• Inconvenient odour;
• Loss of self-confidence;
• No pain listed.

• Poor oral hygiene;
• The presence of gum disease, dental caries, mouth ulcers, candidiasis, ulcers or, more rarely, oral cancers;
• The increased presence of bacteria on hard surfaces of the oral environment, including teeth, but also dental prostheses, orthodontic appliances and occlusal plates. These bacteria produce plaque that can become solid (tartar) in combination with saliva minerals. The accumulation of plaque and tartar on hard surfaces can be totally or partially responsible for bad breath;
• Gastritis, gastroesophageal reflux disease, vomiting or eating disorders such as bulimia nervosa;
• The food. Some of the foods most likely to cause halitosis include garlic, onions, spicy foods, alcohol and coffee;
• Xerostomia (dry mouth);
• Tobacco use, in all its forms;
• Chronic ENT infections or the presence of cryptic tonsils (which retain food or plaque);
• Finally, bad breath can also result from certain systemic conditions such as diabetes, pregnancy, hypoglycemia and liver disorders.

Halitosis is in itself only a symptom whose cause must be identified. A dental health professional will find it. If there is negligence, significant complications can occur.

• Maintain good oral hygiene to remove plaque bacteria from teeth, fixed prostheses or fixed orthodontic appliances in the mouth;
• Brush teeth with a soft or extra soft brush 2 to 3 times a day and floss at least once a day, ideally in the evening, to properly remove plaque and food residue;
• Eat high-fibre foods;
• Drink plenty of water to ensure adequate hydration of the mouth, and thus prevent xerostomia.

Morning halitosis

At night, bacteria take advantage of the decrease in saliva production to increase plaque production. Consequently, it is common to notice morning bad breath secondary to the increased presence of plaque.

Morning halitosis can also be amplified by nocturnal digestion residue. In this respect, it is essential to brush and floss your teeth in the evening before going to bed to minimize the presence of bacteria in your mouth. Brushing the tongue is strongly recommended in particular in cases of halitosis.

It is also advisable to remove your prostheses at night to reduce the accumulation of plaque or tartar on them and allow for better hydration and protection of the mouth through saliva.