Battling bad breath

Occasional bad breath is usually due to bacteria, certain foods or a dry mouth. When bad breath doesn't respond to self-care, ask your dentist to check for gum disease or poor-fitting dental work or see your doctor for a possible medical cause. To fight bad breath:

�  Brush and floss after you eat

Good dental hygiene is the best way to prevent odor.

�  Brush your tongue

Giving your tongue, including the back of your tongue, a good brushing removes dead cells, bacteria and food debris. Some people may benefit from using a tongue scraper, available at many pharmacies.

�  Chew sugar-free gum

The action stimulates flow of saliva to prevent dry mouth and to wash away food particles and bacteria.

�  Rinse your mouth with water

Periodically swish your mouth with water to help keep it clean.

�  Don't smoke

Smoking dries out your mouth and causes its own unpleasant

mouth odor.

�  Cut down on odor-causing foods and beverages

The most likely offenders are garlic, onions, fish, milk, eggs, legumes, cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, coffee and alcohol.

�  Carry mouthwash or breath mints

Not all mouthwashes fight bacteria, but they disguise bad breath. The strong oils in peppermint, spearmint and winter- green also cover up odor.