DOCTOR’S NOTE
BAD breath may be embarrassing, but it’s surprisingly common.
It can be caused by a number of things, from smoking and eating spicy food to crash diets and medical conditions like acid reflux.
You can usually treat it yourself, however, and the best place to start is by keeping your teeth, tongue and mouth clean.
Brush your teeth and gums for two minutes at least twice a day, using a fluoride toothpaste.
Also clean your tongue daily with special scraper and use floss to clean between the teeth at least once a day. It’s also worth using an anti-bacterial mouthwash and keeping sugar-free mints or chewing gum handy.
Have regular dental check-ups and see your dentist if you have painful or swollen gums, or none of these measures make a difference.