Bad breath, medically called halitosis, can result from poor dental health habits and may be a sign of other health problems. It can also be made worse by the types of foods you eat and other unhealthy lifestyle habits. If you eat foods with strong odors (such as garlic or onions), brushing and flossing, even mouthwash merely covers up the odor temporarily. The odor will not go away completely until the foods have passed through your body.
What Can I Do to Prevent Bad Breath?
- Practice good oral hygiene
- See your dentist regularly
- Stop smoking and chewing tobacco-based products
- Drink lots of water.
Who Treats Bad Breath?
In most cases, your dentist can treat the cause of bad breath. If your dentist determines that your mouth is healthy and the odor is not of oral origin, you may be referred to your family doctor or to a specialist to determine the odor source and treatment plan. If the odor is due to gum disease, for example, your dentist can either treat the disease or refer you to a periodontist, a dentist who specializes in treating gum conditions.