20% off £30

000000s
Code:PROMO
 

20% off £30

000000s

Code:PROMO

OffersBlack Friday DealsBuy one get one 1/2 priceBetter than 1/2 priceOutletBuy 6 Naturya products to get free blender2 for £18 Mix & Match2 for £5 Mix & MatchFree gift with purchaseBuy 1 Get 1 FreeBuy more save 10%Short DatedVitamins & SupplementsVitamins & Supplements Shop AllHair, Skin & NailsCollagen & SilicaMuscle Support & Joint PainDigestive HealthMagnesiumFunctional MushroomsVitaminsShop all VitaminsMultivitaminsVitamin AVitamin BVitamin CVitamin DVitamin EVitamin KVitamin DrinksMineralsShop all MineralsMagnesiumIronZincCalciumSeleniumChromiumSupplementsShop all SupplementsFibre SupplementsAcidophilus & Friendly BacteriaPeppermint OilGrapeseed ExtractLecithinCollagen & SilicaOmega & Fish OilsPlant Sourced SupplementsSuperfood SupplementsArnicaApple CiderRaspberry KetonesAloe VeraChondroitin & MSMCo Enzyme Q10Evening Primrose OilGarlicGinkgo BilobaGlucosamineGlucomannanSeaweed, Kelps and Aquaceuticals5 HTPDigestive EnzymesSaw palmettoCharcoalConditionShop all ConditionCholesterolAllergy & Hay Fever CareAnxiety SupportBone & Muscle HealthMuscle Support & Joint PainBrain & Memory SupportWomen's HealthMen's HealthChildren's HealthCold & Immune SupportFatigueDigestive HealthHair, Skin & NailsHeart & CirculationLiver CareMood SupportSexual HealthSleep & RelaxationStress ReliefVisionWomen's HealthShop all Women's HealthPerimenopauseMenopauseMenstrual SupportUrinary Tract HealthPregnancy & ConceptionMen's HealthShop all Men's HealthProstate HealthChildren's HealthCBD Vitamins & SupplementsShop all CBD Vitamins & SupplementsCBD OilCBD CapsulesCBD SprayCBD GummiesHerbal & Licensed RemediesShop all Herbal & Licensed RemediesRescue RemedyAshwagandhaMilk ThistleGinseng & GuaranaHomeopathic & Flower RemediesShop all Homeopathic & Flower RemediesRescue RemedyTissue SaltsFlower RemediesHomeopathic RemediesAt-Home TestsVegan Vitamins & SupplementsHolland & BarrettVitabioticsSolgarNew NordicBetterYouWeledaBioglanGrass & Co.Nature's WayNatures AidBlack Friday DealsBuy one get one 1/2 priceBetter than 1/2 priceOutletBuy 6 Naturya products to get free blenderShort Dated3 for £15 Mix & MatchBuy 1 Get 1 FreeDairy FreeGluten FreeSesame Seed FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeFish FreeKiwi FreeLupin FreeNew inFood & DrinkChristmas Food & GiftsAdvent CalendarsFood & Drink Shop AllDried Fruit, Nuts & SeedsShop all Dried Fruit, Nuts & SeedsDried FruitNutsSeedsMixesTeas, Coffee & Hot BeveragesShop all Teas, Coffee & Hot BeveragesCoffee & Coffee SubstitutesMushroom DrinksTeasSuperfood TeasMatcha & Green TeaHerbal TeaPeppermint TeaSleep & RelaxationSlimming TeaWomen's Health TeasHoney, Jams & SpreadsShop all Honey, Jams & SpreadsManuka HoneyHoneyNut ButtersJams & ChutneysSyrupsSpreadsPateDrinks & JuicesShop all Drinks & JuicesMultipack DrinksJuices & Health ShotsNatural Energy DrinksCoconut WaterKombuchaCBD DrinksSoft DrinksWaterAlcohol Free DrinksProtein ShakesSuperfoodsShop all SuperfoodsSuperfood BlendsSupergreensMoringa PowderSpirulinaMaca