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possible, sucking on sugar-free lemon drops or gum, and consulting a physician or dentist. Also brushing the tongue to remove the "coat" will go a long way to improve one's breath.
Periodontal disease with plaque, gingivitis, or bacterial infection in sinuses or the lung can certainly cause the odor of rotting. Regular dental and medical health care can help avoid or treat these conditions.
It almost goes without saying that smoking or smokeless tobacco causes doggy breath. Avoid these bad habits.
Of course garlic and onion give their odor after absorption into your bloodstream, which is carried to the lungs, and then transferred to the breath. Mouthwash or mints will only cover-up until time resolves the odor by breaking the chemical down that is being carried in the blood stream.
You can escape the plodding Polish Army
Remember that bad breath makes a compelling case for good brushing and flossing habits and for regular dental and medical care.
Dr. Rick Holm wrote this editorial for "On Call®," a weekly program where medical professionals discuss health concerns for the general public. "On Call®" is produced by the Healing Words Foundation in association with the South Dakota State University Journalism Department. "On Call®" airs Thursdays on South Dakota Public Broadcasting-Television at 7 p.m. Central, 6 p.m. Mountain. Visit us at OnCallTelevision.com.
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