Do have bad breath?

Chronic bad breath, or halitosis, is often caused by the breakdown of bacteria in the mouth, producing foul-smelling sulfur compounds. It's estimated that 25 percent of adults suffer the embarrassment of chronic bad breath and the percentage may be as high as 50 percent in older adults.

Brushing twice a day with antibacterial tooth paste, like Triclosan- found in Colgate Total tooth paste, and using a tooth brush with a built-in tongue scraper can eliminate chronic bad breath. Triclosan is an antibacterial agent used in acne medications, hand soaps, detergents, and deodorants.

The fear of halitosis, known as halitophobia, sometimes is so great that up to 25 percent of people claiming to have halitosis actually don't. Halitophobia could be associated with obsessive compulsive disorders, so there's a need for effective treatments for this condition.

Here are some tips for helping patients who suffer from halitosis:

-Good oral hygiene is important for avoiding bad breath. Regular cleanings (at least twice a year) with a dentist or dental hygienist are essential. Flossing twice a day is key to remove build up between teeth to alleviate bad breath.

-Food maybe a factor in bad breath. Certain foods, like onions and garlic should be avoided. Not skipping meals is also helpful in preventing halitosis. Eating helps remove bacteria on the tongue and stimulates the washing action of saliva. Furthermore, constant snaking is bad for oral hygiene and breath since saliva doesn't have time in between meals to wash away food naturally. It's also important to emphasize that we should drink water regularly, specially with meals.

-Mouthwashes don't have long-lasting effect on bad breath. Rinsing with peroxide wash twice a day offer better results. Mix one part water, one part hydrogen peroxide, and add a little baking soda and sea salt. Rinse for 30 seconds and spit.

-Sweetened mints increase the amount of sugar in saliva, which feeds the bacteria that cause bad breath, while chewing sugarless gum increases salivary flow, which has a bathing or cleansing effect on teeth.

Halitosis may also be a sign of a serious medical disorder, that is why your dentist and your physician may have to work together. The condition can be caused by sinus infections, stomach problems, diabetes, lower respiratory tract infections, carcinoma, etc.

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