Preventing Bad Breath

What Causes Bad Breath? Here are three common causes of bad breath:

- foods and drinks, such as garlic, onions, cheese, orange juice, and soda
- poor dental hygiene (pronounced hi-jeen), meaning you don't brush and floss your teeth
- smoking and other tobacco use

Poor oral hygiene leads to bad breath because when you leave food particles in your mouth, these pieces of food can rot and start to smell. The food particles may begin to collect bacteria, which can be smelly, too. Plus, by not brushing your teeth regularly, plaque (a sticky, colorless film) builds up on your teeth. Plaque is a great place for bacteria to live and yet another reason why breath can turn foul.

Preventing Bad Breath
Don't smoke or use tobacco products, of course. And take care of your mouth by brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing once a day. Brush your tongue, too, because bacteria can grow there. Flossing once a day helps get rid of particles wedged between your teeth. Also, visit your dentist twice a year for regular checkups and cleanings.

These steps will also lead to less cavities!

Preventing Bad Breath Choose the best answer. 1. Do smoking and tobacco cause bad breath? No Yes 2. If you don't brush your teeth and tongue are you more likely to have bad breath? no yes 3. Food particles left in the mouth begin to ______? rot do nothing 4. If you don't brush your teeth _________ will build up on your teeth. plates nothing plaque 5. How often should you visit the dentist? fifty times at least twice a year four times 6. What is probably the best way to get rid of bad breath? breath mints brush and floss your teeth and brush your tongue 7. Do all people get bad breath? yes no Press when complete. Your score: