Article content
Whether it’s a matter of health or bad breath, your tongue can tell you a lot. Just stick it out and look at yourself in the mirror. Many bacteria that cause bad breath hide on the tongue. In fact, the more layers the tongue has, the worse the odor. The mouth is full of millions of living organisms that thrive in a warm and dark environment. You can watch for:
- color,
- shape,
- coatings.
Healthy and unhealthy tongue
A healthy tongue is pink, smooth and clean without any residues or lines. On the other hand, yellow coatings on the tongue that gradually darken are a sign that sulfur compounds are being formed in the mouth. This condition is also characterized by a deep fissure along the tongue where most bacteria hide. Do you want to know exactly what causes bad breath?
A rough tongue with cracks is another sign that you have bacterial deposits that cause bad breath in the mouth. These cracks are an ideal place for bacteria to multiply. Another type is the so-called „geographic“ tongue, which is characterized by numerous depressions and ridges. These are areas with bacterial sediment and, on the other hand, clean areas. This condition usually occurs as a result of a reaction to certain foods, stress, illnesses or hormonal disorders.
How to avoid these problems?
Some toothpastes contain sodium lauryl sulfate, which produces foam but is unnecessary for cleaning teeth and tongue. In addition, it has recently been shown that this chemical can even cause small sores in the mouth. Therefore it is important to read labels when buying toothpaste. Also avoid foods rich in protein. Bacteria feed on proteins, which worsen breath.
Juices contain acidic components and bacteria in an acidic environment produce unpleasant-smelling breath. Sugars, cigarettes and alcohol also create a favorable environment for bacteria. Also watch out for gum disease, because bacteria multiply more easily in that condition and can even enter the bloodstream. Therefore you should take care with your oral hygiene.
