Whether  you call it bad breath or halitosis, it’s an unpleasant condition  that’s cause for embarrassment. Some people with bad breath aren’t even  aware there’s a problem. If you’re concerned about bad breath, see your  dentist. He or she can help identify the cause and, if it’s due to an  oral condition, develop a treatment plan to help eliminate it.

What  you eat affects the air you exhale. Certain foods, such as garlic  onions, contribute to objectionable breath odor. Once the food is  absorbed into the bloodstream, it is transferred to the lungs, where it  is expelled. Brushing, flossing mouthwash will only mask the odor  temporarily. Odors continue until the body eliminates the food. Dieters  may develop unpleasant breath from infrequent eating.

If  you don't brush floss daily, particles of food remain in the mouth,  collecting bacteria, which can cause bad breath. Food that collects  between the teeth, on the tongue around the gums can rot, leaving an  unpleasant odor.

Bad  breath can also be caused by dry mouth (xerostomia), which occurs when  the flow of saliva decreases. Saliva is necessary to cleanse the mouth  remove particles that may cause odor. Dry mouth may be caused by  various medications, salivary glproblems or continuously breathing  through the mouth. If you suffer from dry mouth, your dentist may  prescribe anartificial saliva, or suggest using sugarless candy  increasing your fluid intake.

Tobacco products cause bad breath. If you use tobacco, ask your dentist for tips on kicking the habit.

Bad  breath may be the sign of a medical disorder, such as a local infection  in the respiratory tract, chronic sinusitis, postnasal drip, chronic  bronchitis, diabetes, gastrointestinal disturbance, liver or kidney  ailment. If your dentist determines that your mouth is healthy, you may  be referred to your family doctor or a specialist to determine the cause  of bad breath.

Maintaining  good oral health is essential to reducing bad breath. Schedule regular  dental visits for a professional cleaning checkup. If you think you  have constant bad breath, keep a log of the foods you eat make a  list of medications you take. Some medications may play a role in  creating mouth odors. Let your dentist know if you've had any surgery or  illness since your last appointment.

Brush  twice a day with fluoride toothpaste to remove food debris plaque.  Brush your tongue, too. Once a day, use floss or an interdental cleaner  to clean between teeth.