The Chicago Dental Society (CDS) recently polled more than 400 dentists about issues such as their own dental habits, common misconceptions about dental care, and what type of music they listen to while working on smiles.

To mark the countdown to CDS’s annual Midwinter Meeting, one of the largest displays of dental products in North America, here are a few of the top 10 “bad breath busters”:

– Brush and scrape your tongue. Your tongue is the main source of odor-causing bacteria: Deep within its crevices is a protective layer of mucous, food particles and proteins. Cleaning your tongue with a tongue scraper or brush can remove this layer and much of the bacteria that reside on your tongue. Remember to be gentle and not gag yourself.

– Watch what you eat. Potent foods, especially garlic, onions, and some spicy foods can contribute to oral odors. Some dentists recommend eating yogurt to balance levels of hydrogen sulfide, a major cause of bad breath.

– Examine your whole body. Bad breath may be stemming from elsewhere-from your sinus/respiratory system, tonsils, or digestive system. Visit your physician for a check-up.

Data was collected for the Chicago Dental Society’s 141st annual Midwinter Meeting, which begins at McCormick Place in Chicago on Feb. 23. The exhibit floor opens on February 24.

For the complete top 10 list of “bad breath busters” or other topline findings from the survey, please contact Ambar Mentor or Nora Ferrell at 312-408-2580. Information about new products on display at the dental conference is also available.

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