The Science Behind Halitosis: Causes and Solutions

TLDR Halitosis, or bad breath, is caused by bacteria in the mouth breaking down food particles and emitting sulfuric gases. To address bad breath, it is important to use mouthwash, brush your teeth, drink plenty of water, target the back of your tongue, and seek professional help if necessary.

Timestamped Summary

00:00 Halitosis, also known as bad breath, is a clinical term that was popularized by a marketing scheme in the 1920s by the makers of Listerine.
04:20 Listerine popularized the term "halitosis" in their advertising campaign to appeal to people's low self-esteem and make mouthwash a daily habit, and as a result, some people now have a fear of bad breath called "halitophobia."
08:17 Halitosis, or bad breath, is caused by bacteria in the mouth breaking down substances and producing unpleasant gases.
12:18 Bad breath, or halitosis, is caused by bacteria in the mouth breaking down food particles and emitting sulfuric gases, and dry mouth can also contribute to bad breath.
16:34 Liver problems can cause "mousy breath," while being in ketosis from a low-carb diet can result in a fruity acetone smell.
20:59 If you have chronic halitosis, breath mints will only provide temporary relief and you need to address the root of the problem, which is bacteria and food particles in your mouth.
25:22 To maintain a healthy oral ecosystem and address bad breath, it is important to use mouthwash that swishes out food particles and bacteria without killing all the beneficial bacteria, brush your teeth after lunch, drink plenty of water to keep your mouth hydrated, target the back of your tongue with a tongue scraper or brush, and seek professional help if these methods don't work.
29:30 If bad breath is coming through your nose, it could suggest a problem in your sinuses or lungs, and dentists are trained to deduce this.
34:09 The hosts discuss their April Fool's prank and the reaction they received from listeners.
37:40 The hosts discuss their April Fool's prank and the reaction they received from listeners.
Categories: Society & Culture

Browse more Society & Culture