bad breath relief : Bacteria - The Cause of Chronic Bad Breath

Chronic bad breath is constant long standing bad breath. Although a little harder to treat, it can be treated nevertheless. The problem starts with bacteria. Did you know that over 170 different types of bacteria live in our mouths?

These bacteria feed on bits of food left on our teeth after meals. Feasting on these "leftovers", bacteria produce sulfur compounds (Volatile Sulfur Compounds -VSCs) which once again give breath its foul smell.

Many of these bacteria are anaerobic meaning that they can not live in the presence of oxygen. How do they live in the mouth which is exposed to oxygen every time we breathe? These bacteria hide in places where oxygen can not reach - under plaque and food debris, in the spaces between the teeth and gums, and in the deep crevices of the tongue.

This is why proper dental care is important in eliminating bad breath. Brushing and flossing:

Remove bacteria from the mouth.
Remove the layer of plaque, food debris, and dead cells which protect bacteria from oxygen.
Remove the left-over microscopic food particles which bacteria use to create the odorous sulfur particles.

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