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Struggling with bad breath?
If your tongue looks like this—coated and discoloured, it may be a sign of halitosis caused by a buildup of odour-producing bacteria.
What is halitosis? Halitosis is the clinical term for chronic bad breath, a condition that goes beyond temporary odours caused by certain foods or morning dryness. It’s typically the result of bacteria in the mouth that produce volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs)—the gases responsible for the foul smell. These bacteria often thrive on the tongue, in the throat, and around the gums, especially when oral hygiene is lacking. Other contributing factors can include dry mouth, gum disease, smoking, or underlying health issues.
The good news is that halitosis is usually manageable—and even reversible—with the right oral care routine. In this blog, I’ll be recommending trusted products that support fresher breath by following sound dental practices and targeting the root causes of halitosis.
Image credit: Amazon
Tongue scrapers are a simple but highly effective tool for reducing halitosis by targeting one of its main sources: the buildup of bacteria and debris on the surface of the tongue. The tongue’s rough texture can trap dead cells, food particles, and bacteria, which produce volatile sulphur compounds (VSCs)—the gases responsible for bad breath. Brushing alone often misses this residue, especially at the back of the tongue. Using a tongue scraper daily helps physically remove this buildup, leaving the mouth cleaner, breath fresher, and significantly lowering the bacteria count that contributes to chronic bad breath.
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TheraBreath Fresh Breath Mouthwash
TheraBreath Fresh Breath Mouthwash is a standout in the world of oral hygiene, especially for those dealing with persistent bad breath. Developed by Dr. Harold Katz, a dentist and microbiologist, this mouthwash takes a science-backed approach to eliminating the root cause of bad breath rather than just masking it with mint or alcohol.
The key ingredient that sets TheraBreath apart is OXYD-8, a stabilized form of sodium chlorite. This compound works by neutralizing volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) — the actual culprits behind most cases of halitosis. These sulfur compounds are often produced by bacteria on the tongue, gums, and in the throat. By targeting and neutralizing them at the source, OXYD-8 helps provide long-lasting freshness without the burn of alcohol or the temporary cover-up of artificial flavors.
Another major plus is that TheraBreath is gentle and non-irritating, making it suitable for people with dry mouth or sensitive gums. It’s also free from artificial dyes and saccharin, which adds to its appeal for ingredient-conscious users.
Overall, TheraBreath delivers exactly what it promises: fresher breath backed by clinical science, with a formula that works well for daily use without the harshness of traditional mouthwashes.
Image credit: Amazon
Watch a tutorial on how to use a water flosser
A Waterpik flosser, or water flosser, can be a powerful tool in the fight against bad breath. Unlike traditional string floss, a Waterpik uses a pressurized stream of water to flush out food particles and plaque from between the teeth, along the gumline, and in hard-to-reach areas that often harbor odor-causing bacteria. These bacteria contribute to the production of volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs), which are a primary cause of halitosis. By thoroughly cleaning areas that brushing and even flossing may miss—especially around dental work or deep gum pockets—a Waterpik helps reduce bacterial buildup and promotes a healthier, fresher-smelling mouth.
