$Unique_ID{BRK00810} $Pretitle{} $Title{THE READERS SPEAK: Bad Breath} $Subject{halitosis Respiratory brushing mouth tongue teeth dental floss infection infections infected tonsils white spots} $Volume{H-11} $Log{} Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc. THE READERS SPEAK: Bad Breath ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Recently I answered a question about the causes and cures of bad breath odors (halitosis). A fair number of readers wrote to me sharing their experiences and offering some advice that they felt might have also been of interest and would have helped the reader with the problem. By far and away, the greatest number suggested brushing the tongue. Although a bit difficult during the first attempts, I was assured that with a bit of practice, this technique would cause no discomfort, and was very effective in removing decaying food particles that might be the source of the unpleasant and unwanted odor. The next most popular suggestion was the use of dental floss to get those in between teeth food remnants. Many readers reminded me that chronically infected tonsils, particularly those with "white spots," were often the culprits that required attention and treatment. Thanks to all of you, and as most of you suggested, here are those helpful tips in print. ---------------- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical problem.