Halitosis, more commonly referred to as bad breath, is primarily caused by certain types of volatile Sulfur compounds (hydrogen sulfide, methyl mercaptum cada verine).
This sulfur compounds are produced by the bacteria in your mouth.
Where exactly in the mouth do they thrive? Let's find out! When we brush or floss our teeth, there are parts of the tongue and the teeth that are easier to reach than others.
These more convenient parts get more attention than others that's why fewer bacteria thrive here.
The more difficult parts to reach are the back of the tongue, throat and tonsils.
The most common odor producing region of the mouth is the posterior part of the tongue.
Try to look at the said part of your tongue in the mirror.
Check for the whitish coating on the tongue's surface.
This whitish coating is an indication of plaque accumulation.
Research shows direct correlation between the amount of whitish coating that exists and bacteria present in the tongue.
It is also interesting to note that the texture of the tongue contributes as to how much plaque or bacteria it can accumulate.
Studies show that the furrowed tongues are more likely to accumulate plaque than smoother ones.
The top portion of the teeth is one of the most common places where plaque may accumulate.
However, since it is convenient to reach by brushing, odor producing bacteria that thrives there can easily be eliminated.
The gum line is one of the parts of the mouth that needs more effort and attention in cleaning though it is easy to reach.
Plaque build up are more difficult to extract from here.
Thus, improper dental hygiene, those who rush brushing, have more chances of developing bad breath.
Not paying extra attention to the plaque build up along your gum line may worsen halitosis or may even lead to more serious dental problems.
Severe plaque accumulation weakens the bony structure of the teeth that may lead to Periodontis.
Periodontis is an inflammatory disease affecting the tissues around the teeth (Periodontium).
When this happens, plaque may build up way below the gum line where it may be difficult, if not impossible, to clean anymore.
Note that the more plaque accumulations the mouth has, the more odor-producing bacteria it could have and the more permanent these plaque accumulations are, the more difficult it is to combat halitosis.