Bad Breath Don't you just hate it when you talk to someone who has bad breath but feel too uncomfortable to say that their breath stinks? While dental hygiene is important, there are other reasons why you may have bad breath, in medical terms called halitosis. Sometimes you may not even notice that your breath smells, but there are simple ways to test for and treat bad breath. Ways to Test for Bad BreathTesting for bad breath is a simple thing to do that takes little time and requires little precautions. For example, you can test by licking the back of your hand. Let it dry and try smelling it for any unpleasant scents ("How can I tell..."). If you could get a spoon at any time, perhaps after you've finished eating, you can also use it to test your breathing. If you need a bad breath test, simply scrape the back of your tongue, stick it out, and see if it smells ("How..."). If the spoon stinks, your breath stinks, it's that easy! If you're willing to look at it more scientifically, scientists use a device called the Halimeter ("How..."). To test your breath, the device samples it through a straw and is calculated. If the levels exceed a certain number, the breath is unpleasant. This is the most accurate way to test your breathing. An example of a halimeter is found in Figure 1. Why your breath smells: All the food you eat and digest eventually goes into your bloodstream. Have you ever wondered why one day you might often have a bad taste in your mouth? It's all due to the work of harmful bacteria and their horrible waste products: sulfur; not to mention food particles trapped between your teeth. Dr. Harold Kaz says sulfur is nature's way of creating odors. Have you ever wondered why onions and g...... middle of paper ......dose, bad baby breath and pet breath. Np, nd Web. 4 January 2010. .Katz, Harold. “Bad Breath: Foods That Give You Bad Breath.” Foods that can cause bad breath. Fresh Start LCC, Oct. 9, 2000. Web. Jan. 5, 2010. WebMD Medical Reference. “Dental health and bad breath.” WebMD: Better information. Better Health.. Np, nd Web. January 4, 2010. .Colgate-Palmolive Company. "Brushing your teeth: correct techniques for brushing your teeth." Colgate Toothpaste and Toothbrushes | Oral hygiene, dental care and health | Personal home care products. Np, nd Web. January 5. 2010. .
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