What to do about bad breath

Bacteria in the mouth or tongue cause most cases of halitosis. Regular brushing and cleanings are often the only treatment needed to freshen your breath. But bad breath that doesn’t go away may be a tip-off to a more serious medical condition such as gum disease, diabetes, kidney disease, or liver failure.

If you just can’t freshen your breath, see your dentist for a thorough exam to rule out tooth decay or gum disease. Then brush, floss, and use a tongue scraper every evening to remove the bacteria from the back of your mouth.

Tongue scrapers are grooved plastic instruments. Some are simple strips and others look like a short-headed razor. They are used to sweep away odor-causing bacteria that collect on the back of the tongue, a major source of volatile sulfur compounds that give off that rotten-egg smell. Scrapers have long been used in various forms in other cultures. Plastic tongue scrapers are inexpensive and available in most drugstores.

Other tips to help you reduce bad breath:

• Brush and floss teeth twice daily.
• Brush your tongue daily.
• Rinse with an ADA accepted fluoride mouthwash.
• Keep your mouth moist. Certain medications can cause dry mouth, which happens when the flow of saliva decreases. Saliva is necessary to clean the mouth and remove food particles.
• If you think you have constant bad breath, keep a log of all the foods you eat for one week and then call your dentist.