PowderFlaxseedBaobabChia SeedsGoji BerriesGut HealthSnacksShop all SnacksSweet SnacksSavoury SnacksLow Calorie SnacksChocolateCrisps & ChipsCrackers & CrispbreadsBiscuits & CookiesSnack BarsFlapjacksLiquoricePopcornVegan FoodShop all Vegan FoodMeat-Free AlternativesDairy Free DrinksEgg SubstitutesVegan ProteinVegan Protein BarsFood CupboardShop all Food CupboardApple Cider VinegarCondiments & SaucesMeat-Free AlternativesSoup & Ready MealsRice, Pasta, Pulses & GrainsGravy, Broths & StockBreakfast CerealsShop all Breakfast CerealsCereals, Bran & FlakesGranolaMuesliOats & PorridgeBreakfast BarsCookingShop all CookingCooking IngredientsApple Cider VinegarCondiments & SaucesMeat-Free AlternativesSoup & Ready MealsRice, Pasta, Pulses & GrainsTinned FoodsHerbs, Spices & SeasoningGravy, Broths & StockHome BakingShop all Home BakingBaking IngredientsBaking MixesBreadFlourSweeteners & Sugar AlternativesEgg SubstitutesDairy Free DrinksShop all Dairy Free DrinksOat, Rice & Hemp DrinksSoya DrinksNut DrinksNutritionally Complete FoodHolland & BarrettNaturyaGrenadeHuelHeath & HeatherPukkaTwiningsNakdMeridianPerfectTedBlack Friday DealsBetter than 1/2 priceBuy one get one 1/2 priceBuy 6 Naturya products to get free blender2 for £5 Mix & MatchOutletBuy more save 10%2 for £2 Mix & MatchGluten FreeDairy FreeWheat FreeSugar FreeEgg FreeMilk FreeSoya FreeSesame Seed FreeCelery FreeFish FreeNew inSports NutritionSports Nutrition Shop AllProteinShop all ProteinWhey ProteinClear ProteinMass GainersVegan ProteinDiet ProteinCaseinSports SupplementsShop all Sports SupplementsTestosteroneElectrolytesEnergy GelsSports CollagenCreatineShop all CreatineCreatine PowderCreatine CapsulesBars, Drinks & SnacksShop all Bars, Drinks & SnacksEnergy BarsProtein BarsProtein ShakesProtein SnacksNutritionally Complete FoodMeal Replacement ShakesPre Workout & EnergyShop all Pre Workout & EnergyPre WorkoutCaffeine Free Pre WorkoutAmino Energy PowdersIntra WorkoutPost WorkoutKetoAmino AcidsShop all Amino AcidsAmino Energy PowdersBCAAL-LysineGlutamineCarnitineArginineVegan Sports NutritionShop all Vegan Sports NutritionVegan ProteinVegan Protein BarsVegan Pre Workout & EnergyVegan Amino AcidsVegan CreatineSports AccessoriesShop all Sports AccessoriesBottles & ShakersFitness EquipmentOptimum NutritionPrecision EngineeredUSNGrenadeApplied NutritionMyproteinHolland & BarrettHuelNakdPhDBlack Friday DealsBuy one get one 1/2 priceBetter than 1/2 priceFree gift with purchaseBuy 6 Naturya products to get free blenderOutletBlack FridayGluten FreeDairy FreeSugar FreeWheat FreeEgg FreePalm Oil FreeMilk FreeSesame Seed FreeCelery FreeCrustaceans FreeNew inBeautyGiftsNatural Beauty Shop AllAromatherapy & HomeShop all Aromatherapy & HomePure Essential OilsBlended Essential OilsBase & Carrier OilsHolisticSkincareShop all SkincarePremium SkincareFace CareBody CareSun CareTanning & BronzingEye CareLip CareFoot CareHand & Nail CareSkin AilmentsSkin OilsCBD BeautySun CareShop all Sun CareSun Lotion SPFMineral Sun CareFace SPFAfter SunWashing & BathingShop all