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Scared you may have bad breath and you’ve got a big date? One of the problems with diagnosing bad breath is getting someone brave enough to tell you actually have it! But some things you would rather know and bad breath is a sure way of preventing your hot date doesn’t go any further than a friendly handshake. Great if that’s all you want, but if it’s not…well there are a few things you can do.

Bad breath has the technical name of halitosis and is a by-product of micro-organisms in proteins braking down in the mouth and later the stomach. Bad breath is a totally natural occurrence and in the mornings everyone has some degree of bad breath for example.

But if you are finding you have halitosis longer than the normal morning breath, there are other forces at work that may be contributing to the affliction. Bad breath is treatable if the reason/s for it are properly diagnosed. The most common causes of bad breath include:

• Poor dental hygiene
• Smoking
• Inadequate diet

These can be addressed through some willpower and commitment. On a more immediate level there are a number of practical things you can do to keep your breath fresh. These include:

• Floss regularly, especially immediately after meals.
• Brush teeth regularly and visit your dentist at least once a year. You should be brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
• Brush your tongue. A real problem area for bad breath is found at the back of the tongue. It's also better to dip your toothbrush in mouthwash for tongue cleaning rather than use regular toothpaste.
• Rinse your mouth often with a medicated or antiseptic mouthwash.
• If you can’t brush, chew sugar-free gum. If don’t have any gum, rinse your mouth out with water immediately after you eat.
• Eat a balanced diet and drink plenty of water.
• Try over-the-counter breath sprays or lozenges, and even try chewing parsley.
• Keep away from odour foods and drinks like; garlic, onions, hot peppers, cheeses and coffee.

When your halitosis becomes chronically foul and regular, then there's cause for concern. There other more serious causes for bad breath that could include liver or lung disease, respiratory infections and digestive disorders. Halitosis may also be the end product of respiratory tract (nose throat, windpipe, lungs) problems, sinusitis, chronic bronchitis and even diabetes. It goes without saying; if your halitosis is persisting, seek medical advice.

PS: Good luck with your date!

© Gay Australia 2002