Halitosis, or more commonly called, “bad breath” is a condition that affects many people. It literally sours their confidence and social interactions. So how do we control or prevent it?

Quit smoking. Tobacco use is the leading cause of bad breath and totally preventable. Besides other health concerns, tobacco can contribute to gum disease ranging from gingivitis to periodontitis. Which is the next consideration: oral hygiene.

You need to be brushing your teeth to remove food debris and plaque at least twice a day. Likewise, floss daily to clean between your teeth. Don’t forget to brush your tongue! Mouthwash is a good adjunct as well. It can kill bacteria and mask the odor temporarily but remember it is not a substitute for regular brushing or flossing. Make sure to choose an alcohol-free mouthwash so that it does not dry out your oral tissues. Which brings us to our next consideration: dry mouth.

Hydration is the next most important step. Drink plenty of water to keep your mouth moist and wash away food particles. Your saliva production naturally helps with this as well but some people may have decreased saliva production. For example, certain medications, foods and drinks can affect your saliva production.

If you’ve addressed all of the above and not seen an improvement, then the last thing to consider is medical causes. Infections of your nose, throat or lungs can be presenting as bad breath. Diseases like GERD, cancer or even liver and kidney conditions can also produce malodor. All of these should be addressed with your primary care physician.