Halitosis (bad breath)
 

Are you tired of covering your mouth to hide your breath whenever you get close to someone? Or wondering if your breath is fresh enough for kissing?

Well, contrary to popular opinion, the majority of cases of halitosis, or bad breath, begins not in the stomach but in the mouth. Around 80% of bad breath is caused by gases given off by the dead bacteria involved in gum disease. Therefore, there is a lot we as dental professionals can do to help our patients to get rid of it.

There are a number of tests you can perform on yourself to see if you are a victim of halitosis.

Lick Wrist: Lick your wrist from as far back on the tongue as possible. Leave the saliva to dry for 30 seconds and then smell.

Floss: Rub with dental floss between the last two teeth at the back of the mouth, leave for a few seconds and then sniff the floss.

Gauze: Rub the back of the tongue with your finger covered in gauze or a cloth, after a few seconds, smell.

You should be able to detect an unusual smell and if you are worried that you have a problem, call the Bethesda Fresh Breath Center for a professional test with a halimeter machine.