Chronic bad breath is called halitosis in medicine. More than 25% of the population suffers from this disease, in which a foul-smelling odor is produced from the mouth and nose. In principle, local causes (concerning the mouth and throat area) can be distinguished from systemic causes.
These include various general illnesses, e.g. diabetes or various diseases of the nose and throat, such as pharyngitis. Also the intake of certain medications (e.g. antibiotics) can change the oral flora in such a way that bad breath occurs. The most common cause of bad breath is the formation of bacteria in the area of the mouth and tongue.
These are also called putrefactive bacteria by some authors. Normally there is a balance of beneficial and harmful bacteria within the oral flora. Both have different functions in the oral environment.
Which products can be used to fight bad breath?
According to the manufacturer, the products listed below are suitable for daily use. The Listerine® dental rinse is one of many products against bad breath that you can buy in stores. It is a series of different types of mouth rinses that can be used daily.
They are designed to rinse even hard-to-reach areas (e.g. interdental spaces), thereby reducing the formation of harmful bacteria and preventing the occurrence of bad breath. Further information about the active ingredients and the various products can be found on the manufacturer’s homepage (www. listerine.
de). The company Odol® has also developed various types of mouth rinses and mouthwashes for daily use. Here, fluoride-containing components are supposed to inhibit the regeneration of harmful bacteria and protect the teeth from caries.
At the same time, the renunciation of alcohol-containing substances and the use of mint flavoring are intended to ensure fresh breath. More detailed information about composition and effect can be found on www. odol.
de. To combat bad breath, Meridol® has developed special types of mouthwashes and toothpastes. These are designed to provide effective protection against bad breath causing bacteria on tongue and teeth.
According to the manufacturer, the effectiveness is based on an active ingredient combination of amino fluoride/tin fluoride and zinc latate. Further details can be found on the manufacturer’s website (www. meridol. de).
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