Bad breath, or
halitosis, can be a major problem, especially when you're about
to snuggle with your sweetie or whisper a joke to your friend. The good news is
that bad breath can often be prevented with some simple steps.
Bad breath is caused by
odor-producing bacteria that grow in the mouth. When you don't brush and floss
regularly, bacteria accumulate on the bits of food left in your mouth and
between your teeth. The sulfur compounds released by these bacteria make your
breath smell.
Certain foods, especially ones
like garlic and onions that contain pungent oils, can contribute to bad breath
because the oils are carried to your lungs and out through your mouth. Smoking is also a
major cause of bad breath, so if you smoke, you can banish bad breath by kicking the
habit.
There are lots of myths about
taking care of bad breath. Here are a few to keep in mind:
Myth #1 -
Mouthwash will make bad breath go away.
Not necessarily. Mouthwash only
gets rid of bad breath by temporarily masking it. Actually, the alcohol in
mouthwash makes your mouth dry, and bad breath can get worse after you use it
because certain types of bacteria thrive in dry environments. If you do use
mouthwash, look for an antiseptic (kills the germs that cause bad breath) and
plaque-reducing one with a seal from the American Dental Association (ADA).
(When you're deciding which dental products to toss into your shopping cart,
it's always a good idea to look for those that are accepted by the ADA. Also,
ask your dentist what he or she recommends.)
Myth #2 - As long as you brush your
teeth, you shouldn't have bad breath.
The truth is that most people
only brush their teeth for 30 to 45 seconds, which just doesn't cut it. To
sufficiently clean all the surfaces of your teeth, you should brush for at least
2 minutes at least twice a day. Remember to brush your tongue, too - bacteria
love to hang out there. It's equally important to floss because brushing alone
won't remove harmful plaque and food particles that become stuck between your
teeth and gums. Flossing is a great idea anyway, as it helps to keep both your
teeth and gums healthy.
Myth #3 - If you breathe into your
hand, you'll know when you have bad breath.
Wrong! When you breathe, you
don't use your throat the same way you do when you talk. When you talk, you tend
to bring out the odors from the back of your mouth (where bad breath
originates), which simply breathing doesn't do. Also, because we tend to get
used to our own smells, it's hard for a person to tell if he or she has bad
breath.
If you're concerned about bad
breath, make sure you're taking care of your teeth and mouth properly. To keep
your mouth from drying out, drink plenty of water and try chewing sugar-free gum
or sucking on sugarless candy. Some sugar-free gums and mints can temporarily
mask odors, too.
If you brush and floss properly
and visit your dentist for regular cleanings, but your bad breath persists, you
may have a medical problem like sinusitis or
gum
disease. Call your doctor or dentist if you suspect a problem. They can
figure out if something else is behind your bad breath and help you take care of
it.
Updated and reviewed by: Mary L. Gavin,
MD Date reviewed: October 2002 Originally reviewed by: Steven Dowshen,
MD
|