Bad breath, technically called halitosis, is a problem that affects a large number of people and causes insecurity, shame and other psychological problems to those who suffer from it. In addition to being a symptom of a more important disorder or problem. 

We can define bad breath as unpleasant smell in the air exhaled through the mouth or nose. 

Most common be warned by another person before we ourselves realize the problem. Although there are a series of symptoms that indicate its possible presence, such as having an unpleasant or sour taste in the mouth, or a white tongue. 

Types of halitosis

We can precisely differentiate between two types of halitosis: 

• First of all we meet the transient. It is punctual, and usually occurs as soon as we wake up, when salivary flow is reduced and we have not slept for several hours. 
• Persistent. It occurs when it is not possible to solve it with traditional hygiene methods, but requires specific treatment. We can further divide this type into oral or extraoral persistent halitosis. 

Possible causes of halitosis

Behind this bad smell, there are a series of causes that act independently or together. About 41% of cases of oral origin are due to accumulation of bacterial plaque on the tongue. 

Here are the main ones to take into account: 

• Lack of correct oral hygiene. We should brush our teeth after every meal and use dental floss and mouthwash. 
• Bad habits and eating habits. This point includes the intake of foods with a strong flavor, such as onion or garlic. 
• Consume coffee or alcohol in abundance. 
• Diets high in sugar, protein or low in carbohydrates. 
• Respiratory causes. The most frequent in this section are those of nasal origin, such as sinusitis or the presence of polyps.
• Gastrointestinal causes. There is a possibility that the origin is found in hepatitis, colonogastric fistula, aortoenteric fistula or diverticulosis.
• Metabolic causes. An example of this is halitosis present in women during menstruation or pregnancy. 
• Consumption of drugs, such as disulfiram, isosorbide dinitrate, trichlorotelured ammonium and tetracyclines. 

Tips to improve halitosis

Here are a series of tips that will help you improve bad breath:

• Correct oral hygiene. 
• Cleaning the most dorsal and posterior portion of the tongue. Since it is at this point where the highest bacterial load is located.
• Control the consumption of coffee, alcoholic beverages, tobacco and foods with a strong flavor or that may produce a bad odor. 
• Use sugar-free gum, through which saliva production is increased. 
• Drink enough water to keep your mouth hydrated. 
• Go to the dentist for a check-up at least twice a year. 
• Some teas, such as green or Korean red ginseng, have natural antimicrobial agents capable of killing oral bacteria.