Washing & BathingShampoo & ConditionerBathing AccessoriesFeminine CareShower Gel & Body WashDeodorantDentalHand WashSoapBath Soak & OilBody ScrubBath Bombs & SaltsIncontinence SupportHair CareShop all Hair CareShampoo & ConditionerHair ColouringHair MasksHair Oil & SerumHair Spray, Gel & MousseHair AccessoriesMother & BabyShop all Mother & BabyBaby Skincare & ToiletriesElectrical WellnessSexual WellnessDr OrganicFaith in NatureWeledaNaturtintTisserandMiaromaSukinQ+AEthiqueTrilogyBlack Friday DealsBuy one get one 1/2 priceBetter than 1/2 priceOutlet2 for £18 Mix & MatchBuy 1 Get 1 FreeAlcohol FreeParfum FreePalm Oil FreeGluten FreeDairy FreeMicroplastics FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeNew inCBDShop all CBDCBD Vitamins & SupplementsShop all CBD Vitamins & SupplementsCBD OilCBD CapsulesCBD SprayCBD GummiesCBD Food & DrinkCBD BeautyGrass & Co.Cannaray CBDCBDfxTRIPfourfiveHolistic HerbHolland & BarrettReakiroLove HempBody & Mind BotanicalsBlack Friday DealsBetter than 1/2 priceBuy one get one 1/2 priceOutletShort DatedDairy FreeAlcohol FreeGluten FreeNew inWeight ManagementWeight Management Shop AllFat Burners, Binders & Appetite SuppressantsShop all Fat Burners, Binders & Appetite SuppressantsFat BurnersFat BindersAppetite SuppressantsSlimming TabletsWeight Management Shakes Shop all Weight Management Shakes Meal Replacement ShakesDiet ProteinDiet Food & DrinkShop all Diet Food & DrinkHealthier CookingLow Calorie SnacksSlimming TeasExercise SupportShop all Exercise SupportFitness EquipmentMeal Replacement ShakesDiet ProteinProtein BarsHolland & BarrettGrenadeHeath & HeatherPhDUSNOptimum NutritionBounceHuelPulsinTrekBlack Friday DealsBuy one get one 1/2 priceBetter than 1/2 priceOutletGluten FreeSugar FreeDairy FreeWheat FreeEgg FreeMilk FreeCelery FreeCrustaceans FreeFish FreeKiwi FreeNew inVeganChristmasHealth & WellnessShop all Health & WellnessEnergyJoints Bones & MusclesGut HealthHair Skin & NailsStress AnxietySleep & RelaxationHolland & BarrettVitabioticsNaturtintWeledaSolgarOptimum NutritionDr OrganicBetterYouApplied NutritionWildBlack Friday DealsBuy one get one 1/2 priceBetter than 1/2 price2 for £18 Mix & MatchOutletBuy 6 Naturya products to get free blenderShort Dated3 for £15 Mix & MatchDairy FreeGluten FreeAlcohol FreeSugar FreeWheat FreeEgg FreeSesame Seed FreeCelery FreeCrustaceans FreeFish FreeNew inShop for your WellnessGut HealthImmunityEnergySkincareWomen's HealthMenstrual HealthMenopauseJoints, Bones & MusclesHair, Skin & NailsSleep & RelaxationFood & DietChildren's HealthStress ReliefHealthy HeartLow Mood & DepressionConcentration & AlertnessEye HealthSexual HealthLearn about WellnessJoints, Bones & MusclesWomen's HealthPeriods & Cycle HealthMenopauseImmunityGut HealthFood & DietSports & FitnessSleep & RelaxationHair Skin & NailsArticlesAll articlesHealthFood & nutritionGut healthImmunityJoints, bones & musclesWomen's healthWellnessHair & skinMental wellbeingSeasonalSleep & relaxationSports nutritionRecipesAll recipesGluten freeLow sugarVeganDairy freePodcast

