You’ve probably wondered at some point: “Why do I have bad breath if I brush my teeth?” The answer may lie beyond superficial oral hygiene.

One of the most common and least-known causes of bad breath is oral dysbiosis, an imbalance in your mouth’s microbiome.

The relationship between oral dysbiosis and bad breath

Oral dysbiosis occurs when the natural balance of bacteria in your mouth is disrupted. Normally, in a healthy mouth, beneficial bacteria keep pathogenic bacteria in check. But when this balance is disrupted, harmful bacteria proliferate, causing inflammation, cavities, periodontal disease, and… yes, chronic bad breath.

Bad Breath and Microbiota: A Direct Relationship

When there is oral dysbiosis, harmful bacteria break down food debris and generate volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs). These compounds have an unpleasant odour and are primarily responsible for persistent bad breath.

In other words, it’s not just about having food debris in your mouth, but about what kind of bacteria are acting on it.

Symptoms of oral dysbiosis that may indicate halitosis

• Chronic bad breath, even after brushing
• Metallic or bitter taste in the mouth
• White tongue or tongue coating
• Swollen or bleeding gums
• Increased sensitivity or recurrent cavities

How to prevent and treat oral dysbiosis that causes bad breath?

The good news is that you can restore the balance of your oral microbiome with a few changes in your habits:

• Conscious oral hygiene: Brush your teeth at least twice a day and don’t forget to clean your tongue, where many of these bacteria accumulate.
• Avoid products with SLS and alcohol: These ingredients can disrupt the microbiota and cause dry mouth.
• Hydrate constantly: A dry mouth is the perfect breeding ground for pathogenic bacteria.
• Use products that care for your oral microbiome: Like those in the YOTUEL Microbiome Care range, specifically formulated to restore bacterial balance.
• Choose probiotic and fibre-rich foods: Like yogurt, kefir, apples, or raw carrots.
• Visit your dentist regularly: To detect early signs of dysbiosis or other oral problems.

As you can see, bad breath isn’t just a matter of hygiene. It can be a warning sign that your oral microbiota is out of balance. Oral dysbiosis is a common and treatable cause of halitosis.

With proper care and products that respect your microbiome, like those from YOTUEL, you can effectively combat bad breath and improve your oral and overall health.

Give your smile the attention it deserves from the inside out!