Maintaining fresh breath isn’t just about oral hygiene, it’s also about the natural balance of saliva. If you’ve ever woken up with a dry mouth and an unpleasant taste, you already know how easily dry mouth and halitosis go hand in hand.
Table of Contents
- What is dry mouth and why does it occur?
- What is halitosis and how does it relate to dry mouth?
- Common causes of dry mouth
- How a lack of saliva causes bad breath
- Tips to prevent dry mouth and halitosis
- Air-Lift: A natural and effective solution
- Frequently asked questions about dry mouth and halitosis
What is dry mouth and why does it occur?
Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, occurs when the salivary glands don’t produce enough saliva to keep the mouth moist. And it’s not just a nuisance: saliva performs essential functions, such as cleaning food debris, neutralizing acids, and keeping bacteria in check.
The causes can be very diverse: from dehydration and stress to the use of certain medications or systemic diseases. When saliva production decreases, the mouth becomes a perfect environment for bacteria to grow… and that’s the beginning of bad breath.
What is halitosis and how does it relate to dry mouth?
Halitosis, or bad breath, is the unpleasant odour emitted when exhaling. It can be caused by multiple factors, but in more than 90% of cases, it originates in the oral cavity. Dry mouth is one of the most common triggers: without enough saliva, the bacteria that live on the tongue and gums multiply and release Volatile Sulphur Compounds (VSCs), which are responsible for the bad smell.
In other words, less saliva = more active bacteria = persistent halitosis.
Common causes of dry mouth
There are many reasons why you may experience dry mouth. Here are the most common ones:
- Medications: More than 1,500 medications, such as antihistamines, antidepressants, and antibiotics, can reduce saliva production.
- Stress or anxiety: The nervous system directly influences salivary secretion.
- Age: With age, the salivary glands tend to produce less saliva.
- Smoking: Smoking not only dries out the mouth, it also promotes bad breath and damages the gums.
- Dehydration: Not drinking enough water or overindulging in coffee and alcohol can aggravate the problem.
- Mouth breathing: Especially while sleeping, it dries out mucous membranes and worsens bad breath.
How lack of saliva causes bad breath
Saliva is a natural cleanser. When it is scarce, food debris accumulates between the teeth and bacteria begin to break down proteins, releasing sulphur-containing gases—the famous SVDs—that generate that unpleasant odour.
In addition, a dry mouth tends to increase plaque, cavities, and gum problems, all of which worsen halitosis. It’s a vicious cycle: dryness causes bad breath and, if left untreated, worsens oral health.
Tips to prevent dry mouth and halitosis
Preventing dry mouth and halitosis doesn’t require miracles, but rather good habits and consistency. Here are some practical tips:
- Stay hydrated: Drink water throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
- Avoid tobacco and alcohol: Both dry out the mouth and alter the oral flora.
- Take care of your oral hygiene: Brush at least twice a day and don’t forget your tongue.
- Use natural products: Essential oils, such as peppermint or olive oil, help balance the oral flora without harming it.
- Visit your dentist: An annual checkup can prevent major complications.
- Manage stress: Relaxation also helps keep saliva flowing.
Air-Lift: A natural and effective solution
When bad breath comes from the stomach or persistent dry mouth, Air-Lift becomes a great ally. This line combines the power of Extra Virgin Olive Oil with Mediterranean essential oils, acting directly on Volatile Sulphur Compounds.
Air-Lift Capsules
These swallowable capsules help neutralize malodorous gases from within, providing freshness for up to 24 hours.
- Made with 100% natural oils.
- They act in about 20 minutes.
- Their effect lasts between 4 and 6 hours.
- They do not alter the oral flora.
Ideal for use at any time of day.
- Alcohol-free and antibacterial.
- Works immediately.
- Provides a long-lasting feeling of freshnes
Both products are perfect for those looking for a natural solution, free of harsh chemicals and compatible with oral health.
Frequently asked questions about dry muth and halitosis
Does halitosis always originate from the stomach?
No. In 90% of cases, bad breath originates in the mouth, not the stomach. Poor hygiene or dry mouth are usually the main culprits.
Why is bad breath worse in the morning?
During the night, we produce less saliva, which allows bacteria to multiply. Hence the typical “morning breath.”
Can dry mouth be caused by stress?
Yes. Stress and anxiety reduce saliva production, which promotes halitosis.
What are Volatile Sulfur Compounds (VSCs)?
They are sulfur-containing molecules released by bacteria when breaking down food debris and proteins. They are the main cause of bad breath.
Do Air-Lift products contain gluten or lactose?
No, none of the products in the Air-Lift® line contain gluten or lactose.
As we can see, the relationship between dry mouth and halitosis is much closer than it seems. Maintaining good hydration, taking care of oral hygiene, and turning to natural solutions like Air-Lift® can make the difference between fresh breath and unpleasant breath.