Nothing is more embarrassing than suffering from a bout of bad breath. Not only is it unflattering when talking to others, it is also a sign that your mouth needs some special attention. In more extreme cases, bad breath can be a sign of a more serious condition that may need to be treated medically. Find out how to treat both minor and major cases of bad breath.

So where does bad breath come from and how does it happen? When odor-producing bacteria gather in excessive amounts within the mouth, the end result is bad breath. The worst kind of bad breath stems from bacteria gathered at the back of the tongue. Other factors that can contribute to problem breath include foods in your daily diet and even postnasal drip. The presence of bad breath can also mean a more serious condition may be responsible, such as respiratory infection, uncontrolled diabetes, kidney failure, and gastroesophagael reflux. People suffering from any of these conditions should seek medical attention right away. With just one sniff your doctor will be able to tell if your bad breath is just that or something more.

Did you know there are different types of smells associated with bad breath that can let a doctor know what the problem may be? If your bad breath smells like ammonia or urine, that could be a sign of kidney failure. Sweet and fruity bad breath could mean a cause related to diabetes, and if your breath reeks of rotten eggs, it may be a sign of cirrhosis of the liver.

If you’ve got a minor case of bad breath there are a few things you can do to take care of the problem. The fastest way to assess your situation is to have the second opinion of a friend or family member - it’s hard to tell by smelling your own breath. First ask them how bad it is. Second, ask them whether they notice your bad breath only once in a while or if it’s all the time. If you smoke or drink alcohol that can also cause bouts of bad breath so cut back.

For bad breath issues that are just occasional, correct it by brushing and flossing more and drinking water instead of flavored drinks and alcohol. Snacking on sugar-free mints or sugarless gum can help control your breath as well. But if your condition is chronic (happens frequently) then you may need to do a process of elimination of the food and drink that may be triggering the overload of odor-producing bacteria in your mouth. Follow the same steps above for those with minor bad breath issues but be more diligent. Limit your intake of coffee, alcohol, fatty foods and dairy. These can dry out your mouth and change the acidity, which makes it easier for bacteria to breed. Certain medications can also trigger foul breath, including antidepressants, decongestants, high blood pressure meds, antihistamines, and pain relievers. Check with your doctor to see if you can get a substitute medication that won’t cause dry mouth.

When these measures won’t work, make an appointment to see your doctor who can give you the right guidance and prescriptions to take care of your problem once and for all.

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