The History and Science Behind Bad Breath

February 24, 2017 5:00 am
The History and Science of Bad Breath
(Roberto Machado Noa/LightRocket via Getty Images)
The History and Science of Bad Breath
(Roberto Machado Noa/LightRocket via Getty Images)

 

Bad breath is an epidemic —one that makes morning conversations a little less enjoyable with your significant others or co-workers. A problem that has long compelled the subtle passing of a stick of gum or not-so-subtle handing of a bottle of mouthwash to the repeat offender.

But it turns out that bad breath has lingered as a social stigma at least since Roman times.

According to Smithsonian.com, Ovid once said of the fairer sex, “She whose breath is tainted should never speak before eating….and she should always stand at a distance from her lover’s face.” Everyone from the ancient Egyptians to Talmudic scholars have railed against (and attempted to cure) rot-mouth. And it wouldn’t be until the early-20th century that it was seen as a medical problem under the more scientific name of halitosis. That soon gave way to modern “cures,” such as Listerine.

However, it’s only recently that scientists have landed on anything close to a cause for halitosis. Here’s Smithsonian‘s Brian Handwerk:

“What they’re finding is that, while notorious foods like sardines, onions, and coffee can surely inflect our aromas, what we eat isn’t ultimately to blame. Instead, the real culprits are invisible, microscopic bacteria that hang out around your tongue and gums, feasting on tiny bits of food, postnasal drip, and even oral tissues.”

For more on the history of bad breath (and what society’s done to try to curb it), click here. Below, see Lifehacker‘s take on causes and solutions.

—RealClearLife

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