Halitosis (bad breath) is a common disorder, often affecting everyone at one time or another.

DEFINITION

Halitosis is an unpleasant odor in the breath.

SYMPTOMS

Stale or offensive odor to breath.

Unpleasant taste in mouth.

Dry mouth.

CAUSES

Poor dental hygiene.

Consumption of garlic, onions, peppers, or other strong foods.

Dentures.

Braces.

Food particles lodged between teeth or in gums.

Sinus infection.

Cold, flu or virus.

Prescription and non-prescription medications, particularly those which dry the mouth, such as antihistamines, motion sickness medications, diuretics, high blood pressure medications, cancer drugs and angina pills.

Periodontitis, gingivitis and other mouth disorders.

Coffee and tea consumption.

TREATMENTS

Most cases of halitosis are self-limiting and easily treatable. Chronic bad breath that does not respond to treatment warrants a trip to your family physician. There are some disorders, including kidney disease, diabetes and lung infections which cause chronic halitosis.

BRUSH teeth several times a day, especially after eating. Food which lodges in between teeth begins to ferment, leading to bad breath.

FLOSS often to remove debris from teeth and gums.

KEEP the mouth moist by chewing sugarless gum or sucking on hard candy.

DRINK at least 8-glasses of water a day to help remove debris from mouth and keep your body chemistry balanced.

USE mouthwashes and sprays to freshen breath between meals and brushings.

USE deodorant mouth treatments which contain "chlorophyll," which absorbs odors and kill bacteria.

MEDICATED mouthwashes also destroy bacteria, limiting offensive odors.

FOLLOW brushings and flossings with a tongue scraping. This can be done with a common toothbrush or specially made plastic or wooden scraper.

MAKE charcoal pills a regular part of your diet. Activated charcoal works from the inside out, absorbing and controlling odors, including bad breath. Take activated charcoal tablets at least two hours before or one hour after medications. Charcoal can be taken between or with meals and a full glass of water.

NATURAL rinses, such as 1-teaspoon of baking soda mixed into an 8-ounce glass of water will absorb odors.

CARRY mints, chewing gum or portable breath sprays when brushing isn't an option.

CLEAN dentures often.

IF using garlic pills is causing your halitosis, look for odor-free garlic capsules, available in most health food stores and pharmacies. You'll reap all the benefits of garlic without the offensive odor.

CHEW on parsley after meals.

TRY ingesting or chewing on natural cures like wintergreen leaves or eucalyptus.

DRINK herbal teas between or after meals which contain peppermint oil.