What to Do About Bad Breath

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

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.