What Helps with Bad Breath? Discover Effective Solutions

2025-04-11

What Helps with Bad Breath? Discover Effective Ways to Combat Halitosis
Bad breath is an issue that affects nearly every second person worldwide. It most often appears in the morning — this is known as physiological halitosis. In such cases, brushing your teeth is usually enough to resolve the problem. However, it’s more concerning when the unpleasant smell doesn’t go away throughout the day. That’s when we’re dealing with chronic halitosis.

For many, it’s an embarrassing topic — but it shouldn’t be ignored. The source of the problem must be identified — and most often, it lies in the mouth. While there may be other causes, from poor diet to systemic diseases, one thing is certain: it’s worth taking action. In this article, you’ll learn what really helps with bad breath, what the most common causes are, and when it’s time to see a doctor.

Table of Contents:

What is halitosis and what causes it?
The most common causes of halitosis, or bad breath
Why are oral problems the most common cause of halitosis?
Oral hygiene and bad breath – how to properly brush your teeth and tongue
What products help? The best toothpastes and mouthwashes for bad breath
Home remedies for bad breath – what you should know
When is bad breath a reason for concern?

What Is Halitosis and What Causes It?

Halitosis is the medical term for unpleasant breath, which can be either temporary (physiological) or chronic (pathological). The first type — physiological halitosis — most commonly occurs in the morning when saliva production is reduced. It typically disappears after brushing teeth or eating breakfast. However, if the unpleasant odor persists despite good oral hygiene, it is considered chronic halitosis — a problem that should not be ignored.

There is also short-term halitosis, which appears after consuming certain foods — such as garlic, onions, fried dishes, or fish — and stimulants like alcohol or cigarettes. It usually resolves on its own after a few hours.

It is estimated that up to 90% of bad breath cases originate in the oral cavity. The main culprits are anaerobic bacteria that live on the tongue (especially on the dorsal surface), in gum pockets, and other hard-to-reach areas. These bacteria produce volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs), which are responsible for the characteristic unpleasant odor.

Most Common Causes of Halitosis (Bad Breath)

Causes of halitosis originating in the oral cavity (over 90% of cases):

Anaerobic bacteria that produce sulfur compounds (e.g., Treponema denticola, Porphyromonas gingivalis).
Coated tongue – a layer made up of bacteria, shed cells, and saliva (responsible for over 60% of halitosis cases).
Gum and periodontal diseases – such as gingivitis, periodontitis, and periodontal pockets.
Advanced tooth decay and pulp gangrene – tissue breakdown inside the tooth can produce a very strong odor.
Dental tartar – an ideal breeding ground for bacteria.
Inadequate oral hygiene – food debris between teeth, under bridges, dentures, or orthodontic appliances.
Decreased saliva production leading to dry mouth (xerostomia) – e.g., in Sjögren’s syndrome, after radiotherapy, or due to certain medications.

Causes of halitosis outside the oral cavity:

Sinusitis – chronic inflammation can cause foul-smelling drainage into the throat.
Tonsil diseases – such as tonsillitis, tonsil stones, or peritonsillar abscesses.
Gastrointestinal disorders, e.g., gastroesophageal reflux (regurgitation of food).
Uremia – may cause a characteristic ammonia-like odor.
Liver failure – may produce a smell resembling rotten eggs or fish.
Diabetes with ketoacidosis – causes a distinctive acetone odor.
Smoking – promotes the growth of anaerobic bacteria and dries out mucous membranes.
Certain medications – e.g., diuretics or some antidepressants (dry out mucosa or release odorous metabolites through the lungs).

Why Are Oral Issues the Most Common Cause of Halitosis?
The oral cavity is an ideal environment for bacteria. Warmth, moisture, and food debris — everything they need to multiply. Most of them are anaerobic bacteria that feed on dead tissue, proteins, and organic matter. In the process of breaking down these substances, they produce volatile sulfur compounds — and these are what cause bad breath.

When oral hygiene is inadequate, plaque begins to build up on the teeth. Over time, this hardens and turns into tartar, which very often contributes to unpleasant breath. Tartar provides a perfect environment for bacteria — it promotes their growth, supports the development of inflammation, and leads to gum disease. Gum pockets can form, where food debris and bacteria accumulate, further intensifying the problem of bad breath.

That’s why regular oral hygiene, tartar removal, and treatment of gum diseases are not just about aesthetics or preventing cavities — they are essential steps in fighting halitosis. In the next part of the article, we’ll show you how to care for your teeth and gums to enjoy fresh breath every day.

Oral Hygiene and Bad Breath – How to Properly Brush Teeth and Tongue
Daily brushing is the absolute foundation of oral hygiene — and the simplest way to prevent bad breath. But for it to be effective, it needs to be done correctly.

Brush your teeth at least twice a day for a minimum of 2 minutes. It’s best to use a toothbrush with soft or medium bristles, which can reach the spaces between teeth without irritating the gums. Sonic toothbrushes are a great choice, as they remove several times more plaque than a manual toothbrush. They’re easy to use and significantly improve daily oral care.
Use the “sweeping” technique — position the toothbrush at a 45° angle to the gum line and make short, gentle strokes from the gum toward the tip of the tooth. Avoid scrubbing horizontally — this can damage the enamel.
Don’t forget your tongue! The back of the tongue is one of the main places where bacteria responsible for halitosis accumulate. You can use a toothbrush, a special tongue scraper, or a dedicated tongue-cleaning tip if you use an electric toothbrush — what matters is doing it daily.
Regular brushing helps remove plaque, food debris, and sulfur compounds — all contributors to bad breath. But brushing alone isn’t enough.

