- Three tips to pick out a sweet watermelon
- Local Business Offers Scuba Training Programs
- The City of Los Fresnos Has Several Parks for Everyone to Enjoy
- South Padre Island 4th of July Activities
- City of Los Fresnos Holds Summer Luau for Elderly Community
- 2024 All-Star Sectionals and District
- City of Los Fresnos 2024 Independence Day Celebration Sparks Patriotic Spirit
- Fight Against Cancer Brings Experts Together To Discuss Strategies, Solutions
- Sea Turtles Ride A Wave Onto New Stamps
- Blackberries, Blueberries, Other Fruits Contribute To Texas Agriculture
What to Do About Bad Breath
- Updated: December 1, 2014
Q: I have a problem with bad breath. Is there anything I can do about this, other than daily brushing and flossing?
ANSWERED by DR. ERIC VALLE
![Dr. Eric Valle](https://losfresnosnews.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Eric-Valle_color.jpg)
Dr. Eric Valle
More than 90 million people suffer from chronic halitosis or bad breath. Certain foods, tobacco products, & medical disorders like chronic bronchitis can cause bad breath, but in most cases, it originates from the gums & tongue. If you don’t brush & floss daily, particles of food remain in your mouth, collecting bacteria. Food that collects between the teeth, on the tongue & around the gums can rot, producing a sulfur compound that causes the unpleasant odor. Maintaining good oral health is essential to reducing bad breath. Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste to remove food debris & plaque. Clean your tongue too with a toothbrush or a tongue scraper. Use floss to clean between teeth daily. Most importantly, be sure to schedule regular dental visits for a professional cleaning, & exam, every 6 months. Let your dentist know if you require daily use of a breath freshener to hide unpleasant mouth odor. Mouthwashes generally do not have a long- lasting effect on bad breath; your dentist may recommend a special antimicrobial mouth rinse if you need extra help controlling plaque.