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Q: What's the best way to keep my breath fresh?
A: The best way to keep your breath fresh is to pay close attention to your oral health through regular visits to the dentist and a regimen of flossing and brushing. All those can eliminate one of the three main causes of bad breath, also known as halitosis.
Lax oral hygiene practices allow odor-causing bacteria to build up. The other two culprits could be a medical condition or a bad habit, like smoking or chewing tobacco. As to medical conditions, a sinus infection can cause bad breath, as can an abdominal problem like irritable bowel syndrome, diabetes, a kidney ailment, and other conditions.
Mouthwash and products like sugarless gum are not solutions to a chronic bad breath problem. They may mask it for a while. And while some mouthwashes do in fact kill bacteria, they won't kill deep-seated bacteria. If you maintain a good program of oral care and you still suffer with bad breath, talk with your dentist. Your dentist may suggest that you talk with your physician to address what may be another underlying problem.
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