Most people would think that dental care ends with the gums and the teeth; however, there is another side to this coin. If you think that you have bad breath, you are not alone. There are millions of Americans who suffer from chronic halitosis (bad breath). Studies indicate that 25 to 85 million people are affected. The fact is, dentists at a recent American Dental Association Conference reported that they faced a minimum of six patients with bad breath every week. Calculating the number of practicing dentists, that adds up to at least 500,000 bad breath cases weekly!

So what is the root of halitosis? There are many causes of bad breath. First, your mouth itself may be the source:

• Bacterial breakdown of food particles and other debris in and around your teeth can cause a foul odor.
• Infections like periodontitis are obvious causes of odor. In periodontitis, plaque-like pockets are formed between the teeth and gums.
• A dry mouth, such as occurs during sleep, or as the result of some drugs or smoking, enables dead cells to accumulate on your tongue, gums, and cheeks. As a result, they decompose and cause odor.
• Eating foods containing volatile oils. Onions and garlic are the best-known example, but there are other vegetables and spices that also may cause bad breath. After this food is digested in your stomach and small intestine and the volatile substances are absorbed into the blood stream, they are carried to your lungs and are given off in your breath.
• Lung disease can cause bad breath. Chronic infections in the lungs can produce very foul-smelling breath. Several other illnesses can cause a distinctive odor. · Kidney failure can cause a urine-like odor, and liver failure may cause an odor described as "fishy".
• Uncontrolled Diabetics often have a fruity breath odor.
• Strep throat or viral infection (tonsillitis/pharyngitis, mononucleosis), canker sores, gum infections, and sinus infection.
• Adolescents or adults who are dieting or skipping meals may have halitosis.

Bad breath in these situations can be corrected by treatment of the underlying condition.

Halitosis can be improved by following simple steps such as brushing your teeth and tongue (to remove dead cells) after every meal and before bedtime with dentalmiracle®. Also, floss your teeth once a day to remove food particles from between your teeth. We also recommend that you brush with a toothbrush that has a soft bristle, and brush your teeth gently to avoid damaging your gums. To ensure overall oral hygiene, change your toothbrush every 2 to 3 months.

Drinking plenty of water (not coffee, soda pop, or alcohol) will help your mouth stay moist, and keeping "dry mouth" at bay. Also, try avoiding foods that cause bad breath such as onions, garlic, and those high in sugars.