Health Tips for October 18

Taming Bad Breath

If you're plagued by halitosis, sweeten your breath with these tips from the Naval Hospital in Camp Pendleton, Calif.: Brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day. Avoid dry mouth by sipping water or sucking on a mint. Don't smoke. Have your teeth cleaned regularly; plaque buildup can cause bad breath. Health Tip: Battling Bad Breath? Bad breath can be caused by something potent you had for lunch, but it can also signal an underlying health problem. The U.S. National Library of Medicine lists these possible causes of bad breath that may need to be checked by your doctor: An abscessed tooth or cavity, or wearing dentures. Alcoholism or smoking. Taking certain medications. Having a foreign object lodged in the nostril (most common in children). An impacted tooth, gum disease or bad dental hygiene. Taking significant amounts of vitamins. A throat or lung infection, or sinusitis.