Time for a bad breath check!
Posted September 23, 2012 7:09 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – Cup your hand, place it over your mouth and nose, and sniff. Does it stink?
That smell is likely not from eating onions and garlic, but is the result of a scientific process.
Dr Harold Katz says there are various reasons behind bad breath. Some people just harbour more bacteria in their mouths that produce chemicals.
“The bacteria will produce chemicals called volatile sulphur compounds and those chemicals include hydrogen sulphide. That’s the rotten egg smell. Another chemical is called cadaverine. Another is called putrescine. They produce the smell of rotting flesh.”
Bugs love dry mouths, bad teeth, large tonsils and rough tongues, and most experts say good oral hygiene, especially gently cleaning the tongue help keep your breath fresh.
“The actual process by which these bacteria create the odours involves the break down of amino acids and proteins and the by-product is these very strong odours.”
Katz adds that good old gum helps to keep your mouth moist.
