COLUMBIA (WACH) -- Halitosis, is the unpleasant odor that emits from the mouth that affects about 25% of the population. Beyond the embarrassment of people turning away while you talk is the fact that bad breath can also be a sign of dental or health problems.
According to bad breath expert Dr. Harold Katz, there are several conditions that can trigger less than fresh breath, including diets high in protein, hormonal changes, dry mouth, mucus in the throat, and smoking.
Over the last 20 years, Dr. Katz has studied what causes bad breath, and ways to prevent it. Besides developing his own line of products specially designed to combat the problem, he recommends at home remedies including cutting down on diary foods, drinking plenty of water, avoiding gum and mints with water, and using toothpaste with oxygenating compounds.
So the big question that one should ask themselves might be “is my breath bad now?” Dr. Katz says some signs that halitosis might be present include a white coating on the tongue, dry mouth, people turning their heads, and the plain as day clue, the constant offering of gum or mints.
Dr. Katz offers more information about bad breath, the heath concerns attributed to it, and tips on preventing it in his “Bad Breath Bible,” that can be found on his website.