Regular brushing is obviously important for combatting bad breath, but it won’t necessarily work alone. According to an article in Healthline.com, 80 to 85 percent of bad breath cases originate in the mouth, yet there are several reasons halitosis might hang on after brushing.

For example, cavities (holes in the teeth) and gum disease both give odor-forming bacteria places to hide. Dry mouth—a condition exacerbated by tobacco and alcohol use, as well as some medications—is also a potential culprit, since saliva plays the important function of washing food particles out of the oral cavity. Smoking, of course, is a cause of halitosis in and of itself, as are specific foods, notably garlic and onion.

Certain health conditions are also associated with bad breath, such as post-nasal drip; GERD (chronic acid reflux); liver and kidney failure; diabetes; intestinal blockage; and peptic ulcer.

To combat bad breath, follow the American Dental Association’s stepped-up oral hygiene regimen at MouthHealthy.org. The Healthline article also recommends a number of home remedies, including drinking plenty of water, using a baking soda rinse, drinking pineapple juice, and eating fennel seeds. If the bad breath persists, a trip to the dentist is in order.

Information sourced by Jonathan Richter, DDS, FAGD, owner of Cariodontal, located at 310 E. Shore Rd., Ste. 101, Great Neck, NY (516-282-0310 / Cariodontal.com), and Manhattan Oasis Dentistry, 525 West End Ave., Ste. 1G, New York, NY (212-874-2880 / ManhattanOasisDentistry.com). See ad, back cover.