Generally caused by poor oral hygiene, though smoking and eating strong-smelling foods can contribute. Some believe that a yeast infection of the digestive tract can also result in bad breath.

Treatment - Practical Advice.

Plaque buildup is often the cause of bad breath. The mouth produces plaque every day, and the only way to get rid of it is by flossing and brushing the teeth every day. Most cases of bad breath disappear if the following routine is carried out morning and evening:

1. Using at least 5 inches/12cm of floss, wrap each end around a finger from each hand. Starting with the top right back tooth, wiggle the middle area of the floss between each tooth gently up and down several times. The aim is to remove plaque, not just bits of food caught between the teeth. Work all the way around the mouth.

2. Brush the teeth with gentle circular movements.

3. Gently brush the top of the tongue.

4. Rinse several times with cold water.

5. If desired, use a mouth rinse.

Dietary.

Sugar promotes the production of plaque, so is best avoided. Coffee, alcohol and smoking all contribute to bad breath. Chewing parsley or drinking fenugreek or peppermint tea will sweeten the breath after a meal. To combat yeast infections, eat plenty of live yogurt, or take supplements of Lactobacillus acidophilus. Take 1 teaspoon of the powder, 1 teaspoon of Bifidobacteria powder, and a half teaspoon of Lactobacillus bulgaricus (available from health food stores) in a glass of spring water, 3 times daily.

Herbal

For inflammed or bleeding gums, add 2 teaspoons of red sage leaves to half a litre of water, bring to the boil and leave to stand covered for 15 minutes. Strain and use as a mouth rinse several times a day. Caution: not to be used during pregnancy. Echinacea decoction can be used as an everyday mouthwash: add 2 teaspoons of echinacea root to one cup of water, simmer for 10 minutes and allow to cool. The Indian practise of chewing cardamom seeds after a meal has been shown to prevent tooth decay, and associated bad breath.

Homeopathy

3 times daily for 7 days:

Sour smelling breath, particularly in the morning and after meals or drinking alcohol: Nux vomica 6c. Breath smells of onions: Petroselinum 6c.