What is halitosis?

Well, halitosis is just a fancy name for bad breath. That is how your doctors and dentists will refer to it.

How can I find out if I have bad breath?

It is believed that the person sporting bad breath never knows he/she has it. Well, not always. If I have bad breath, I know it. And this is true for several of my friends. Do we have special powers? No, we are just conscious. If you are not sure you have bad breath, here is a very easy way to find that out:

Lick the back of your palm with your tongue. Let the palm dry for a few seconds and then, smell it. If the hand smells foul, you have bad breath.

Should I be concerned if I have bad breath most of the time?

Yes. While bad breath essentially signifies poor oral hygiene, there may be a deep-rooted underlying cause of the foul smell coming out of your mouth. You should see your dentist to find out the reason behind it.

What causes bad breath?

Here are some of the major culprits that cause bad breath:

• Smoking and consumption of tobacco in other forms

• Eating food that has onion and garlic
• Improper dental care
• Insufficient water intake causing dry mouth

How can I prevent bad breath?

How about following a good dental care routine for starters? Brush an hour after each meal. If you have eaten pungent food, make sure you rinse your mouth thoroughly. Use a mouthwash to rinse your mouth.

Are there any quick-fixes for bad breath?

Aargh! This is not really my favorite section. I don’t like quick-fixes, but yes, I do understand you need them at times. If you suspect you have bad breath, rinse your mouth first and then chew on mint leaves, parsley, green cardamom, or anise seeds.

Tags: Bad breath, halitosis