Kiss Your Bad Breath Goodbye with Bad Breath Toothpaste

A whopping $200 million dollars are spent each year in the battle against bad breath and purchasing bad breath toothpaste. Yet despite exposure to hundreds of products and commercials, many people still operate under misconceptions about halitosis. Above all, be aware that chronic bad breath is more than just a social embarrassment, it's a red flag that indicates you have a serious health problem already, or are at high risk of developing one.

The two most common misconceptions are that bad breath begins in the digestive tract or else is caused by food particles caught between your teeth. In fact, 90 percent of all odors originate in the mouth, most on the back of your tongue. They're caused by sulfur compounds, which are byproducts that occur when bacteria break down food. Allergies and sinus drainage, plus dental problems such as cavities, an impaction or abscessed teeth, are major culprits. Many other health problems, such as diabetes, can create or contribute to less-than-minty-fresh breath.

Bad breath also results when the mouth becomes dry, meaning no saliva is available to rinse the teeth and remove particles. Dry mouth is a common side effect of many medications, especially those that treat high blood pressure, depression, allergies, cancer and pain. It's also commonly experienced by people who smoke, chew tobacco, use illegal drugs or drink excessive amounts of alcohol.

Surprisingly, not everyone is aware of their own bad breath. Cupping your hands and blowing into them, as many of us do, isn't helpful, since our bodies become accustomed to their own odors and won't necessarily recognize them as offensive. If you have one of the conditions mentioned above, or you constantly have a coating on your tongue or a sour taste in your mouth, odds are you have noticeably bad breath. Ditto if friends and family offer you breath mints, or strangers turn their heads away when you speak. It is a clear sign you need a bad breath toothpaste.

If your bad breath is persistent, you should first visit your dentist and your doctor to rule out gum disease and other health problems. Then, try the breath-freshening tactics below.

Brush your teeth twice daily with a high-quality product of your choice and follow up with daily flossing. Getting rid of any body odor, including halitosis, begins with good hygiene, and the mouth is no exception. If you wear dentures, they should be removed each night and thoroughly cleaned. Whether your teeth are your own or not, using a tongue scraper every morning and evening also can be helpful, as it physically removes the bacteria and plaque. For a good bad breath toothpaste, try brushing your teeth with one of the newer, bacteria-fighting products, such as OraMD®. Colgate toothpaste probably won't cut it anymore.

Finally, keep your mouth and nasal passages moist. Chewing sugarless gum or snacking on an apple will promote saliva production and help ward off bad breath.