Have you experienced any of the following? -Your chronic bad breath is interfering with your social or professional success. -You frequently have a bad tastein your mouth. -People step back from you when you are talking to them, orthey avoid direct contact with you. -Somebody has commented on your bad breath, or offered you mints or chewing gum. -You experience a white or yellow film on your tongue. If you answered yes to any of theabove, you likely have a chronic bad breath problem. What causes bad breath? Bad breath has a variety of causes, including: Bacterial infections Medications and medical conditions Postnasal drip Poor hygiene In most cases, bad breath comes from the gums and tongue. Some bacteria in your mouth may produce compounds that result in an odour. Certain foods, such as garlic and onions, not only leave lasting odours in the mouth, but are also absorbed into the bloodstream. The odours are then expelled from the lungs. Until these foods are eliminated from the body, mouthwash, chewing gum, and toothpaste can only mask the odours on thebreath. For some people, a dry mouth causes bad breath. Dry mouth can result from taking antihistamines for allergies or a cold, or from antidepressants. It can also result from localized infections, diabetes, gastrointestinal disturbances, or liver or kidney ailments. The postnasal drip that streams down the back of your throat during colds, allergies, or sinus infections can result in bad breath. Sometimes, tiny food nuggets lodge in the crypts of your tonsils or on the tongue and cause a foul odor. But most bad breath is the resultof poor oral hygiene. Basically, that means you don’t brush or floss frequently enough. Bacteria that build up on the back of your tongue or in between your teeth are the mainculprits. Certain types of bacterialove to breed on the tongue, in the crevices between your teeth, or in untreated cavities. Finally — yet most important — tobacco products cause bad breath. If you smoke tobacco or chew smokeless tobacco, ask youdentist or your primary health care professional for tips on kicking the habit. How Do I Control My Bad Breath? Here are some tips for controlling bad breath. Practice good oral hygiene. Brushand floss after every meal, or at least twice a day. Brush for two minutes each time. Proper brushing also involves brushing your tongue, cheeks, and the roof of your mouth to remove bacteria and food particles. Flossing removes bacteria, plaque, and food particles that may be trapped between teeth. Many dentists and dental hygienists also recommend cleaning your tongue with a tongue scraper, a plastic tool that scrapes away bacteria that builds up on the tongue. Mouthwashes and rinses can alsotemporarily relieve bad breath. Remember your retainer. If you wear a retainer or have some kind of removable appliance, clean it thoroughly each time you brush. If you havebraces, take extra time and care to clean all the nooks and crannies. Your orthodontist is a good source of information about keeping your braces clean. Chew sugar-free gum. Chewing sugar-free gum helps stimulate saliva. This helps cleanse the teeth and gums and prevents dry mouth. Stop using tobacco. Get help and kick the habit. Use an antibacterial mouthwash. Gargling once or twice a day is good for teeth and gums and kills bad-breath bacteria in your mouth