THE SCIENCE of
BAD BREATH
5 Things You Should Know About Halitosis & Oral Care
ONLY 2% of the population have enough naturally occurring “good” bacteria to fight bad breath and maintain a healthy mouth
An estimated 1 in 4 individuals around the world are plagued with smelly breath.

WHY DO I SEEM TO ALWAYS HAVE
BAD BREATH WHILE OTHERS DON’T?

only 2% of the population have enough naturally occurring “good” bacteria to fight bad breath and maintain a healthy microbiome.
For the rest of us, those VSCs are most commonly caused because:

low saliva production

or Dry Mouth (genetic or due to medication or over-consumption of stimulants)

Dehydration

(of the body or of the mouth)

failing to maintain daily hygiene

poor diet

and gastrointestinal function

EACH OF THESE CAN THROW OFF THE PH AND MICROBIOME BALANCE IN YOUR MOUTH.

WHAT EXACTLY AM I SMELLING?
Volatile sulfur compounds
Hydrogen sulFIDE
(smells like rotten eggs)
is caused by breakdown of the amino acid cysteine. This gas is produced by the bacteria in plaque.
Dimethyl sulphide
(smells like cabbage or petrol)
is from bacteria found in the throat area. It is a indicator of post nasal drip or sinus problems.
Methyl mercaptan
(smells like faeces)
is caused by bacteria found in the gag reflex area and under the gums.
Dimethyl sulphide
(smells like cabbage or petrol)
is from bacteria found in the throat area. It is a indicator of post nasal drip or sinus problems.
Methyl mercaptan
(smells like faeces)
is caused by bacteria found in the gag reflex area and under the gums.
Other smells that are temporary
(ie: caused by food)
Meats & Cheese
Garlic & Certain spices
Alcohol
Sugary drinks (soda & juices)
WHY IS MY BREATH WORSE IN THE MORNING THAN OTHERS?
During sleep, people produce far less saliva than during waking hours, Lack of saliva flow allows for bad bacteria to thrive. If your oral microbiome is already poor, you will wake with worse breath than someone with a healthier microbiome
SO HOW DO I COMBAT BAD BACTERIA AND VSCs?
The only way to permanently control bad breath is by improving the balance of good bacteria and creating a healthier oral microbiome.
THE OBVIOUS - you've heard this a thousand times
Brush, floss, and rinse your mouth with water as often as possible
Bi-annual visits to your dentist for comprehensive cleanings
THE NOT SO OBVIOUS
The real science you may not have heard
Stop using mouthwash with alcohol
The alcohol kills nearly ALL the bacteria (good and bad) and dehydrates the mouth. This leads to reduced production of saliva and an overgrowth in bad breath bacteria.
Microbiome Rejuvenation Therapy
Chewable dental probiotics increase the population of good bacteria and have shown to restore balance & dramatically reduce VSC-causing bacteria.
LEARN MORE
Use a tongue scraper
Your tongue is the ideal place for bad bacteria to latch on, multiply and release VSCs

This presentation is meant to explain and address halitosis as it relates to oral hygiene. Bad breath may also be a symptom of underlying health related issues. Should you believe that your halitosis is due to issues other than oral care, contact your doctor or medical professional for more information.