Q: What causes bad breath?
A: There are many causes of bad breath, but the most common one is the accumulation of bacteria in your mouth. The easiest way to prevent bacteria buildup is to brush your teeth and tongue, floss and see your dentist regularly.

Q: How do I take a bad breath test?
A: There are a few easy bad breath tests that you can take at home in private. You can ask a trusted friend or loved one to smell your breath, though this can be uncomfortable or embarrassing. If that's the case, you can try this: Lick the back of your hand, wait for the saliva to dry and then smell it. If your hand smells foul, it could be an indication of stinky breath. Another easy bad breath test is to wipe the top of your tongue with a cotton swab and smell it. If the swab smells bad, your breath odor probably does too.

Q: I brush regularly. Why do I still have bad breath odor?
A: Chronic bad breath may be a sign of a more serious condition such as gum disease, diabetes or a throat or lung infection. It can also be caused by dry mouth syndrome and certain medications. See your dentist or physician for a bad breath test and professional diagnosis.

Q: Mouthwash doesn't seem to work. What should I use?
A: Most mouthwashes contain alcohol, which dries the mouth and makes it more vulnerable to bad breath causing bacteria. Try using an alcohol-free mouthwash or brushing your tongue. You can buy a special tongue brush or tongue scraper for more effective tongue cleaning. Be sure to ask your dentist about other ways to combat breath odor!