Tips from the expert

What can help against annoying bad breath?

Bad breath is often caused by bacteria in the mouth.(Bild: Antonio Diaz/stock.adobe.com)

Readers ask, experts answer on the most burning health issues. Karl F. (42): "What actually causes bad breath and how can you avoid it? What can you do about it yourself or how is it treated?"

Dr. med. dent. Lukas Hallmann, dentist in Vienna: Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is a widespread, unpleasant problem. It is usually caused by bacteria, which mainly settle in the plaque on the tongue, between the teeth and at the gum line. By decomposing food residues, the bacteria form sulphur compounds that cause the unpleasant odor. Teeth with leaky fillings, caries or pocket inflammation (periodontitis) are most affected.

To avoid bad breath, it is crucial that your teeth are clean and healthy. This helps:

• Brushing your teeth twice a day, preferably with an electric brush, it is important to use a thorough technique, for three minutes, with little pressure.
• Cleaning the spaces between teeth: Use interdental brushes or dental floss daily.
• Tongue cleaning: Special tongue scrapers help to remove the bacteria-rich tongue coating every day.
• Regular dental check-ups to check for leaking fillings and tooth decay.
• Regular professional dental cleaning (oral hygiene) to remove harmful bacteria in the mouth.

In some cases, bad breath can also indicate problems outside the mouth, such as gastrointestinal problems, a sinus condition or tonsillitis. In this case, the dentist can carry out a detailed examination to clarify whether further clarification by other specialists is necessary.

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To summarize: If you take good care of your mouth and go for regular check-ups, you have a good chance of effectively preventing bad breath.