Why Brushing Alone Isn’t Enough – The Role of Dental Floss and Water Flossers
Even the best toothbrush can’t clean between the teeth or rinse bacteria from gum pockets — and that’s exactly where the causes of bad breath like to hide.

Flossing – An Underrated Ritual for Fresh Breath
Flossing should be a daily habit — ideally before your evening toothbrushing. Dental floss removes food debris and bacteria from hard-to-reach areas. Without flossing, bacteria have more “fuel” to produce volatile sulfur compounds, which contribute to halitosis.

In our range, you’ll find SEYSSO Carbon floss with activated charcoal. Charcoal particles have antibacterial properties and help fight bad breath by effectively absorbing odor-causing compounds. Another great option is SEYSSO Color floss, enriched with xylitol and menthol for a refreshing effect. It’s made from PTFE material, ensuring easy and comfortable cleaning even in very tight interdental spaces.

Water Flosser – Effective Prevention of Gum Disease
A dental water flosser is a device that uses a thin stream of water to flush out food debris, plaque, and microorganisms from areas that toothbrushes and floss can’t reach. It is especially recommended for people who:

wear orthodontic braces,
have gum pockets,
have implants, bridges, or dentures.

Regular use of a water flosser significantly reduces the risk of gum inflammation and the growth of anaerobic bacteria responsible for bad breath. In our range, you’ll find both stationary water flossers with adjustable water pressure and portable water flossers, ideal for travel.

Which Products Help? The Best Toothpastes and Mouthwashes for Bad Breath

In the fight against bad breath, not only technique matters — effective products do too. For years, the SEYSSO brand has focused on comprehensive oral care, combining refreshing effects with the elimination of the main cause of halitosis: bacteria responsible for producing volatile sulfur compounds.

The first recommendation is SEYSSO Oxygen toothpaste with SMART formula, which not only effectively removes plaque, strengthens enamel, and reduces sensitivity, but also actively supports fresh breath. It contains zinc citrate, which inhibits the growth of bacteria responsible for halitosis — tackling the problem at its source.

Another standout is the black SEYSSO Carbon toothpaste, enriched with activated charcoal, which excellently absorbs volatile odor compounds — the main cause of unpleasant breath.

For those seeking additional freshness, SEYSSO mouthwashes are the perfect complement.

SEYSSO Color Blackcurrant mouthwash combines menthol, fluoride, and cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC), providing long-lasting freshness and protection against cavities. CPC is particularly effective in inhibiting bacteria that contribute to halitosis and gum disease.
Meanwhile, SEYSSO Carbon Black mouthwash with activated charcoal effectively absorbs unpleasant odors and neutralizes the bacteria responsible for halitosis, while also maintaining a healthy pH in the mouth.

By using SEYSSO products daily, you care not only for fresh breath but also for healthy teeth and gums — the things that truly matter in everyday oral hygiene.

Home Remedies for Bad Breath – What You Should Know
Before reaching for a mint, it’s worth remembering that the most effective home remedy for bad breath is thorough oral hygiene. Daily brushing of teeth and tongue, flossing, using mouthwash, and regular visits to the dentist (including tartar removal and cavity treatment) are the foundation — without these, no tricks will work long-term.

But what else can help?
There are many home methods that can support the fight against unpleasant breath:

Stay hydrated – an often overlooked but very important habit. Dry mouth promotes bacterial growth. Proper hydration stimulates saliva production, which naturally washes bacteria out of the mouth. Start your day with a glass of water and remember to drink regularly throughout the day.
Chew sugar-free gum – a good way to quickly freshen your breath. Chewing gum also stimulates the salivary glands to produce saliva, which moisturizes the mucous membranes and helps mechanically cleanse the mouth. Just remember not to chew for longer than 10–15 minutes.
Herbal rinses – infusions of chamomile, sage, or mint have antibacterial properties and soothe inflammation in the mouth. This is a simple, home remedy to freshen breath.
Fresh herbs – parsley, dill, basil, or mint not only mask odors but also support digestion and have disinfectant properties.
Cinnamon and ginger – contain natural essential oils with antimicrobial properties. You can add them to tea, smoothies, or eat ginger in candied form.
Zinc and eucalyptus – zinc tablets help neutralize volatile sulfur compounds, the main cause of halitosis. Eucalyptus lozenges work similarly. It’s best to choose sugar-free versions.

When Is Bad Breath a Cause for Concern?
Bad breath after waking up or after eating garlic is nothing unusual. However, if the unpleasant smell persists despite proper hygiene, hydration, and a healthy diet — it’s worth taking a closer look.

The first step should always be a visit to the dentist. Oral issues — such as cavities, tartar, gum disease, or a coated tongue — are responsible for the majority of halitosis cases. A dentist will assess the condition of your teeth and gums, suggest treatment or hygiene procedures, and refer you to a specialist if necessary.

When should you see a specialist?

When the unpleasant breath persists despite thorough oral hygiene.
When it’s accompanied by symptoms like dry mouth, burning tongue, coating, or a metallic taste.
When you notice gum bleeding or pain while eating.
When people around you begin to point out the problem, even though you don’t notice it yourself.
When your teeth are already treated, but the bad breath continues — this could be a sign of systemic problems (e.g., reflux, diabetes, liver disease, tonsil or sinus issues).

In some cases, the dentist may refer you to an ENT specialist, gastroenterologist, or general practitioner — to identify the actual cause and eliminate it effectively.

Halitosis is not just a cosmetic issue — it’s a signal that something in the body needs attention. Don’t ignore it, especially if it persists despite your efforts!