The Gross Science of Bad Breath and Cavities

Shaw, Jessica. The Gross Science of Bad Breath and Cavities. Part of the Way Gross Science series. 2019. 48p. ISBN 978-1-50818162-0. Available at 616.31 SHA on the library shelves.

One of humanity's most insidious disease capable of crippling one's social life is halitosis, also known as bad breath. Caused by bacteria in the mouth, bad breath can be affected by medicine like mouthwash and changing one's eating habits, but cannot be cured. Bad breath is often linked to poor oral hygiene. Things like cavities can also affect bad breath. This short book explores the history of dentistry, from the Egyptians' use of fillings such as linen dipped in cedar oil to numb the pain, to the invention of the toothbrush in 15th century China when hog hair were embedded in a wooden handle. The appearance of the dental hygienist and new modern techniques to clean teeth much improved oral hygiene. The gross science behind cavities and bad breath is explored, and various myths are taken apart.

Fans of the weird and disgusting will love reading about the causes and treatment of cavities and bad breath, and will never look at their mouth's ecosystem in the same way!