Bad breath, sometimes known as halitosis, is a common problem that can affect anyone of any age. Most people experience short periods of bad breath at some point in their lives and it is estimated that up to 50% of people suffer from persistent bad breath.
In most cases bad breath is caused by bacteria in the mouth living off food debris, and is frequently a sign of gum disease. Eating strongly flavoured foods, such as onions and garlic can cause your breath to smell unpleasant, as can smoking and drinking a lot of alcohol. Occasionally bad breath can be a result of an infection or illness, or a result of taking some kinds of medication.
Good oral (mouth) hygiene alone can usually prevent and treat bad breath. Your dentist can advise you on how to improve your oral health and refer you for further investigation if it is thought there may be another cause for your bad breath.
How do you know you have bad breath?
It can be difficult to realise that you have bad breath. Other people tend to notice it first, and they may find it difficult to tell you. If you are worried that you have bad breath you may have to ask a close friend or family member to tell you honestly whether they think that you have.
A simple test you can do yourself is to lick the inside of your wrist and wait for the saliva to dry, if the area you licked smells unpleasant, it is likely that your breath does too.
Bacteria
Bacteria are tiny, single-celled organisms that live in the body. Some can cause illness and disease and some others are good for you.
Continue to next section: Causes of bad breath