It is common to hear people complain about others having offensive breath. It is probable that everybody has experience it at one time or the other.

The cause of the embarrassing situation is principally bacteria. Mouth bacteria thrive most in airless places and they are always found in the food we eat. This means that the bacteria breeds most in a mouth that is kept shut all the time – this explains the awful mouth odour on waking up from sleep in the morning.

Research has shown that alcohol, hunger, too much talking, a stuffy nose and anything that dries the mouth enhances bad breath.

As one grows older, the flow of saliva gradually slows and gives the elderly foolish bad breath problem. The reverse is the case with babies who make lots of saliva. They usually have sweet breath.

Another case of bad breadth is garlic, raw onions and curries.  The best way to curb food-related bad breath is to eat the food sparingly, if you cannot avoid them completely.

There is increasing bad breathe among those dieting not only because their mouths are kept off food most of the time, but due to the fact that burned fat gives off a medical smell.

Having a bad breath is not as unmanageable as people think. Experts advise that those suffering from chronic dry mouth should keep water, fruit juice or sugar-free chewing gum close by to use regularly.

This can improve saliva without causing dental decay.

To keep our mouth smelling fresh all the time, one needs to brush regularly as this cleans away many of the offending hacte.

A better result can be achieved if one uses a mirror to see that the tongue has a pink look.

Often, the nose adapts to the smell in its environment. This means that you cannot tell how your mouth smells. The only way to know this is to get a loved one to tell you.

Once you are aware, you need to start working on it.

Julie Jumbo