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Win the Battle Against Bad Breath

If you have bad breath, you can exhale. There are ways to fight it.

Regular visits to the dentist, as well as brushing and flossing daily, are vital in combating the condition.1 But consider these other strategies:

Avoid dry mouth. Drink lots of water, eat sugarless candy to keep the mouth moist, or talk to your dentist about artificial saliva.1

Stay away from onions and garlic. According to the Academy of General Dentistry , their smells stay on the breath up to 72 hours after eating.2

  • Kick the habit. Smoking is a primary cause of bad breath.1

  • Don’t skip meals. Infrequent eating can trigger bad breath.1

If you’ve tried these steps and bad breath persists, see your doctor. It could signal a more serious condition, such as diabetes, gum disease, or a respiratory infection.3

1 “Bad Breath (Halitosis).” American Dental Association. www.ada.org/public/topics/bad_breath.asp Accessed 2008.

2 “What is Halitosis?”Academy of General Dentistry, February 2007. www.agd.org/public/oralhealth/Default.asp?IssID=306&Topic=H&ArtID=1254 Accessed 2008.

3 “Bad Breath (Halitosis) Frequently Asked Questions.” American Dental Association. www.ada.org/public/topics/bad_breath_faq.asp Accessed 2008.

Author: Garippo, Gina
Date Last Reviewed: 10/6/2008
Date Last Modified: 10/6/2008
The views represented by this article are that of the author and not of Delta Dental. This article is provided for information only. Please consult with a licensed dentist to discuss the best way for you to improve or maintain your oral health.

In all cases, specific group contract provisions, benefits, limitations and exclusions take precedence over oral health recommendations given here. We recommend that you contact your dental benefits carrier to determine the specific limitations and exclusions for your group.