It's no one's fault they have bad breath. In fact, most people with halitosis are so concerned about it that they tend to have far better oral hygiene practices than the average person.
According to the most current research over 90 percent of all cases of chronic bad breath originate in the mouth, NOT in the stomach, sinuses or lungs. Virtually all cases of bad breath are caused by volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs). One compound is hydrogen sulfide (the rotten egg smell) and another is methyl mercaptan (the essence of skunk oil).
The source of these compounds is bacteria in the mouth breaking down the cell wall of dead cells. These anaerobic bacteria collect and multiply mainly on the tongue. They thrive in a dry, dark environment such as under the gums, the spaces between the teeth and the crevices of the tongue.
These bacteria are active in inflammation of the gum (gingivitis) and gum disease (periodontitis). While these bacteria are causing gum disease and destroying bone, they are also producing VSCs that cause bad breath.
Back To Questions
To Main Page
