Standing on a crowded bus or train in the morning, inhaling someone else's garlic breath, isn't the greatest way to start the day. But don't be too quick to point the finger of blame! For all you know, you could be one of them, since we can be completely unaware of our own halitosis.

This guide shows you how to test whether you have bad breath. And if you do, it provides some possible reasons that might be causing it (if you don't know) and also how to treat it.


No-one likes having bad breath. Unfortunately, many people are likely to suffer from it at some stage during their lives. Bad breath or halitosis can be caused by eating highly spiced foods or those containing lots of garlic. Also smoking, drinking coffee or alcohol are often associated with bad breath. However, this is usually a temporary problem which soon resolves itself.

The most common reason for bad breath however, is due to bacteria found inside the mouth which can be treated with a little extra care and attention towards mouth hygiene.

Common causes of bad breath

• Dental decay
• Gum disease
• Food stagnation between the teeth
• Dry mouth
• Excessive bacterial activity on the tongue, possibly due to postnasal drip (catarrh coming down the back of the throat from the sinuses and nasal passages) 
• Throat or tonsil infection 
• Catarrh
• Smoking. 

Bad breath is usually brought on by the breakdown of proteins by bacteria somewhere in the mouth. However, there are several other possible causes that affect the airways, oesophagus and stomach that can also lead to bad breath.

If there is no obvious cause such as smoking, then you may find that by following some of these steps you can say goodbye to halitosis once and for all.

Step 1: 
Test your breath. 

Just to make sure you really do have bad breath, why not do a little test on yourself. It’s very easy. All you do is lick the inside of your wrist - make sure there are no remnants of perfume there first! After around ten seconds, have a sniff. If it smells bad to you, then chances are you have bad breath.


Step 2: 
Brush your teeth.

Always brush your teeth twice a day, preferably before breakfast and bed, using a fluoride toothpaste for at least two minutes each time. This helps to remove bacteria and prevent the build up of plaque which can cause bad breath.
 

Step 3: 
Brush your tongue. 

Brushing your tongue is as important as your teeth. Bacteria can build up here just as easily and a telltale sign is often a white, furry coating on your tongue. You can buy toothbrushes with a special tongue brush on the reverse.

Step 4: 
Floss. 

Try to make time to floss between your teeth at least once a day, especially if you have bad breath. Trapped food between the teeth can lead to a build up of bacteria leading to bad breath.



Step 5: 
Swill with mouthwash. 

Once you’ve brushed and flossed have a good swill with mouthwash. This will help dislodge any stray pieces of food and well as providing further protection against bacteria for your teeth and gums. Carry around a miniature bottle of mouthwash for use after eating out and don’t have a chance to brush your teeth.

Mouthwash might help!

Step 6: 
Chew gum. 

Chewing on sugar free chewing gum after your meals is a great way to encourage the production of saliva which can help wash away bacteria. A dry mouth can worsen bad breath, so if you’re feeling a bit parched, chewing some gum is helpful if you’re thirsty. And choosing a refreshing minty flavor will help give you a fresh smelling breath too.



Step 7: 
Stay hydrated.

Halitosis becomes more noticeable when you have a dry mouth. With less saliva in the mouth, bacteria becomes more concentrated and evaporates faster. Try increasing your fluid intake to see if this help. Dry mouth can also be caused by alcohol-based mouthwashes and medication.



 What You Will Need

• Toothbrush 
• Fluoride toothpaste 
• Sugar-free chewing gum 
• Alcohol-free mouthwash 
• Dental floss or tape 
• Sufficient fluid intake 
• Sense of smell 

 Tips and Warnings 

• Carry a miniature bottle of mouthwash around with you when you’re out of the home to use after eating; 
• In a minority of cases, bad breath is caused by reflux disorders where the valve at the top of the stomach doesn’t work properly and allows odours to escape; 
• Eating an apple or citrus fruit after a meal can be used as an occasional solution instead of chewing gum to encourage saliva production. This shouldn’t be used instead of cleaning teeth! 
• Try using a mouthwash without alcohol since this can cause your mouth to become drier leading to bad breath; 

If your halitosis persists, visit your dentist who may be able to spot the problem.


Sources: Daily Mail, Netdoctor.co.uk