Bad Breath: A Social Taboo

Why is bad breath a social taboo?

Bad breath — nobody talks about it, nobody points it out, and sometimes you aren't even aware that you are affected by it. It is hard to be around a person who has bad breath, and much harder to point the fact out (so is bad body odor).

The problem is often an easy fix. Halitosis, or bad breath, refers to the smell when you exhale, talk, or open your mouth. Sometimes bad breath is caused by a dental disease such as periodontal or gum disease. Studies suggest roughly one in four people experience bad breath to some degree.

How can you prevent bad breath?

Most often, bad breath can be taken care of by improving oral hygiene:

• Avoid dry mouth. Dry mouth is the number one reason people have bad breath. It is also called xerostomia. Dry mouth can be avoided by sipping water regularly. If you are working at your desk for long hours, don't forget to sip water throughout the day. Dry mouth often leads to bacteria growth inside the mouth, which leads to bad breath. Try brushing your teeth after every meal and flossing at least once a day.
• Use a tongue cleaner. A tongue cleaner should be used after brushing — it helps clean bacteria and food buildup off the tongue, where a large share of bad-breath odor originates.
• Use mouthwash. Use a mouthwash after brushing your teeth. Try to find a mouthwash designed for dry mouth if that is your issue.

When should you see a dentist?

If it's a periodontal disease causing the bad breath, then a trip to the dentist is a must. Regular dental checkups — typically every six months — are a must to keep teeth and gums healthy. In India, people often visit the dentist only when something is severely wrong, which can result in losing teeth prematurely.

The easiest way to know if you suffer from bad breath is to ask a friend. But if you can't do that, there is another way to find out — it could gross you out a little, but remember: bad breath is unpleasant, and people don't want to be around a person who has bad breath. After flossing, smell the floss. If that smells, then so does your breath!

General information only, not medical advice.