15 January 2023 , 10:00
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Whether you have just scoffed down some cheesy garlic bread, or are waking up after an alcohol-fuelled night, it’s safe to say that your breath may smell a bit foul.
But for many people, bad breath, also known as halitosis, can still arise even after you've brushed, flossed and mouthwashed.
Fortunately, there is one simple trick you can do to test whether you have bad breath, especially if you’re in public.
Experts at the Oral Health Foundation recommend licking the inside of your wrist and sniffing it, if it smells bad then “you can be fairly sure” that you have smelly breath.
If you regularly suffer from the condition, then you may be interested to know that you’re not alone, as an estimated one in four people have a similar problem.
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Dr Harold Katz, a dentist specialising in bacteriology, says: “Almost all bad breath odours are caused by anaerobic bacteria living in the back of the tongue, throat and tonsils, which break down the proteins in our food as part of their daily job.
“However, when someone isn’t entirely healthy, it can be harder for these bacteria to break down these proteins as they should, leaving particular chemical smells behind.”
While bad breath is a common issue, health professionals have warned that it could be a warning sign of worsening gum disease.
That, or your mouth could be really dry (and, therefore, smelly) because of the medication you are taking.
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Health professionals have warned that smelly breath could be a warning sign of worsening gum disease (Getty Images/iStockphoto)Even older age can lead to less saliva being produced in the mouth, which leads to an excess of bacteria building up, resulting in bad breath.
The experts say: "If you suffer from dry mouth, your dental team may be able to recommend or prescribe an artificial saliva product."
Medical conditions can also be to blame, including infections of the throat, nose, or lungs, or a result of sinusitis, bronchitis, diabetes, liver and kidney problems.
What’s more, lifestyle factors can make your breath worse, such as consuming strong-smelling foods or smoking tobacco.
"As well as making your breath smell, smoking causes staining and loss of taste, and irritates the gums," the experts add.
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"People who smoke are more likely to suffer from gum disease and have a greater risk of developing cancer of the mouth, lung cancer and heart disease."
How to tackle bad breath
Keeping your mouth “clean and fresh” is the first step in overcoming bad breath.
"To keep your breath fresh, you must get rid of any gum disease, and keep your mouth clean and fresh," the experts emphasise.
Good oral hygiene involves brushing the teeth and gums with a fluoride toothpaste, and brushing the tongue.
In order to help prevent bad breath, this should be done once throughout the day and, again, the last thing you do at night, alongside flossing.
Attending dental check-ups is paramount so that a more intense cleaning can be carried out.
It's also recommended to keep a food diary and to note down any medication you are taking, which can be discussed with your dentist.
Dentures
It's just as important to clean dentures as it is to clean your teeth.
"You should keep a separate toothbrush for cleaning your dentures," the experts say.
Soaking the dentures in a specialist cleaning solution is advised alongside brushing.