Unlike many modern illnesses bad breath is not a 21st century problem and has existed since ancient greece and no doubt before The Greek, Hippocrates once wrote that ‘a pleasant odour is essential in any woman, and can be obtained and maintained by using a mouthwash containing anise, dill seeds, myrrh and white wine’.

The Roman dramatist, Maccius Plautus claimed that his wife's breath was so foul that he would ‘rather kiss a toad’. So as you can imagine breath freshness is pretty high on most men and womens agenda.

The problem of breath freshness is predominately caused by chemicals such as methyl mercaptan and hydrogen sulphide which are actually by-products of protein breakdown by bacteria within the mouth.

The majority of the protein are mostly derived from cells shed for the mouth lining. Another area is from dental plaque and food debris which get caught in the gaps between teeth.

In a large majority bad breath problems begin in the mouth and the most common reason according to dentists is the spaces between teeth, the gum margins and the back of the tongue.

Also badly or unclean dentures can exaserbate the problem.

Other reasons for halitosis are nasal drip (often related to sinus problems) and of course we are all familiar with issues of bad breath associated with certain foods such as foods containing garlic,spices also drinking coffee and smoking are known to be culprits.

Additionally problems with the gastro intestinal tract and lungs and even diabetes although these are far less comon reasons for halitosis.

The smell from diabetes is usually a sweet smell caused by ketones which are produced if the liver cannot aborb them when they are produced as a by-product of metabolism.

Unfortunately many people don't even know they have bad breath as our friends may think they are being kind by not telling us but then avoid us because we do.

If you know anyone who suffers from halitosis you would be helping them as bad breath can be socially very unacceptable and can even be a reason for problems with relationships and finding

a partner.

Saliva plays a very important part in keeping the breath odor under check. Saliva regulates the odor by washing away food particles and other unwanted junk which creates bad breath.

Morning breath usually smells as the salivary glands become sluggish leading to a bad breath. This would help if you have a proper breakfast and the people who skip their breakfast please beware as having a cup of coffee just ads to the problem.

Some of the common and basic things or rules you can follow to have a good breath are:

* Brush regularly

* Use dental floss or mouthwash, if that helps but be aware of masking rather than curing the problem

* Go to your dentist at least twice in year to get a thorough check up and if needed teeth descaling

* Clean your mouth after eating or drinking milk products

* Chew sugar free gum to moisten your mouth

* Eating fresh and fibrous vegetables would also help

* Drink plenty of water or fluids (which excludes coffee, tea and other sugar added drinks)

*Avoid alcoholic drinks to prevent bad breath

Follow these basic steps and you should be a good way to getting rid of your bad breath problem and have found an effective cure for halitosis.