A dentist has revealed some signs you may 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, but sometimes he finds himself having to tell an uncomfortable truth during appointments.
The dentist emphasizes that many people are unaware of their bad breath – also called halitosis – until someone bravely points it out.
He said: It can be frightening to be told you have bad breath, and it can take some courage for a family member or friend to tell you about it.
‘If you think you have bad breath, contact your dentist. There’s nothing to be ashamed of, it’s so common.’
To help people self-diagnose and tackle the problem, Dr Deepak has identified three telltale signs that you may have bad breath – and how to prevent and treat it if it becomes a particularly acute problem.
Dr. Deepak Aulak is used to advising his patients on ways to improve their oral hygiene, but sometimes he finds himself having to tell an uncomfortable truth during appointments
How do I know if I have bad breath?
Although honesty is the best policy and Dr. Deepak advises asking a trusted friend or family member for the truth, there are three alternative ways that can help you recognize the signs of bad breath:
1. The sniff test
Lick your wrist, let it dry and smell it. If it stinks, chances are your breath does too.
2. Dental floss
After using dental floss, smell it to check for any lingering odors. If you do this and notice a bad odor, it is an indication that you may have bad breath.
3. Tongue test
Look at your tongue in the mirror. If you notice a white or cream-colored deposit on the tongue, this could be a sign of bad breath.
The dentist emphasizes that many people are unaware of their bad breath – also called 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 resolved by rbrush and floss your teeth regularly and thoroughly, and rinse with mouthwash.
This can help eradicate most causes of bad breath, including plaque buildup.
However, he warned: ‘In some cases, having foul-smelling breath on a regular basis could be an indication of something more serious, including an undetected medical condition.
‘If this is something that reoccurs on a regular basis, I would strongly recommend that you see your dentist so that they can determine the cause of the problem.
“There are a few things I would recommend to help with bad breath. First, 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 take care of your teeth and gums.
Dr. Deepak said bad breath can often be resolved by regularly and thoroughly brushing and flossing your teeth, and rinsing with mouthwash.
‘Sometimes a simple adjustment in your cleaning technique is all you need for better results. For example, you may be brushing too hard, causing your gums to bleed.’
Small changes, such as leaving toothpaste in the mouth after brushing, rather than rinsing it out with water, can make a big difference to oral health.
The dentist also recommends using a fluoride toothpaste because fluoride is a natural mineral found in water in varying amounts and works wonders in preventing tooth decay.
Dr. Deepak added, “Although a lot of emphasis is placed on cleaning your teeth and gums, gently cleaning your tongue is also a good method to prevent bad breath.
By following these tips and visiting the dentist regularly, people can effectively manage and prevent bad breath, leaving them with fresher breath and more confidence in social interactions.