Halitosis, or bad breath, is a common and sometimes awkward problem. The good news is that in most cases it has a clear cause and a solution.
Where bad breath comes from
In most cases the origin is in the mouth itself: bacteria that build up on the tongue, between the teeth and beneath the gums. A dry mouth, smoking, certain foods and, less often, digestive or other problems also play a part.
Remedies and recommendations
To tackle it you need to address the cause, not just disguise it:
- Thorough hygiene. Brushing, flossing and cleaning the tongue remove the bacteria responsible.
- Stay hydrated. Saliva cleans the mouth naturally; a dry mouth makes breath worse.
- See the dentist. Tartar and gum disease are common causes that can only be resolved at the clinic.
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Do chewing gum and mouthwashes fix it?
They only mask it temporarily. If the bad breath is persistent, it's best to find and treat the cause.
Written by Dr. Jorge Utrilla Gómez Director
Related service Oral Medicine See the treatment for oral medicine
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