saliva flow - for example due to smoking, drinking too little or certain medications - promotes bad breath. Diseases such as diabetes or Sjögren's syndrome can also be responsible.

  
  

• Inflammation of the oral mucosa: Viruses, bacteria or fungi such as oral thrush often lead to dryness, burning or redness. A weakened oral mucosa is particularly susceptible.

  
  

• Diseases of the tonsils: Chronic or acute tonsillitis can cause unpleasant bad breath due to purulent deposits.

Bad breath? These diseases in the nasopharynx could be the reason

• Sinusitis: Chronic inflammation leads to mucus accumulation, which often causes unpleasant odors. A blocked nose and mouth breathing make the problem worse.

  
  

• Nasal polyps and chronic runny nose: Both can lead to difficulty in nasal breathing and increased mucus formation, which promotes bad breath. In particular, unpleasant odors are caused by germs on dry mucous membranes in the case of the so-called "stinky nose".

Bad breath from the lungs: How bronchial and lung diseases cause bad breath

• Acute and chronic bronchitis: Inflammatory mucus accumulations in the bronchi often lead to bad breath. Smokers in particular are at risk of developing chronic bronchitis and COPD.

  
  

• Pneumonia: Purulent sputum and inflammatory processes can cause both coughing and bad breath.

Digestive problems and bad breath: How the stomach and breath are connected

• Heartburn and reflux: Stomach acid that flows back into the esophagus can cause not only pain but also bad breath.

  
  

• Esophageal diverticula: Food residues in bulges in the mucous membrane lead to decomposition and strong bad breath.

  
  

• Inflammation of the stomach lining (gastritis): Chronic gastritis or stomach ulcers can cause bad breath.

Metabolic disorders and bad breath: When breath is a warning signal

• Diabetes mellitus: Diabetic ketoacidosis causes breath that smells like acetone or rotten fruit. This is a medical emergency.

  
  

• Kidney failure: When kidney function is impaired, breath often smells like urine, accompanied by symptoms such as nausea and high blood pressure.

  
  

• Liver failure: A sweet smell of bad breath can indicate liver cirrhosis or hepatitis and requires urgent treatment.

Essential halitosis: What to do if you have bad breath without a clear cause?

Sometimes the cause of bad breath remains unclear (essential halitosis). A low-fat diet and measures to strengthen the intestinal flora can be helpful in such cases.

The role of the microbiome

The oral microbiome, the totality of the bacteria in the mouth, plays a crucial role in fresh breath and oral health. An imbalance, often triggered by stress, poor diet or aggressive mouthwashes, can promote bad breath.

How can bad breath be combatted?

The good news: bad breath is often easy to get under control if the right strategy is chosen.

1. Optimal oral hygiene:

   Regular brushing of teeth: At least twice a day for two minutes each time.

   • Tongue cleaning: Many bacteria collect on the tongue - a tongue scraper can help.

   • Dental floss and interdental brushes: For thorough cleaning between the teeth.

2. Promote sufficient saliva flow:

   • Chew sugar-free gum or drink plenty of water.

3. Healthy diet:

   • Fresh fruit and vegetables promote saliva production and clean teeth naturally.

4. Use the right product:

   
   

   Natural and sustainable oral care products such as our Mae Mae Care microbiome products help to restore the balance of the oral flora and regulate bacteria sustainably.

How Mae Mae Care helps

Our oral care products have been specially developed to combat bad breath at the root. They promote the balance of the oral microbiome, strengthen oral health and offer long-lasting freshness - without any aggressive chemicals or artificial additives.

• Lotus effect: Inspired by nature, our formula protects against bacterial colonization.

• Natural ingredients: High-quality oils and natural active ingredients promote gentle, effective care.

• Sustainability: Our products are packaged in an environmentally friendly way and are gentle on your health.

  
  

A healthy mouth for a confident smile

Bad breath is not a fate. With the right care, a balanced microbiome and sustainable products, everyone can enjoy fresh breath and healthy oral flora. Mae Mae Care supports you on this path - naturally, innovatively and effectively. Would you like to find out more? Visit our shop and discover how our products can change your everyday life!

Would you like to find out more? Visit our shop and discover how our products can change your everyday life!

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about bad breath

1. How do I know if I have bad breath?

Noticing bad breath yourself is difficult. A simple test: hold your hand in front of your mouth, breathe out and smell it. Alternatively, you can gently pull a spoon over your tongue, let it dry briefly and smell it.

2. Can bad breath be a sign of illness?

Yes, in rare cases. Bad breath can indicate gingivitis, tooth decay or systemic diseases such as diabetes, reflux, or kidney problems. If bad breath persists, consult a dentist or doctor.

3. Does mouthwash help against bad breath?

Many mouthwashes only cover up odors for a short time and can damage the natural microbiome due to aggressive ingredients. Products that balance the microbiome are better, such as the microbiome products from Mae Mae Care.

4. Why do I often have bad breath in the morning?

While sleeping, the body produces less saliva, which inhibits the self-cleaning of the mouth. Bacterial activity increases, leading to bad breath.

5. How often should I clean my tongue?

Ideally, you should clean your tongue once a day, preferably in the morning. Use a special tongue scraper or the back of your toothbrush.

6. Can certain foods prevent bad breath?

Yes! Fresh fruits and vegetables such as apples, carrots and celery stimulate saliva flow and act like a natural toothbrush. Herbs such as parsley or mint help neutralize odors.