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).” Oral Health Topics, American Dental Association. www.ada.org/2941.aspx Accessed 2010.

² “What is Halitosis?”Academy of General Dentistry, February 2007. www.agd.org/public/oralhealth/Default.asp?IssID=306&Topic=H&ArtID=1254 Accessed 2010.

³ “Bad Breath (Halitosis) Frequently Asked Questions.” Oral Health Topics, American Dental Association. www.ada.org/2941 Accessed 2010.