Cures for bad breath

The answer is all of the above.

Guava, cloves, and fennel seeds are all used by different cultures and countries. Millions of Americans use various commercial products, usually mouthwashes, many involving mint.

In Thailand, those worried about bad breath chew the peels of oversized guavas; in Iraq some people keep cloves between their teeth; in India some chew on fennel seeds; Italians prefer parsley to banish the odor.

"Morning breath" is most commonly caused by sleeping with your mouth open, which allows the tongue to dry out. The mouth is a perfect place for the growth of bacteria that cause bad breath because the mouth is warm and contains food particles that feed bacteria. The use of medication and the buildup of mucus in the nose or throat is another primary cause. Mouthwashes that contain alcohol tend to dry out your mouth which again can contribute to bad breath. Stress has also been linked to stinky breath.

One good way to avoid bad breath is to drink plenty of water and maintain good dental hygiene by brushing and flossing your teeth everyday. Chewing sugarless gum or eating sugarless mints can also reduce the occurrence of bad breath. Gum-chewing stimulates saliva which can help get rid of some of the bacteria. A technique that is becoming more common is the use of a tongue scraper which scrapes off the places on the tongue where a toothbrush is ineffective.

Resources

Read more about bad breath from Dr. Karl Kruszelnicki at the Great Moments in Science Web site.

June 1, 2002