Chronic Halitosis is caused by the presence of objectionable breath odors in the mouth or nasal passage. It is not solved by maintaining a good oral hygiene. In the 90% of the cases it is due to the expelling of sulfur volatile compounds and other odorous molecules which are caused by anaerobic bacteria present in the mouth especially in the back of the tongue. The mucous proteins, the flaking cells, the particles of food and the post nasal secretion present in the tongue create the perfect environment for the production of sulfuric volatile compounds.

There is a treatment for halitosis but not a cure, since it is not an illness it is a common state that in most of the cases is caused by the growth of the germs of the mouth. So, the base of our treatment will be a good and specific oral hygiene. In a periodontal healthy mouth , most of the odors are produced on the tongue. In an affected periodontal mouth, gingival pockets expell other odors since a similar reaction takes place.

The back of the tongue may have up to 100 germs per cell. A careful tongue examination proves that the deep cuts of the tongue resist cleaning and accumulate plaque. Food cell residues and bacteria are the perfect environment to create grems that produce mouth odors. This process is helped by the action of the gram- negative anaerobic bacteria which produces sulfuric volatile compounds. However, as regards length surface the tongue is the main cause for bad breath. Many compounds are produced on the tongue surface but those responsible for the production of sulfuric volatile compounds are hydrogen sulfite, methylmercaptan and dimethyl sulfide. After many years of research we know that chronic halitosis ( in most of the cases) is not caused by stomach, although certain foods contribute to temporary breath odor due to different reasons: presence of sulfurous compouns ( garlic, onions) dry mouth ( alcohol, coffee) acidity ( coffee) or many sulfouric proteins which help to the growth of fetid bacteria (such as fish)

The dorsum of the tongue
can hold up to 100 bacteria
per cell.

On the contrary, there are certain foods which have great benefits to reducing bad breath. For example fibrous vegetables such as carrots and celery reduce plaque scratching the tongue and increasing the flow of saliva. Saliva is neccesary to clean the mouth and remove particles that may cause odor. Other fruit and vegetables such as tomatoes, apples or melons also help to reduce dry mouth due to the presence of water. An orange can be the perfect antidote for halitosis since its vitamin C (important for gums tissues health) and compounds help to the growth of aerobic bacteria.

It is also important not to space meals out since it may help to the arise of fetid odors. This is the phenomenon known as “ the breath of those who are on a diet”. It is strange to find a women suffering from anorexia with a fresh breath.

If you have to spend many hours without having a meal you can drink a lot of water, eat an apple or use chewing gums which increase the flow of saliva without producing caries.