Bad
breath may mean major trouble
Persistent bad breath
doesn't mean you eat too many onions. Bad breath is a sign of major gum
disease, says Roger P. Levin, D.D.S., president of the Baltimore Academy of
General Dentistry.
"It can also be gases
and odors coming up from gastrointestinal problems," Dr. Levin says. If
your halitosis hangs on more than 24 hours without an obvious cause, see your
dentist or doctor.
Some diseases that can also
cause bad breath include cancer, tuberculosis, syphilis, dehydration, and zinc
deficiency. Some drugs, including penicillamine and lithium, can cause bad
breath, too.
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