Halitosis, or bad breath, is a common and embarrassing problem. Though products such as mints, mouthwashes and gum promise to alleviate the condition, the results are usually temporary. Certain health conditions, habits and various foods are the most frequent culprits behind bad breath. Proper and diligent dental hygiene usually solve the problem. But if your halitosis persists, see your dentist or doctor to rule out any medical condition that may be causing the problem.
Step 1
Evaluate your dental hygiene. Because the breakdown of food particles in and around your teeth and gums can cause a bad odor, it's important to practice good dental care. Make sure your toothbrush is soft-bristled, and replace it every few months. Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste to remove food particles and plaque. Brush your tongue, too. Floss daily to clean between your teeth.
Step 2
Review your eating habits. Some foods containing certain oils, such as garlic and onion, are linked with bad breath. Once digested, the pungent oils are absorbed into your bloodstream, then move to your lungs and are exhaled in your breath. Eating foods with fiber, such as beans, fruits and vegetables, can improve your breath by effectively moving food through your system. Drinking more water and reducing your intake of coffee and alcohol can help, too.
Step 3
Investigate halitosis-relieving products. Many of the products that combat bad breath, such as mouthwashes and mints, work only temporarily. However, the American Dental Association has approved many antiseptic mouth-rinse products because they have proven to reduce plaque and gum disease, and may freshen your breath. Rather than mask breath odor, as most products do, the antiseptic products kill germs that cause bad breath.
Step 4
Check for medical problems. Halitosis isn't always caused by food choices or poor dental hygiene; according to MayoClinic.com, about 10 percent of halitosis cases don't originate in the mouth. For instance, diabetes and kidney or liver failure can create a fishy smell on your breath. Some cancers cause a distinctive breath odor due to the chemicals the disease produces. Chronic reflux of stomach acids is also linked with bad breath, as are some medications that cause a reduction in mouth-cleansing saliva.
