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How do you get bad breath?

BY READERS DIGEST

1st Jan 2015 Health Conditions

How do you get bad breath?
The most obvious and immediate cause of bad breath is eating a dish laced with pepperoni, onions, garlic or blue cheese. But there are plenty of other possible causes.

How does halitosis occur?

  • Perhaps you're a smoker, or could it be that you don't brush your teeth or floss often enough? 
  • Gum disease is a common cause of bad breath - so perhaps you're due a visit to the dentist? 
  • If you have an abscessed tooth or a sinus infection, your unpleasant breath is almost certainly a side effect. 
  • Other suspects include certain prescription drugs, a chronically dry mouth or too many cups of coffee.

Just how bad is your breath?

To find out, perform a ‘sniff test’ on dental floss after you have pulled it gently between your teeth–but make sure you choose only an unwaxed and unflavoured variety. Another alternative is rubbing a face washer across the tongue and smelling it. If you are worried about your breath, talk to your dentist or hygienist. They will also be able to advise you on mouth hygiene and will check to see whether gum disease or poor mouth hygiene are likely causes. You can also try some of our remedies.

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