More than 300 different types of bacteria live in our oral cavity on food debris and dead cells. They feel particularly at home between the teeth, in the gum pockets, on the tongue - and wherever the toothbrush cannot reach. As long as your immune system is intact, the bacteria in your mouth pose no threat. Regular tooth brushing and saliva prevent too many bacteria, viruses and fungi from remaining in your mouth.
Most people are familiar with bad breath in the morning after getting up. The reason for this is that at night the body produces less saliva, which otherwise keeps the bacteria in check and flushes them out of the oral cavity. The germs therefore have time to decompose plaque on the teeth. The result of the metabolic process is a stale, unpleasant taste in the mouth. As soon as you have brushed your teeth or eaten something, the bad breath disappears. It is not a sign of illness.
If bad breath persists despite brushing your teeth, a visit to the dentist is essential - he will usually find the cause of the foul odor, which is due to poor oral hygiene, dental defects or inflammation of the gums and tooth bed. Rarely, bad breath is a sign of a disease of the gastrointestinal tract, liver or diabetes. In these cases, your dentist will make further arrangements with your family doctor.
Prevent tooth decay and periodontitis with regular dental prophylaxis and prevent unpleasant bad breath.
