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Do YOU have bad breath? Dentist reveals how to tell if you have halitosis (when others can be too polite to tell you)
A dentist has revealed some of the tell-tale signs that you might have bad breath - and what you can do to prevent and treat it.
Dr Deepak Aulak, founder of AI-powered dental app Toothfairy, is used to advising his patients on ways to improve their oral hygiene - yet, sometimes, he finds himself needing to deliver an uncomfortable truth during appointments.
The dentist emphasises that many people remain unaware of their bad breath - also known as halitosis - until someone bravely points it out.
He said: It can be mortifying to be told you have bad breath, and it takes some real courage from a family member or friend to tell you about it.
'If you think you have bad breath, speak to your dentist. There’s nothing to be embarrassed about, as it is so common.'
To help individuals self-diagnose and address the issue, Dr Deepak has identified three tell-tale signs that you might have bad breath - and how you can prevent and treat it should it become a particularly pungent problem.
Dr Deepak Aulak is used to advising his patients on ways to improve their oral hygiene - yet, sometimes, he finds himself needing to deliver an uncomfortable truth during appointments
How do I know if I have bad breath?
Although honesty is the best policy, and Dr Deepak advises to ask a trusted friend or family member for the truth, there are three alternative ways that can help you spot the signs of bad breath:
1. The sniff test
Lick your wrist, let it dry, and then sniff it. If it smells bad, it is likely that your breath does too.
2. Dental floss
After using dental floss, smell it to check for any lingering bad odours. If you do this and you can identify a bad smell, this is an indicator that you may have bad breath.
3. Tongue test
Look at your tongue in the mirror. If you notice a white or cream coating on the tongue, it can be a sign of bad breath.
The dentist emphasises that many people remain unaware of their bad breath - also known as halitosis - until someone bravely points it out (stock image)
What can I do to treat and prevent bad breath?
Dr Deepak said that bad breath can often be solved by regularly and thoroughly brushing and flossing your teeth, and rinsing with mouthwash.
This can help eradicate the majority of the causes of bad breath, including a build-up of plaque.
However, he warned: 'In some cases, regularly having bad-smelling breath can be an indication of something more serious, including an undiscovered medical condition.
'If this is something that regularly reappears, I would strongly advise you to see your dentist so they can get to the root of the problem.
'There are a few things I would recommend to try and fix bad breath. Firstly it sounds simple but try to have a good oral health routine - life can be busy but there should always be time in the day to care for your teeth and gums.
Dr Deepak said that bad breath can often be solved by regularly and thoroughly brushing and flossing your teeth, and rinsing with mouthwash
'Sometimes, a simple tweak in your cleaning technique is all you may need for better results, for example you might be brushing too hard resulting in your gums bleeding.'
Making small tweaks such as letting remnants of toothpaste remain in the mouth after brushing, instead of swirling it out with water, can make a huge difference on oral health.
The dentist also advises to use a fluoride toothpaste, as fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in water in varying amounts and it does wonders in preventing tooth decay.
Dr Deepak added: 'Although much emphasis is put on cleaning your teeth and gums, gently cleaning your tongue is also a good method to ward off bad breath.
By following these tips and regularly visiting the dentist, individuals can effectively manage and prevent bad breath, ensuring fresher breath and greater confidence in social interactions.