Many types people suffer with reduced salivary flow and are very susceptible to bad breath. They include those who smoke tobacco or take alcohol. Others in this category are those on medications for sinus and heart problems. Those who use birth control pills or antidepressants, and those over 55 years will also experience these symptoms. People who are dieting successfully and those with bleeding gums also suffer in this way.

The Fresh Breath Clinic in Toronto carried out a study (under Anne Bosy, co-founder) that showed that most people with bad breath do not have gum disease. She showed that actually it is the sulphur-producing bacteria that are the source of the halitosis. They live happily under the plaque and mucous layers at the back of the tongue.

If there is a white film covering the tongue then you can be sure that there are millions of bacteria resident there.

The gram negative anaerobic bacteria thrive in the oxygen-free area at the back of the tongue. Because of this, it is not possible to get all the bacteria out of the mouth, as the supply is continuous from the rear region.

These anaerobic type bacteria include the likes of A. actinomycetemcomitans, B. forsythus, T. denticola, P. intermedia and P.gingivalis and are readily associated with periodontal disease.

The plaque settled on the tongue can result in various tooth problems such as gingivitis, periodontitis, and other gum diseases besides offensive mouth odour or bad breath.

85% of all cases of bad breath originate in the mouth, and 90% of those are caused by the coatings on the tongue. It has been shown previously in various studies that the major components of halitosis are the mercaptans and hydrogen sulphide.

Out of fear of embarrassing them, it has been shown in behavioural studies, that no one likes to tell others that they have bad breath, not even their spouses.

Fairly shocking news just released connects the bacteria in our mouths to heart disease and other serious diseases.

Under the coating on the tongue are several bacteria, and one of them is the main actor in periodontal disease. When the gums are damaged or bleeding, this bacteria get into the bloodstream and travels through the body. It is thought that it may be causing damage even to the heart.

Studies have recently shown that many bacteria can enter the bloodstream and damage heart muscle tissue. They can also encourage the formation of blood clots. The bacteria Clostridium perfingens, which is normally found in the mouth, is considered to be one of the major culprits.

Researchers claim that there may be a direct connection between gum diseases in pregnant women and low birth weights of their offspring. They say it could be an effect of the toxic by-products of the bacteria.

Some studies are showing a connection betweem diabetes and periodontal disease.

Chronic lung conditions and respiratory diseases can be complicated greatly by bacteria from the mouth finding it's way into the airways.

Many people are aware of the fact that metabolic by-products and toxins are removed from the body through the coating of the tongue. Unfortunately, it seems that statistically 93% of the western world are re-ingesting most of this with their breakfast.