Summary: Halitosis is no joke. Described as 'persistent bad breath', halitosis can make a person extremely self-conscious. But it can be treated. A good oral hygiene routine is the starting point.
We have all felt that twinge of self-consciousness after gulping a cup of coffee or eating lunch heavy on the garlic. We instinctively cover our mouths while speaking, making sure that any signs of bad breath don't escape. But for some people, the issue of bad breath runs far deeper than a single meal. They deal with halitosis, which is essentially chronic bad breath.
At a time when more people are choosing eco-friendly oral care over traditional options, the tools to address halitosis are evolving. It is no longer merely about scrubbing away the evidence. Tackling bad breath is about understanding the ecosystem in your mouth and choosing the right oral care products. The right mouthwash tablets, toothpaste tablets, etc. go a long way towards supporting both oral health and the planet.
It's More Than Just Bad Breath
'Bad breath' is a catch-all term that covers everything from the dreaded 'morning breath' to clinical halitosis. But halitosis is a persistent condition that doesn't go away after a quick rinse with mouthwash. There is more to the odor of halitosis than what could be on your teeth and gums. To address it properly, you need to understand oral hygiene. You need to understand the 'why' behind it.
It's What Lives in Your Mouth
The most common cause of halitosis is a perfect combination of anaerobic bacteria and proteins that have taken up residence in your mouth. The bacteria are especially problematic because, when they feed on food particles and dead cells, they release volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs). Hydrogen sulfide and methyl mercaptan are two such compounds, and they are the ones that cause the unpleasant odors associated with halitosis.
People with halitosis also should not assume that the bacteria and proteins live solely on the teeth. The tongue is actually a bigger reservoir of oral bacteria than the teeth and gums. Bacteria love to bed down on the tongue, and particularly at the back where a rough surface and deep grooves provide the perfect lodging.
Finally, the bacteria and proteins are aided in their dirty work by a lack of saliva. Saliva is a natural oral cleanser that neutralizes acids and helps wash away dead cells. So when a person experiences insufficient saliva production, like first thing in the morning, bad breath is more likely. This is why people dealing with dry mouth as a result of certain medications or chronic dehydration are more likely to also experience halitosis.
Eco-friendly oral care is the first line of defense against halitosis. Using products like mouthwash and toothpaste tablets on a regular basis, according to instructions, can help keep those nasty bacteria and proteins to a minimum. But there is more to it.
Other Causes of Halitosis
Beyond what actually lives in your mouth, there are other things that can cause halitosis. So if you are already practicing good oral hygiene, you might want to visit your dentist or doctor to discuss some of the other triggers. These include:
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Diet – What you eat can have a direct impact on what your breath smells like. Garlic and onions immediately come to mind. Once digested, they release oils that are absorbed into the bloodstream and carried to the lungs. Those same oils are released in your breath.
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Alcohol and Tobacco – Both alcohol and tobacco leave behind their own odors. But more importantly, both cause the mouth to dry out. And a dry mouth is a harbinger of bacteria.
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Tonsil Stones – Tonsil stones, also known as tonsilloliths, are small, stone-like objects made up of calcium, food particles, and bacteria. They get lodged in the tonsils. They emit a foul odor that won't be eliminated just by brushing and using mouthwash. Tonsil stones need to be removed.
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Medical Conditions – A small minority of halitosis cases actually have nothing to do with the mouth. They are the result of some other medical conditions, like chronic sinus infections, gastric reflux, and even metabolic disorders.
Getting to the root cause of halitosis is not always easy. But it is a necessary part of good oral hygiene. So irrespective of whether you use eco-friendly oral care products, it is a good idea to talk to your doctor or dentist about chronic bad breath.
Redefining Your Oral Care Routine
Your doctor or dentist is likely to recommend establishing a good oral care routine. If you already have one, is it eco-friendly? One of our goals here at EcoFam is to help customers make the switch from traditional oral care products to alternatives that are better for the planet. We believe in eco-friendly and sustainable oral hygiene.
Here's how you can redefine your oral care routine to make it more eco-friendly:
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Toothpaste Tablets – Switching from traditional toothpaste to toothpaste tablets eliminates the plastic tube you normally throw in the trash. To use the tablets, you simply chew one and let it mix with your saliva to create a paste. Then you brush as normal.
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Mouthwash Tablets – Liquid mouthwash is mostly water. A mouthwash tablet is a dry, concentrated product. Pop one in your mouth, chew it, and sip a small amount of water. Then swish it all around your mouth and rinse just as you would with a liquid product.
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Mouthwash Concentrate – If mouthwash tablets don't work for you, try EcoFam's mouthwash concentrate. It is a liquid product that you add water to yourself. By removing the water here at the factory, we can put more product into a single bottle. That means fewer bottles and less fuel required to transport it.
Eco-friendly oral care is your first line of defense against halitosis. It also represents a great way to take care of your mouth while also helping you achieve your own sustainability goals. EcoFam products can help you reach those goals.
If you have a solid oral hygiene routine and are still having a problem with halitosis, speak with your dentist or doctor. Halitosis can be effectively treated once you know the root causes.
FAQs
Is there a difference between halitosis and 'morning breath'?
Yes. Morning breath is a temporary condition that goes away once saliva production increases. Halitosis is a chronic condition that requires a bit more intervention.
Can halitosis be impacted by oral care products?
The oral care products you choose could have a direct impact on halitosis, depending on how well they clean your mouth. But toothpaste and mouthwash alone might not be enough to address halitosis with an external cause.
How does the tongue contribute to halitosis?
The tongue is a harbinger of bacteria in proteins. As bacteria grow and feed on food in the mouth, they produce foul-smelling odors that emanate through the breath.
Should I avoid alcohol in my mouthwash?
Avoiding alcohol is a good idea because it dries out the mouth. EcoFam mouthwash tablets and concentrated mouthwash contained no alcohol.
Are your toothpaste tablets good for halitosis?
Our toothpaste tablets are as effective at cleaning teeth and gums as traditional toothpaste. They may not help with halitosis if the root cause is external.
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