Anyone can suffer from bad breath. It is estimated that 1 in 4 people have bad breath i.e. roughly up to 25 to 50 % of the population, with varying degrees of severity. Bad breath affects not only those individuals suffering from it, but also those around them. Some go through their daily life completely unaware of this problem, unless they are told directly by people in their social circles. This is a source of discomfort and can be very embarrassing. If you or someone you care has chronic bad breath, don’t worry. Treating bad breath starts with recognizing the fact that conventional bad breath remedies, like mouthwash, can only do so much – and you must turn to your food, lifestyle and habits to completely address this condition. Some of the potential causes of bad breath include:   Tobacco Products: Cigarettes or raw tobacco products cause their own types of mouth odor. Additionally, they increase the chances of gum disease which can also cause bad breath. Food: the breakdown of food particles stuck in between your teeth spaces is sometimes a major cause for bad breath. Dry mouth: saliva naturally cleans the mouth. If the mouth is naturally dry (for instance, in the morning) or is dry due to a specific disease (such as xerostomia), mouth odors can build up Dental hygiene: Daily regular brushing and flossing ensure the removal of small particles of food that can build up and slowly break down, producing odor. A film of bacteria called plaque builds up if brushing is not regular. This plaque can irritate the gums and cause pockets of build-up between the teeth and gums called periodontitis. Dentures that are not cleaned regularly or properly can also harbor bacteria that cause halitosis Crash diets: Fasting and low-carbohydrate eating programs can produce halitosis due to the breakdown of fats producing chemicals called ketones which have a strong aroma If the bad breath persists despite the factors listed above being under control, it is recommended that an individual visits a dentist for further tests to rule out other conditions. The best method to reduce halitosis is good oral hygiene. Visit your dentist for a check-up twice a year to ensure that cavities are treated and reduce the likelihood of gum diseases. Dr. Deepak Kamalanathan, one of the leading prosthodontists in Chennai, brings years of experience in advanced dental care to his flourishing practice at Apple Dental. He is well-versed on advanced dental technologies. Services provided by the doctor include Zirconia, DMLS and PFM Crowns, Implant Prosthesis, Full Mouth Oral Rehabilitation, Veneers, BPS Dentures Fixing, Smile Design, Implant Retained Dentures etc. With highly trained dental team and state-of-the-art facilities, he is passionate about bringing high quality dental care to his patients at affordable costs. Visit us @appledentalclinic for further information!