By Kittyluck Jullustian, Dentist

Q. "What died in your mouth?" is the question I want to ask one of my colleagues, a nice and otherwise clean person who nevertheless has awful breath. If you can explain why, I'll nonchalantly show my co-worker your column.

- Well-wisher

Halitosis can be serious social problem that most people don't know how to tackle, and they lack the self-confidence to ask, so they tend to shun social contact.

There are many others, of course, who don't even realise they have bad breath, and their friends are timid about telling them.

Do you have halitosis? Cup your hand over your mouth and breathe out hard. You should be able to smell how good or bad it is. Another way: Wash your wrist well with soap and wipe it clean, and then lick it a few times. Wait 30 minutes and then smell it.

You could also rub your gums with a finger and see if there's a foul odour - or you could simply ask a family member or a close friend to be truthful.

The most common cause of bad breath is scraps of food rotting between your teeth or in tooth cavities, and dental plaque, where germs multiply, contributing to gum disease and tooth decay.

There are foods that cause bad breath by themselves - onions, garlic and durian, for example - and brushing your teeth doesn't always solve the problem.

People who smoke and drink alcohol or suffer long-term constipation can have bad breath as well, as can people afflicted with diseases such as chronic tonsillitis, sinusitis, tuberculosis, lung ailments and respiratory-tract infections.

The way to avoid halitosis begins with maintaining a high level of oral and dental hygiene. Use a tongue scraper, right to the back of the tongue. Gargle and use a mouthwash.

Eat fresh, fibrous vegetables and chew gum. Drink plenty of fluids.

Avoid tangy food and coffee and similar beverages.

Eat healthily and well, even if you're dieting. And don't smoke!

This story was first published in the Daily Xpress on Nov 27, 2008.

Daily Xpress/Asia News Network