Bad Breath (Halitosis)

Bad Breath (Halitosis)

The easy cases of bad breath can be fixed by brushing and flossing. Drink lots of water. Use mouthwash and remember to brush your tongue too. But there are other things that can cause bad breath. Smoking is an obvious culprit. Foods like garlic and onions can cause bad breath long after you brush them out of your mouth. Dry mouth can cause bad breath, drinking plenty of water helps, as does chewing gum. Some illnesses and medicines may also cause bad breath, and plaque or tartar on teeth and gum disease may also contribute.
Recently Answered
Q What's the connection between the stomach and bad breath?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, Cardiology
A stomach condition most associated with failed first dates is bad breath. Sometimes bad breath originates from your mouth, and it's easy to check your teeth and gums for culprits. But often your mouth is only the porthole for bad stomach odors. Think... Full Answer
Q Is halitosis the same as bad breath?
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Halitosis is the medical term for bad breath. If you’re concerned about bad breath, see your dentist. He or she can help identify the cause and, if it’s due to an oral condition, develop a treatment plan to help eliminate it. Full Answer
Q How do I know which products are most effective for bad breath (halitosis)?
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Maintaining good oral health is essential to reducing bad breath. Schedule regular dental visits for a professional cleaning and checkup. If you think you have constant bad breath, keep a log of the foods you eat and make a list of medications you take.... Full Answer
Q Can someone be mistaken about their bad breath (halitosis)?
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There are people who believe that they have bad breath (halitosis) when their breath is fine. This is psychogenic halitosis. Some people may have a psychiatric illness like schizophrenia or suffer from paranoid or obsessive thoughts. Full Answer
Q How do I manage my bad breath (halitosis) on a daily basis?
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Brush and floss your teeth regularly and use a tongue scraper to thoroughly remove dental plaque from your teeth and tongue. There are also many commercially available products for bad breath (halitosis). Using an anti-bacterial toothpaste and/or... Full Answer
Q Why can't I tell when I have bad breath?
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Despite your efforts to cup your hands and breathe into them, it is still very hard to smell your own bad breath.  That's because your body gets used to its own smells. Ask a close friend to let you know if your breath smells bad or ask your... Full Answer
Q How can I check for bad breath?
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If you’re concerned about bad breath, see your dentist. He or she can help identify the cause and, if it’s due to an oral condition, develop a treatment plan to help eliminate it. Full Answer
Q What is bad breath (halitosis)?
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Bad breath, or halitosis, affects the air you exhale. Once the food is absorbed into the bloodstream, it is transferred to the lungs, where it is expelled. Brushing, flossing and mouthwash will only mask the odor temporarily. Your dentist can... Full Answer
Q What's the link between hunger and bad breath?
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Dr. Michael Roizen, Internal Medicine
"Hunger breath" can leave you -- and those around you -- hungry for a way to avoid the fumes you're exhaling. It's usually caused by regularly skipping meals. Not eating reduces the saliva in your mouth, and a dry mouth  is like a Playboy mansion... Full Answer
Q What treatments for halitosis (bad breath) do dentists recommend?
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Dentists do not endorse or promote one treatment for halitosis over another. They meet with each individual patient after reviewing that particular case. Dentists present the treatment options and discuss these with the patient. The patient then... Full Answer