Bad breath (halitosis) is a common problem which often comes from the activity of bacteria in the mouth. Although there is no way of knowing for sure, most adults probably suffer from bad breath occasionally, with perhaps a quarter suffering on a regular basis.

Bad breath is a sure-fire way to send potential suitors scrambling for the exits. Chances are, that yummy chicken you enjoyed at lunch is still hanging around in your mouth, which can cause less-than-pleasant-smelling bacteria to form, especially on your tongue.

Our bad-breath weapon of choice is a tongue scraper, which some say resembles a medieval torture implement but is actually a disposable U-shaped plastic tool with tiny ridges on one side. It's very easy to use, and it will help clear away any leftover food and odor-causing bacteria that have settled on your tongue. Starting at the back of your mouth, gently drag the scraper along your tongue two or three times, rinsing it in between each pass. Follow up by drinking a glass of water to flush out any other bacteria that have formed in your mouth.

Odour after fasting, dieting, sleeping, taking medications, prolonged speaking, exercise
Possible Cause: Dryness in the mouth, insufficient saliva flow

Gums bleed and/or smell
Possible Cause: Gum problems, poor cleaning between teeth

Odour upon talking
Possible Cause: Postnasal drip on back of tongue

Odour at onset of menstrual cycle
Possible Cause: Swelling of gums

Small whitish stones with foul odour appear on tongue
Possible Cause: Tonsilloliths from crypts in tonsils

Odour appears suddenly from mouth of young children
Possible Cause: Onset of throat infection

Odour appears suddenly from nose of young children
Possible Cause: Foreign body placed in nose

Odour appears suddenly from entire body of young children
Possible Cause: Foreign body placed in nose

Taste or smell of rotten fish
Possible Cause: Trimethylaminuria (rare)

Odour in denture wearers
Possible Cause: Dentures kept in mouth at night or not cleaned properly

Odour from nose
Possible Cause: Sinusitis, polyps, dryness, foreign body, hindered air or mucus flow

Bad taste all day long
Possible Cause: Poor oral hygiene, gum disease, excessive bacterial activity on tongue