Tips for bad breath

Bad breath (halitosis) is experienced by up to 20% of the population. While bad breath can be caused by a systemic condition, this post will focus on intraoral causes. The tongue, especially the back of the tongue, is the most common location for mouth related halitosis. Bacteria on the tongue produce compounds with a foul odor. A periodontal infection or abscess can also be a cause for bad breath. Some tips to prevent bad breath include, brushing and flossing after every meal, brushing the tongue, rinsing with mouth wash, drinking water to keep the mouth moist, chewing sugarless gum, and maintaining a proper diet to naturally debride the tongue.