1. Bad breath is a genetic problem passed down through families:

SIMPLY UNTRUE !

2. Mouth washes and mints can stop bad breath:

UNTRUE: both products only temporarily mask over the problem. In fact mouthwashes with any alcohol content will probably make halitosis worse by drying the mouth and increasing the presence of volatile, noxious gases.

3. There is no effective treatment for halitosis:

UNTRUE: there is a very effective way to treat and prevent the majority of bad breath. It is also strongly advised to seek the opinion of a qualified dentist who can advise you about the state of your teeth and gums, together with offering you help with your own dental care.


4. Bad breath comes from the stomach, lungs or nose:

This is rarely a problem. However, if, after taking and applying all the advice in this document, plus checking out the state of your mouth with a dentist, you still believe you have a problem with offensive breath, always see you doctor for an opinion.

5. Halitosis is caused by the smells in food:

UNTRUE: Foods such as garlic, onions, cauliflower, horse radish, chilli’s, broccoli, Brussel sprouts, eggs, fish, red meats, coffee, can result in certain odours but these are temporary and pass. These can be avoided if necessary by avoiding these food stuffs at important occasions (Dentists can’t usually eat garlic the day before treating patients !). Some odours can be neutralised by eating certain herbs. Eg. Garlic can sometimes be neutralised by eating parsley.

6. Tooth brushing with minty toothpaste prevents bad breath:

UNTRUE: On it’s own tooth brushing is insufficient to remove enough bacteria from the mouth. Although the fluoride contained in tooth paste contributes to reducing tooth decay, most tooth pastes do not carry oxidising agents which neutralise the offensive odours of halitosis. It is a thorough regime of removing plaque round and especially between teeth plus cleaning the tongue and using oxidant tooth pastes which is the secret to fresh breath

7. Smoking plays no continual part in bad breath:

UNTRUE: It is no secret that those who smoke retain the odour of cigarettes on their breath for some time. More significantly, smoking results in reduced salivary flow, increased adhesion of bacteria to the tongue and teeth and proven destruction of the gums resulting in gum disease. As previously stated, all these factors are strongly implicated as causes of halitosis.