What causes bad breath?

Bad Breath affects everyone at some time or another. It can be a social problem, unpleasant for others and embarrassing for the person that has it.

In 9 out of 10 cases the problem originates in the mouth and not the stomach, as many people believe. Even in the cleanest mouth there are both good and bad bacteria. These bacteria live off food debris and dead skin cells.  If these bacteria multiply as a result of feeding off food debris and skin cells, they break-down, creating odour-causing compounds called Volatile Sulphur Compounds (VSC) plus other noxious smelling gases. The VSC are the most important of these gases and it is these sulphurous-smelling gases (VSC) that we know of as bad breath or 'halitosis'.

Bad breath can also indicate tooth decay or gum disease, such as gingivitis or periodontitis so it is recommended that you discuss any issues with your dentist as soon as you can.