Answers to your questions

Like many health conditions, halitosis can be caused by several factors. Most of the times, it is originated by an issue in the oral cavity —usually an accumulation of bacteria and food remnants that results in smelly gaseous compounds, known as VSCs.^1,2

Some unhealthy lifestyle habits can also cause bad breath like cigarette smoking or alcohol abuse. Certain foods are popular for causing oral malodour too, like onions and garlic. Even some underlying medical conditions may manifest with bad breath as a symptom.¹

However, poor oral hygiene and accumulation of bacteria is the source in 90% of the halitosis cases.^2,3

Research has confirmed that the presence of caries, gingivitis and periodontitis increases the incidence and intensity of bad breath.⁴

This is because the saliva from individuals with periodontitis —or gum disease— contains a significantly

greater number of bacteria than those with healthy mouths. These bacteria are retained in the periodontal pockets, making it difficult to remove them with a toothbrush.^1,4

90% of the causes for bad breath result from an issue in the mouth itself. However, the other 10% can be attributed to systemic diseases, including gastrointestinal illnesses.⁵

Conditions such as pyloric stenosis, intestinal obstruction, and hiatal hernia cause food retention that results in bacteria build-up, thus an increase in VSCs levels. Helicobacter pylori infection and gastroesophageal reflux disease —or GERD— can also be linked with bad breath.^1,6

Certainly. Dehydration means there is a lack of bodily fluid, which results in a decrease in saliva production.

The role of human saliva in the protection of the oral cavity is well established. Our saliva contains several chemical agents and enzymes that battle of noxious bacteria and provides with local immune defence factors. When salivary flow is low, bacteria production is enhanced.⁷

A common example having bad breath after a long night sleep —this is known as “morning halitosis”. When we sleep, we don’t drink any water 6-8 hours straight, plus we tend to breathe through our mouths causing further dryness of the mucosa. Morning halitosis is a mild and temporary and generally not regarded as a health issue.²

On the other hand, there’s pathological dryness of the mouth, known as xerostomia. This type of dryness may be caused by certain medical conditions, medications, ageing, cancer, smoking, among others.^1,8

To successfully treat halitosis, an appropriate diagnosis, professional therapy, and good oral hygiene, including tooth brushing and tongue cleaning, along with the use of an effective antiseptic mouth wash is required.⁹

CB12 mouthwash contains an effective formula that combines the powers of chlorhexidine and zinc, creating a synergistic effect that fights bad breath for up to 12 hours.^10,11 Thanks to their specific formulation, CB12 products — including CB12 Boost and Spray — can be used safely on a daily basis without the need to worry about having a metallic aftertaste nor staining your teeth!^10,11

Chlorhexidine (CHX) is known to be a strong denaturing substance, and it is an effective antiplaque and anti-gingivitis agent. CHX can split disulphide bonds, increasing their affinity to zinc. Thanks to this, zinc easily binds to these sulphur gases and transforms them into odourless compounds. The combination and collaboration of these different action mechanisms help to provide an extended effect.^5,10

For more information about bad breath prevention and treatment, click here.

The combination of tooth brushing, mouth washing and tongue cleaning is a very effective bad breath remedy since it reduces bacterial load and lowers the risk of gum disease.⁶

Brushing your teeth twice daily along with tongue cleaning can largely reduce malodour.

• Brush gently with very short, horizontal strokes across the tooth surface and gum line. Replace your toothbrush every 2 to 3 months
• Tongue cleaning should be carried out gently with low force and should be instructed thoroughly to avoid tissue trauma. You can use a tongue scraper and reach the back areas.
• Mouth rinses could be performed with mouthwashes containing chlorhexidine and zinc — the main ingredients in CB12. This chemical combination counteracts bad breath for 12 hours by neutralizing the smelly sulphur compounds in the mouth, instead of just masking the smell with nice aromas.^1,12

Teeth flossing and proper adjustment of dental prostheses — when applicable — also prevent the accumulation of food remains in the oral cavity and thus prevents halitosis.¹³

Additionally:

• Stay hydrated — Drinking plenty of water promotes saliva production and acts as a cleansing agent. Additionally, lack of saliva allows bacterial and VSCs build-up.⁴
• Mind your diet — greasy and sugary foods are linked with bad breath. Avoid foods and drinks that cause bad breath such as onions, garlic, tuna, alcohol and coffee.¹¹
• Quit tobacco consumption — tobacco products leave their smell in the mouth and also cause dryness and gum disease.