The chances are quite high that either you or someone close to you suffers from halitosis (chronic bad breath).

Although the condition is preventable, it is estimated that over 90 million Americans currently suffer from this dreaded problem. In our society, mentioning that someone has bad breath is considered taboo. It's an uncomfortable problem that brings on feelings of embarrassment and personal insecurity.

Additionally, people fail to develop an understanding of the many factors influencing halitosis. Many individuals neglect treating bad breath internally, where it really needs to be treated. They often rely on cleverly marketed toothpaste, rinses, and other dental devices to end their nagging breath issue. However, these practices are often ineffective at permanently treating the issue.

Halitosis is defined as having stale, or foul-smelling breath. However, chronic bad breath is much more complex than this simple definition. There are a lot of internal and external factors that influence the development of this “stinky” problem.

Some of the conditions leading experts suggest that normal anaerobic sulfur-producing bacteria that live within the surface of the tongue and throat are to blame, while others believe that certain digestive irregularities and improper diet are the main culprits. Whatever its origin, one thing can be agreed upon; the road to fresh breath begins with oral hygiene and ends with how well you take care of yourself on the inside.

The American Dental Association stands by the theory that diet (i.e. what you consume) directly impacts how your breath smells. In fact, they even say that “what you eat affects the air you exhale.” We have all encountered garlic or onion breath, so this does make sense.

Once the food is digested, it’s broken down and assimilated by the body, where it is then absorbed into the bloodstream. This blood eventually reaches the lungs and is used for exhalation processes. Again, toothpaste, mouthwashes, and lozenges only mask this problem.

Neglecting oral care can also contribute to poor or foul-smelling breath. If we do not floss and brush daily, food particles remain between our teeth. What’s more, this left-over food can collect on the tongue, gums, and even on the surface of the teeth, collect bacteria, and begin to rot. This decay also influences how well your breath smells to others.

Volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs), derived from anaerobic sulfur-producing bacteria, have also been found to cause bad breath. Interestingly, these bacteria are naturally-occurring organisms found within the oral cavity and throat. They assist us in specialized processes, including digestion. However, when these bacteria come in contact with certain compounds obtained from food (i.e. amino acids), sulfuric compounds are released from the back of the throat and tongue. Thus, it is important to adjust dietary standards to prevent these volatile sulfur compounds from becoming odorous.

Some people, especially those with chronic bad breath, seem to have higher numbers of these odor-causing bacteria. Other theories regarding the cause of halitosis include hormonal changes, history of medication use (e.g. antibiotics), and even genetic predisposition.