What Do You Know About Bad Breath?

The name for chronic bad breath is halitosis. The name is derived from the Latin word halitus (breath) and the Greek suffix –osis (which can mean ‘a condition of’ or ‘diseased’). Therefore, halitosis taken literally means diseased breath. Research indicates that 80 million people suffer from halitosis. Take the quiz below and see how much you know about bad breath.

1. Bad breath originates in the mouth:

A. 90% of the time

B. 10% of the time

C. 50% of the time

D. None of the above

2. Ninety percent of the time bad breath is caused by:

A. Gum bacteria

B. Tongue bacteria

C. Food particles in the teeth

D. Thrush

3. Another cause of bad breath is:

A. Gingivitis

B. Tooth decay

C. Periodontal disease

D. None of the above

 4. Eating the following foods can help decrease bad breath:

A. Garlic and onions

B. Red meat

C. Fruits and vegetables

D. Candy

5. Drinking the following beverage may help decrease bad breath:

A. Coffee

B. Wine

C. Green tea

D. Milk

Answers:

1. A. There are many things that can cause chronic bad breath, including diabetes and gastric reflux, but research indicates that 90% of cases originate in the mouth.
2. B. There are 40,000 bacteria living in the human mouth, and the majority of those reside on your tongue. Tongue bacteria produce foul smelling compounds and fatty acids. Bacteria living below the gumline, in pockets between the teeth and gums, and on the back of the tongue, all cause bad breath.
3. C. Advanced periodontal disease is also a common cause of chronic bad breath. Anaerobic bacteria growing below the gumline creates foul smelling waste products resulting in halitosis.
4. C. Fruits and vegetables consist largely of water, which keeps your mouth moist. Dry mouth can cause bad breath. Saliva also keeps your mouth moist, decreasing the chance of bad breath.
5. C. Research indicates that polyphenol antioxidants, found in green tea, are beneficial to our health in many ways, including protecting against bad breath and cavities.

If you are experiencing chronic bad breath, Drs. Wager and Evans, will be glad to discuss the issue with you and complete a thorough oral evaluation.

About Your Reno Dentists

Dr. William Wager, Dr. Brian Evans, and our highly experienced team at Wager Evans Dental are devoted to our patients and their families, and dedicated to providing first-rate dental care in a comfortable, inviting environment. Located in Reno, we proudly welcome residents from Spanish Springs, Sparks, Incline Village, Dayton, Fernley, and all surrounding communities. To schedule a consultation or your next dental appointment, visit our office, or contact us today by calling (775) 800-4845.