Medically known as halitosis, bad breath causes extreme embarrassment to the one who carries it. At times, the person with bad breath is not even aware of the problem.

Is there a self test for bad breath?
Yes, and it is very simple. 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.

How can one get rid of bad breath immediately?
Following a proper dental care routine is extremely important if you want to prevent bad breath. Take the following steps if you find you have bad breath.

• If you have eaten pungent food, make sure you rinse your mouth thoroughly.

• Brush an hour after a meal.
• Chew on mint leaves, parsley, green cardamom, or anise seeds to freshen up your breath.
• Rinse your mouth using a mouthwash.

What are the factors that trigger bad breath?
The following are the culprits that trigger 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

If you have bad breathing in spite of following a good dental care routine, ask your dentist to find out the underlying cause.

Happy smiling!

Tags: Bad breath, dental problems, haitosis