Bad breath affects everyone, even people who refuse to admit it. While chronic bad breath, also known as halistosis, can have more serious causes, occasional bad breath is fairly easy to prevent with good oral hygiene.

What causes bad breath?

Most of the time, bad breath is caused by bacteria in the mouth. Bacteria can form on your tongue when you forget to brush your teeth properly, when you're dehydrated, or when you have a dry mouth due to medications that can reduce the amount of saliva in your mouth. However, these simple steps can help reduce the build-up of bacteria on your tongue and keep your breath fresher.

Some ways to combat bad breath

Brush for two minutes twice a day with an electric toothbrush to remove bacterial plaque. Follow up with a good tongue brushing. Pay particular attention to the back of your tongue, where the most odour-causing bacteria are found.
If you use it correctly , flossing will help you remove food residues. If you have trouble reaching the back teeth, a floss holder can help.
Complete your cleaning with an anti-bad breath mouthwash to keep your mouth fresh.
Drink plenty of water to keep well hydrated. The amount of water you need will depend on your daily activity and the number of medications you are taking that can dry out your mouth.
Chew sugar-free chewing gum to stimulate saliva production. Eating a mint is a temporary solution to freshen breath, but is less recommended as it can leave a sweet residue.
As chronic bad breath can be a sign of a more serious illness, we recommend that you consult your dentist or health care professional.
Remember to limit anything that can intensify bad breath, such as cigarettes or alcohol.

Fresh breath: Take a look at our new fresh breath range in the hygiene section of your online organic pharmacy.

Several plants, including parsley, can be used to combat bad breath or halitosis. Parsley is highly recommended if you have bad breath. It captures the sulfur compounds responsible for bad breath in the intestines and oral cavity. What's more, the chlorophyll they contain helps freshen breath.

A number of sprays, mouthwashes and lozenges are available to keep breath fresh, even after a spicy meal.

The root causes of bad breath

Inadequate oral hygiene

The accumulation of dental plaque, food debris and bacteria is one of the main causes of bad breath. As food residues decompose, they release volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs), which are responsible for unpleasant odors. Interdental spaces, the tongue and gums are particularly sensitive areas.

Diet

Certain foods such as garlic, onions, coffee, spices and dairy products can cause persistent odors. These volatile compounds are not confined to the mouth: after digestion, they are also released by the lungs.

Dry mouth

Insufficient saliva production, often caused by dehydration, stress or certain medications, prevents natural cleaning of the mouth. This encourages the proliferation of odour-causing bacteria.

Medical problems

Conditions such as cavities, gingivitis, sinus infections, tonsillitis or gastro-oesophageal reflux can be the cause of persistent halitosis. A medical consultation is sometimes necessary to identify and treat these underlying causes.

Adopting an effective oral hygiene routine

To prevent bad breath, it's essential to maintain rigorous oral hygiene. Brushing teeth at least twice a day with a suitable toothpaste is the first step in removing plaque and food residues. It's important to complement this routine with specific care.

Cleaning the tongue

The tongue is an ideal breeding ground for bacteria and food debris. Using a tongue scraper or toothbrush to gently clean the surface of the tongue can significantly reduce odors.

Flossing

Interdental spaces, often neglected, retain food particles that are inaccessible to the toothbrush. Dental floss or interdental brushes help remove these residues and prevent bacterial proliferation.

Mouthwashes

Antiseptic or refreshing mouthwashes complement brushing by neutralizing the bacteria responsible for unpleasant odours. Those based on essential oils (mint, eucalyptus) or chlorhexidine offer long-lasting protection and a prolonged sensation of freshness.

Diet and habits for fresh breath

Hydration: A dry mouth encourages bacterial proliferation. Drinking water throughout the day helps stimulate saliva production, which acts as a natural mouth cleanser.
Cleansing foods : Fiber-rich foods such as apples, carrots and celery act as natural cleaners for the teeth. By stimulating chewing, they increase saliva production and reduce food residues.
Sugar-free chewing gums: Xylitol-based chewing gums are particularly effective for freshening breath. They stimulate salivation while reducing odour-causing bacteria.
Avoid certain foods: Limiting consumption of foods high in sulfur compounds, such as garlic and onions, or acidic beverages like coffee and alcohol, can reduce the risk of halitosis.

What oral care products can I find on the Soin-et-Nature website?

Soin-et-Nature offers a wide range of products dedicated to oral hygiene, designed to meet the needs of the whole family and ensure a healthy mouth. Here are the categories available:

To care for your teeth every day, a variety of toothpastes meet specific needs such as cavity prevention, gum protection and teeth whitening.
For sensitive teeth and extra protection against cavities, Elmex toothpaste offers the right solution.
For healthy gums and whiter teeth, Elgydium toothpastes are formulated for targeted care.
To strengthen enamel and effectively prevent cavities, Fluocaril toothpastes, rich in fluoride, are particularly effective.
For optimal teeth cleaning, manual and electric toothbrushes are available to suit your preferences.
For fresh breath and long-lasting protection against bacteria, mouthwashes are an effective addition to your routine.
To respect fragile gums, soft toothbrushes offer gentle yet effective cleaning.
For deep cleaning and reduced plaque, electric toothbrushes are ideal.
To remove hard-to-reach food residues, dental floss ensures precise, thorough hygiene.
To quickly soothe mouth soreness, specific products relieve mouth ulcers and other irritations.
To maintain dental appliances and prostheses, specialized cleaning solutions ensure their cleanliness and durability.
To restore a radiant smile, whitening products restore teeth's radiance and brightness.
To clean narrow interdental spaces, interdental brushes ensure thorough cleaning.
To neutralize unpleasant odors and maintain fresh breath all day long, dedicated products are available.
To introduce youngsters to good oral hygiene, toothbrushes specially designed for children make brushing fun and effective.
To protect toddlers' teeth, children's toothpastes with gentle formulas are available.

These oral hygiene products, available on Soin-et-Nature, provide an effective response to every need, while guaranteeing a healthy mouth and a radiant smile.