Five things you didn't know about bad breath

Tag : Sodium Chlorite

 A closer look: Chronic dry mouth is the main culprit, Wendlersaid, because saliva washes away excess sulfur compounds andprovides oxygen to the oral environment, thus preventing theproliferation of anaerobic bacteria. Certain prescriptionmedications, alcohol and high quantities of coffee may induce orworsen a dry mouth, he said. High-protein foods, such as dairyproducts and fish, besides being trapped in the back of the tongue,can get lodged between teeth and cause bad breath.

.Washed away: A tongue scraper and mouthwashes containingchlorine dioxide or sodium chlorite are crucial, Wendler advised.Used together, they will reduce the amount of anaerobic bacteriaand neutralize the sulfuric compounds that create the bad breath.

 Prevention: Brush and floss daily; drink more water; avoidmouthwashes with high concentrations of alcohol; chew sugarless gumto ease dry-mouth symptoms; cut down on coffee and odor-producingfoods; quit smoking; and visit your dentist regularly. If theproblem persists, get a medical evaluation.