If you think you have a problem with bad breath, you probably do.

A relative of mine (to be kept nameless) asked me how to fix bad breath. Interestingly enough, when I am at work and a patient asks me to close the door to give them some privacy to ask a "personal" question, 9 times out of 10 it is about bad breath. It is such an embarrassing problem, but there are some steps you can take to fix it.

Bad breath is caused by odor-producing bacteria that grow in the mouth. When you don't brush and floss regularly, bacteria accumulate on the bits of food left in your mouth and between your teeth. The sulfur compounds released by these bacteria make your breath smell. Certain foods, especially ones like garlic and onions that contain pungent oils, can contribute to bad breath because the oils are carried to your lungs and out through your mouth. Smoking is also a major cause of bad breath.

There are lots of myths about taking care of bad breath. Here are three things you may have heard about bad breath that are not true:

Myth #1: Mouthwash will make bad breath go away.

Mouthwash only gets rid of bad breath temporarily. If you do use mouthwash, look for an antiseptic (kills the germs that cause bad breath) rinse, such as Listerine. I also really like Crest Pro Health mouthrinse because it doesn't contain alcohol, which dries your mouth out and can lead to a better environment for those bad-breath-causing bacteria. Try the Nighttime version of the Crest Pro Health because the Daytime version seemed to cause (temporary) staining of teeth in about 1% of people that used it.

Myth #2: As long as you brush your teeth, you shouldn't have bad breath.

The truth is that most people only brush their teeth for 30 to 45 seconds, which just doesn't cut it. To sufficiently clean all the surfaces of your teeth, you should brush for at least 2 minutes at least twice a day. Remember to brush your tongue, too — bacteria love to hang out there. It's equally important to floss because brushing alone won't remove harmful plaque and food particles that become stuck between your teeth and gums.

Myth #3: If you breathe into your hand, you'll know when you have bad breath.

Wrong! When you breathe, you don't use your throat the same way you do when you talk. When you talk, you tend to bring out the odors from the back of your mouth (where bad breath originates), which simply breathing doesn't do. Also, because we tend to get used to our own smells, it's hard for a person to tell if he or she has bad breath. If you're concerned about bad breath, make sure you're taking care of your teeth and mouth properly. Some sugar-free gums and mints can temporarily mask odors, too.

If you brush and floss properly and visit your dentist for regular cleanings, but your bad breath persists, you may have a medical problem like sinusitis or gum disease. Bottom line is that bad breath can be prevented and fixed.  Do these things and you won't have to worry about getting close to your special someone and whispering them sweet nothings...