It is normal to have questions regarding bad breath as no one wishes to have it. Your doctor or dentist will be glad to answer any of your personal questions regarding your dental health. Below are some general questions and the answers that will help you avoid halitosis in the future.

What are the things that cause someone to get halitosis (bad breath)?

Certain foods, alcohol, cigarettes and chewing tobacco can certainly contribute to bad breath.

Poor dental hygiene is another cause of bad breath.

Several infections including throat, sinus and lung infections.

Systemic diseases can also cause someone to have bad breath.

Dry mouth can lead to bad breath

What are the treatments for halitosis?

Once the diagnosis and cause of halitosis is determined than a treatment plan can be devised. The treatment will of course depend on what the cause of the bad breath has been determined to be.

If the bad breath is from poor dental hygiene, the dentist and his/her hygientist will be glad to demonstate the proper way to brush your teeth and the proper flossing techniques.

You will be told how often the dentist expects you to return for exams to keep your teeth healthy.

Your dentist can give you a list of foods and situations to avoid so that you can minimize the chance of repeating the bad breath.

What foods cause bad breath?

Most people realize that onions and garlic cause bad breath.

Other foods that cause halitosis are:

Food that has been sitting out too long and has had a chance to spoil.

Alcoholic drinks cause bad breath because they will make you dehydrated. Alcohol is also found in some mouthwashes. Alcohol is what is known as a "drying agent" Smoking cigarettes will also dry out your mouth and cause bad breath. It is not a food, but many people who smoke do so after eating.

Dense protein foods can create bad breath, such as dairy foods when individuals are lactose intolerant they cannot break down the lactose protein in dairy foods like milk, cheese, yogurt and ice cream. This results in a build up of amino acids, which easily converts into Volatile Sulfur. There are others who have the same problem with other dense protein foods like beef, chicken and fish. Some rare cases have been recorded of individuals who have difficulty breaking down the proteins in beans called Trimethylaminuria, this can cause a "fish odor".

Sugar:

Sugar can create sulfur compounds in your mouth. Sugar can also cause thick layers of plaque to form on your enamel and around your gums. All of this leads to tooth decay and gum disease which can lead to bad breath.

Acidic foods can cause bad breath:

Acidic foods include: coffee decaf and regular coffee, tomato juice, citrus juice, orange juice, pineapple juice, and grapefruit juice.

Acids make the bacteria reproduce much faster

If your dentist wishes you to use mouthwash they will let you know which brands are alcohol free and effective in the fight against bad breath and tooth decay.