Columnist advises inquirer on breaking the news of bad breath

It is not always easy to tell some that they have bad breath. In many cases, social boundaries can make it feel nearly impossible, particularly when it is a stranger who is afflicted. However, even telling a loved one can be difficult. The Charlotte Observer's advice column Ask Amy recently told a wife how to break it to her husband that he has halitosis.

The reader - who signed off as "Nauseated" - wrote that her partner has poor dental hygiene. Evidently, he brushes his teeth once a day at most, and his breath is very strong.

The newspaper responded by saying that she should simply and directly remind her husband that brushing at least twice a day can limit the extent of bad breath.

While this advice is backed by the American Dental Association - which also recommends flossing once daily - simply cleaning the teeth may not always eliminate odor.

Advanced tooth decay and gum disease can exude a foul smell even after brushing, since the rot caused by oral bacteria does not simply go away. Likewise, savory foods can leave a tang on the breath that may outlast a good brushing, mainly because pungent foods can leave a film at the back of the throat, where brushes cannot reach.

To eliminate halitosis and keep the mouth clean and moist, individuals may consider rinsing with a specialty breath freshener after each meal.