What's causing your bad breath?

Happy couple in the park looking at each other and laughing
Common causes of bad breath and what you can do about them. Find out if friendly bacteria can reduce halitosis and improve dental health.

Around 25% of us experience halitosis, or bad breath, but the cause could be a lot deeper than simply overdoing the garlic.1

We’ve all worried about having bad breath after a spicy meal, and ‘morning breath’ is only something to inflict on someone who loves you very much.

Luckily, these causes of halitosis are easily solved.

But for the quarter of Brits who regularly experience bad breath, there could be an underlying cause that’s tougher to treat.

What causes bad breath?

The most common cause of bad breath is bad dental hygiene. Bacteria builds up on your teeth, known as plaque.2

When they break down food, this produces gases that can have an unpleasant smell. Any bits of food trapped between your teeth can also break down and make your breath smell.

Eating ‘smelly’ foods, such as garlic and onions, will also give you bad breath, as can some drinks such as coffee, alcohol – which can dry your mouth out, contributing to bad breath – and smoking.

Cleaning your teeth, flossing regularly, and eating a healthy diet can all help beat these causes of halitosis.

Handpicked content: 7 foods that are good for your teeth

Poor digestion and bad breath 

A study published in the Canadian Journal of Gastroenterology in 2010 found that 57% of those with halitosis also experienced gastrointestinal conditions, namely H.pylori bacteria, which can cause ulcers, and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD).3

Also known as acid reflux, GORD is a condition where acid from the stomach ‘leaks’ back up into the oesophagus.4

This can cause heartburn, a burning sensation in the throat, and a bad taste in your mouth.

You might also experience bloating, smelly and/or loud burps and a croaky voice in the mornings.

How to improve poor digestion

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms above, see your GP to rule out anything more serious.

They may recommend certain medications to help treat H.pylori or GORD, including those that reduce your stomach acid.

Your bad breath could be caused by an imbalance of bacteria in your gut, rather than in your mouth.

A study by the University of Bristol in 2012 concluded that 'friendly' bacteria could help treat bad breath caused by ‘micro-organisms’, so try taking a supplement to help replace the ‘bad’ bacteria in your gut with ‘friendly’ bacteria.5

You can also make some lifestyle changes to beat gut-related bad breath, such as eating smaller meals, losing weight.

American researchers found even a small amount of weight gain was linked to an increase in acid reflux – and avoiding foods that irritate your stomach, like coffee or curries.6

Are friendly bacteria the future for your mouth's health?

Most of us know that brushing, flossing and regular trips to the dentist are a great way to maintain good dental health.

But a secret weapon to protect your teeth and gums could be hiding in friendly bacteria supplements.

Discover the medical research that connects ‘good’ bacteria to beautiful pearly whites.

What are friendly bacteria?

‘Friendly’ or ‘good’ bacteria work by balancing out the ‘bad’ bacteria in your body.

They have been shown to help improve conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), diarrhoea, and urinary tract infections.

But scientists now believe they could be good for our dental health too.

Handpicked content: What is IBS and how can you treat it?

How friendly bacteria improve dental health

The theory is that replacing bad bacteria in the mouth with good bacteria can protect your teeth and gums.

A study published in the Swedish Dental Journal in 2006 found a friendly bacteria called Lactobacillus reuteri could help reduce bleeding gums in patients with gingivitis.7

Meanwhile, Korean researchers discovered that using a mouthwash containing good bacteria could cut the formation of plaque by 20%.8

The future of using friendly bacteria

A clinical review published in Spanish journal Medicina Oral, Patologia Oral Y Cirugia Bucal in 2017 concluded that friendly bacteria supplements were beneficial to help maintain oral health.9

But more studies were needed to measure the long-term effects and to work out which bacteria could help specific dental conditions such as cavities or bad breath.

In fact, there has already been some progress in this area.

A trial by the University of Florida in 2016 identified a new kind of oral bacteria, called A-12, which can prevent cavities.10

A-12 works by reducing the acid level in the mouth and preventing plaque from forming.

The research team are now working on putting the good bacteria into a pill to stop cavities even before they start.

Handpicked content: 15 top tips for healthy teeth

The advice in this article is for information only and should not replace medical care. Please check with your GP or healthcare professional before trying any supplements, treatments or remedies. Food supplements must not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.

Last updated: 3 September 2021

Related Articles