We all have the presence of helpful bacteria on our tongues, to assist with the breakdown of "proteins found in specific foods, mucous or phlegm, blood, and in diseased or "broken-down" oral tissue."   

Proteins consist of amino acids, and when specific amino acids that are especially dense with sulfur come into contact with these helpful bacteria, a compound called volatile sulfur compounds (VSC) are formed.  These compounds are the culprits behind the bad breath odor and bad taste.  

According to this bad breath dentist in California,  beyond poor oral care habits as a source of bad breath, dietary habits can greatly impact the prevalence of bad breath.  Certain foods tend to produce VSCs more readily than others and are divided into four main categories;

1. Drying Agents ie. alcohol (some mouthwashes contain alcohol which worsens the problem of bad breath).
2. Dense Protein Foods (depending on the person)
3. Sugars (ie. like even found in breath mints which mask breath and worsen sulfur production)
4. Acids ie. coffee, citrus juices

*The above two paragraphs information was resourced from Dr. Katz's articles "The Truth About Bad Breath & What the Symptoms Mean" and "Foods that may lead to Bad Breath due to volatile sulfur compounds".

Other culprits behind the presence of volatile sulfur compounds (VSC) include dry mouth, allergies, and medications, to name a few.  This bad breath dentist in California is an excellent resource for answers and solutions.  

For more in depth well researched interesting reading by Dr. Katz, click on the topics below:

• Common Symptoms of Bad Breath
• How To Test Your Own Breath
• Why Your Mouthwash Won't Work
• Why Breathmints Worsen Breath
• Medications That Cause Breath Odor
• What Has Proven To Effectively Fight Bad Breath?
• People Who Have Fought And Won The Battle Against Breath Odor

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