Learn More About Bad Breath

The common symptom of halitosis is an unpleasant odour coming from the mouth. The famous technique to determine whether your breath smells bad is the ‘breathe-in-your-hand-and-smell-it’ method. However, this trick may not always be accurate. 

A better way to manually assess your breath is to ask someone you trust to smell your breath or lick your wrist and smell it. The scent of breath on the skin can be easier for your nose to pick up. The dentist can use other methods to see if you have bad breath. These may include the straw test, halimeter test, and taste test.

When you digest strong-smelling foods, the breakdown of their particles can contribute to increased bacteria and foul odour in your mouth. After digestion, they enter your bloodstream and are carried to your lungs, where they affect your breath. 

Some of these foods include onions, garlic, spices, and beverages like coffee and alcohol. Also, limit your intake of sugary foods and drinks, as they can contribute to bacterial growth in your mouth.

You may prevent bad breath at home by practising good oral hygiene. It means you should brush your teeth twice daily, floss between them, and clean your tongue with a toothbrush or tongue scraper. You can also use an antibacterial mouthwash to help eliminate debris and bad breath smells. 

Finally, to keep your mouth moist and help stimulate the production of saliva, we highly suggest drinking plenty of water and chewing sugarless gum. These good habits can help to keep your teeth and gums healthy and away from dental problems that can trigger halitosis.

The answer depends on the root cause of your unpleasant breath. If the reason is poor oral hygiene, it may temporarily go away using mouthwash and toothpaste. But persistent bad breath smells may not subside until you see a dental professional. In most cases, the underlying conditions must be addressed for bad breath to disappear.