WebMD Video: What to Know About Bad Breath

WebMD Home

Oral Care Center

The Truth About Healthy Teeth

Email a Friend

Print Article

What to Know About Bad Breath

Get the facts on the causes and cures for stinky breath.

What to Know About Bad Breath

Reviewed By: Brunilda Nazario,

SOURCES: Washtenaw District Dental Society: "What Causes Bad Breath?"; IOP Science: "A Review of The Volatiles From the Healthy Human Body"; Mouth Healthy: "Bad Breath"; Kids Health: "Bad Breath"

For a better viewing experience you may wish to adjust the size and quality of your video stream:

High
Medium
Low

or close

00:00/00:00

mute

band

about this video

read transcript

send to a friend

What to Know About Bad Breath

Female Narrator:

Is there anybody out there that has not worried about bad breath?

Female Narrator (Continued):

Most bad breath is caused by what's in your mouth.

Female Narrator (Continued):

Which makes total sense.

Female Narrator (Continued):

That includes food particles that get stuck in your teeth.

Female Narrator (Continued):

They're great home for bacteria and it’s the bacteria that gets smelly.

Female Narrator (Continued):

The particles can also be in dental work, your gums, or braces. And your tongue is a prime suspect too. Bacteria love it.

Female Narrator (Continued):

There is an easy fix.

Female Narrator (Continued):

Brush, floss, rinse, repeat.

Female Narrator (Continued):

And tongue brushing will help too. It’s another choice spot for bacteria to thrive.

Female Narrator (Continued):

Sometimes it’s not the food particles it’s what's in the food you are eating.

Female Narrator (Continued):

Sulfur is behind some of the heavy hitters of the bad breath world like garlic, onions and coffee.

Female Narrator (Continued):

What else is a major cause of bad breath?

Female Narrator (Continued):

Dry mouth.

Female Narrator (Continued):

Salvia kills bacteria so if you do not have enough of it, you are an easy target.

Female Narrator (Continued):

You can also get dry mouth from some medications, some illnesses, alcohol, and not drinking enough water.

Female Narrator (Continued):

So .....drink more water.

Female Narrator (Continued):

And smoking is definitely on the list on what not to do when it comes to keeping breath fresh.

Female Narrator (Continued):

Bad breath is a bummer but it’s usually not hard to get rid of.

Female Narrator (Continued):

If you are not sure you got it, ask a friend.

Female Narrator (Continued):

That blowing into the hand test isn't reliable.

Female Narrator (Continued):

If you think something else is going on like gum disease or another ailment, see your dentist or doctor.

Female Narrator (Continued):

For the many millions of us who have the occasional case of socially unacceptable mouth odor, good dental care and plenty of water should do the trick.

Healthy Teeth

The Truth About Healthy Teeth: At-Home Dental Care

This video is from the WebMD
Video Archive

What to Know About Bad Breath

What to Know About Bad Breath

For a better viewing experience you may wish to adjust the size and quality of your video stream:

What to Know About Bad Breath

Fill out the form below to send this link to your friends. An email will be sent on your behalf.

What to Know About Bad Breath

Female Narrator:

Female Narrator (Continued):

Female Narrator (Continued):

Female Narrator (Continued):

Female Narrator (Continued):

Female Narrator (Continued):

Female Narrator (Continued):

Female Narrator (Continued):

Female Narrator (Continued):

Female Narrator (Continued):

Female Narrator (Continued):

Female Narrator (Continued):

Female Narrator (Continued):

Female Narrator (Continued):

Female Narrator (Continued):

Female Narrator (Continued):

Female Narrator (Continued):

Female Narrator (Continued):

Female Narrator (Continued):

Female Narrator (Continued):

Female Narrator (Continued):

Female Narrator (Continued):

Health Solutions From Our Sponsors

More From WebMD:

Find us on:

The Truth About Healthy Teeth: At-Home Dental Care

This video is from the WebMDVideo Archive

What to Know About Bad Breath

What to Know About Bad Breath

For a better viewing experience you may wish to adjust the size and quality of your video stream:

What to Know About Bad Breath

Fill out the form below to send this link to your friends. An email will be sent on your behalf.

What to Know About Bad Breath

Female Narrator:

Female Narrator (Continued):

Female Narrator (Continued):

Female Narrator (Continued):

Female Narrator (Continued):

Female Narrator (Continued):

Female Narrator (Continued):

Female Narrator (Continued):

Female Narrator (Continued):

Female Narrator (Continued):

Female Narrator (Continued):

Female Narrator (Continued):

Female Narrator (Continued):

Female Narrator (Continued):

Female Narrator (Continued):

Female Narrator (Continued):

Female Narrator (Continued):

Female Narrator (Continued):

Female Narrator (Continued):

Female Narrator (Continued):

Female Narrator (Continued):

Female Narrator (Continued):

Health Solutions From Our Sponsors

More From WebMD:

Find us on:

This video is from the WebMD
Video Archive