INTRODUCTION: Bad breath is produced by odor-causing bacteria that grow in the mouth. Medically it is termed halitosis, and can result from poor oral hygiene habits and may be a symptom of other health problems. It can also be created by dry mouth (xerostomia), which occurs when the flow of saliva is reduced but it is not contagious, so you cannot catch it or pass it along to another person.

It can also be worsen by the types of foods you eat and other bad habits. It's a problem that is shared by millions of people in the United States and affects one in four people on a routine basis.

BACTERIA: Germs, just like humans, go through their lives consuming foods and excreting wastes. If you don't brush and floss daily, particles of food remain in the mouth, collecting bacteria, which can cause bad breath. Dentures that are not cleaned properly can also harbor odor-causing bacteria and food particles.

Millions of bacteria live in the mouth, particularly on the back of the tongue. The mouth's warmth and moist conditions are ideal for the growth of these bacteria. Plaque is a great place for bacteria to live and yet another reason why your breath can turn foul. Oral hygiene helps to prevent the build-up of the bacteria that forms on your teeth, tongue and gums that causes halitosis. Brush your tongue, also, because bacteria can grow there.

TREATMENT: If you have bad breath, you may want to start by speaking to your dentist about treatment options. If your dentist finds that your mouth is healthy and that the odor does not come from the mouth, you may be referred to your family doctor or to a specialist to determine the reason for the odor and treatment.

At the moment, chronic halitosis is not very well understood by most Doctors and dentists, so effective treatment is not always easy to find. A prime ingredient to look for in a product for treatment is Zinc Acetate. This is number one as a controlling agent for volatile sulphur and volatile organic compounds (the actual "smelling stuff" of halitosis). It is not intended and should not be construed as a substitute for real hands on dental/medical attention, diagnosis or treatment.

CONCLUSION: Bad breath may be the signal of a medical disorder, such as a local infection in the respiratory tract, chronic sinusitis, postnasal drip, chronic bronchitis, diabetes, gastrointestinal disturbances, liver or kidney ailments. It can also be caused by xerostomia (dry mouth), which occurs when the flow of saliva diminishes. When caused by chronic sinusitis it may keep returning, especially if it is caused by a structural abnormality of the sinuses.

Halitosis that comes from a systemic illness may be a long-term condition. It can be transient, often disappearing after eating, brushing one's teeth, flossing, and rinsing with a special mouthwash. It can also be persistent (chronic), which is a more serious condition, affecting some 25 percent of the population in varying degrees. If you're concerned about your breath, please visit your dentist.