Dear Alice, Like many people, I often have an embarrassing bad breath. Listerine and other mouthwashes won't be of any help for this chronic problem. When it comes to social situations, it is not uncommon for many Americans to be consciously aware of the way their breath smells to others. However, you are right to point out that bad breath does not disappear with the use of breath mints, gums, sprays, mouthwashes, and the like because they only temporarily mask bad breath odors. Before Alice gets to these tips, let her first talk about the possible culprits of bad breath.
Tobacco use can also result in short-term, foul mouth odors.
The bad breath odors caused by these substances pretty much disappear once the body has gotten rid of them. Other factors play a role in a more persistent or chronic case of bad breath, also known as halitosis. Poor dental health, such as advanced periodontal, or gum disease and cavities, can also cause persistent bad breath. This is because there is less saliva in the mouth to help clear out potentially odor-causing food particles and bacteria. If any of these conditions describe your situation, then attending to them will help resolve your bad breath problems.