But bad breath can be a sign of something more than poor hygiene. It may be trying to warn you that you have a serious disease brewing in your body, one that requires medical attention beyond the dentist.
Many Americans have halitosis, the clinical name for bad breath. Even though the mouth is located underneath the nose, many can have it and be unaware of their atrocious breath. That’s when a good friend or loved one has to pull them aside and deliver the bad news or merely leave a bottle of gift-wrapped mouthwash on their desk while they are out of the office.
The Washtenaw Dental Society estimates that some 65 percent of Americans have bad breath. For 40 million of them, it has become a chronic issue.
If your bad breath is related to the falafel you had for lunch, it’s easy to solve the problem. Regular brushing, rinsing your mouth, using mouthwash, flossing and using breath mints, sprays or gum can improve the odor immediately. Get in the habit of frequent maintenance on your teeth and gums, and the benefits will pay off in reduced instances of bad breath.
Underlying Conditions
But in some cases, there’s more at work than poor hygiene habits. Bad breath can be a side effect of certain medical treatments or can be a sign that something is going terribly wrong in the body.