TOKYO - You're having a conversation with someone, but you notice an unpleasant odor from their breath. The issue is that most individuals cannot recognize their own bad breath. In order to gain further insight into what leads to halitosis and ways to manage it, the Mainichi Shimbun interviewed Takahiko Oho, retired professor of preventive dentistry at Kagoshima University, who established a halitosis clinic at Kyushu University back in 1998.
Is it possible for someone's breath to really have a scent similar to excrement? When questioned, Oho responded immediately: "Yes, it is possible."
What could cause these smells to appear in the mouth?
Initially, Oho detailed the process through which halitosis develops. It is believed that the mouth harbors several hundred types of bacteria, with quantities reaching into the hundreds of billions within each gram. This bacterial count is comparable to, or marginally lower than, that observed in the intestines. When these oral bacteria break down shed oral tissues, along with remnants of red blood cells, dead fungi, and proteins and carbohydrates from leftover food particles, they produce compounds that cause unpleasant odors.
Halitosis isn't just one specific issue; it has several different types. The best-known reason for bad breath is volatile sulfur compounds. This refers to a broad category of smelly sulfur-containing chemicals, including hydrogen sulfide, which emit a smell similar to spoiled food or eggs.
"What leads to smells similar to feces includes compounds like indole and skatole. These are typically created by gut bacteria, although they may also form in the mouth when periodontal bacteria digest proteins," Oho explained.
Certain types of periodontal bacteria generate butyric acid, known for its foul scent similar to spoiled dairy products, as well as valeric acid, which emits an unpleasant, decayed aroma. Both substances may also mimic the fragrance associated with excrement.
Why isn't it obvious when your breath has an unpleasant odor?
This brings up a clear question: If someone has unpleasant breath, do they not realize it themselves?
That’s true," Oho stated. "Individuals frequently check their own breath, leading to 'olfactory fatigue' or adaptation, which makes them incapable of recognizing the smell.
The International Society for Breath Odor Research identifies three conditions associated with unpleasant mouth odors. "True halitosis" describes situations where an offensive smell can be distinctly detected and goes beyond normal standards. "False halitosis" applies when someone reports having bad breath, yet no noticeable odor exists; these concerns often ease through guidance and comparable interventions. "Fear of halitosis" occurs when individuals continue to feel anxious despite addressing true or false halitosis, as they struggle to believe the outcomes from breath tests.
"Back when I treated outpatients, several patients arrived because someone else had mentioned their bad breath," Oho remembered. However, there can be a significant difference between how individuals view their own breath and how others experience it, he noted.
A single individual received test outcomes almost 100 times higher than the level indicating noticeable bad breath, although they claimed they had never worried about their personal oral odor. A different person scored under the limit but was so anxious that they requested tests on nine separate occasions.
"Should you have worries, it's advisable to take the test to avoid enduring unnecessary distress. If your results fall under the limit, you can rest assured that those nearby aren't affected by it," he mentioned.
What really works?
Halitosis may occasionally result from issues in the gastrointestinal or respiratory systems, yet in the majority of instances, the source lies within the oral cavity. What steps are beneficial then?
Oho explained, 'It's straightforward. Eliminate the bacteria present in the mouth along with the nutrients they consume, like dead oral tissue and leftover food particles. Put simply, maintain good oral hygiene.' He emphasized that cleaning the tongue and the areas between the teeth is particularly crucial.
When particles from food and bacteria accumulate on the top of the tongue, it becomes white and develops something known as a tongue coating. As this coating grows thicker, hydrogen sulfide is released, leading to an unpleasant, stagnant odor in the mouth.
"The further back toward the tongue you reach, the greater the accumulation of tongue coating. Cleaning it once daily using a tongue scraper is sufficient," he mentioned. Food particles often get trapped between the teeth, so these regions should be routinely cleansed with interdental brushes or dental floss.
Oral bacteria have been associated with several illnesses, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Ohno stated, "Maintaining oral hygiene is also related to general well-being."
(By Kazushi Machidori, Japanese Original, Digital News Group)