Bear in mind that this method primarily pulls saliva from the tip (anterior portion) of your tongue, which is fairly self-cleansing. Thus, smelling your licked wrist will only tell you how the best-smelling part of your tongue smells–and most bad breath tends to originate from the back of the mouth where it meets the throat. [1] X Research source You can wash the saliva off of your wrist, but don’t worry if you don’t have access to water or sanitizer since the smell will dissipate quickly as the skin dries. If your breath problems are relatively minor, you may not be able to smell much. If you’re still worried, consider trying another self-testing method to give yourself a “second opinion”.
This method may reveal bad breath more precisely than merely licking your arm. Chronic halitosis is caused by bacteria that breed on your tongue and between your teeth – and most of these bacteria congregate near the back of your mouth. The tip of your tongue is fairly self-cleaning, and you may clean the front of your mouth more regularly than the back of your mouth. [2] X Trustworthy Source Johns Hopkins Medicine Official resource database of the world-leading Johns Hopkins Hospital Go to source Try swishing with antibacterial mouthwash–in the front and the back of your mouth–to keep bacteria from hiding out on the back of your tongue. Gargle with mouthwash, if you can, to keep bad-breath bacteria from congregating in your throat opening. When you brush your teeth, make sure to brush your furthest back teeth, and be sure to brush your tongue and gums.
This step may be slightly more accurate than merely cupping your hands around your nose and mouth, but its accuracy is heavily dependent upon how tightly the cup seals in your breath. You can try this out with any container that traps your breath in a circuit between your nose and your mouth: a small paper or plastic bag, a tight-fitting surgical mask, or any manner of air-retentive face-mask. Be sure to rinse out the cup before breathing into it again. Wash it with soap and water before storing it or using it for anything else.
Choose a person that you trust–someone that won’t go around telling people, and someone that will be honest with you about your breath. Ask a close friend who you know won’t judge you. Avoid asking a crush or a romantic partner, as serious bad breath might be a turn-off. Avoid asking strangers, unless you’re feeling particularly bold. It may seem embarrassing, at first, but you may find it a huge relief to get a trusted opinion on the matter. It’s better to hear it from a close friend than from, say, someone you’d like to kiss.
Say, “I’m worried that my breath might smell bad, but I can’t really tell. This is embarrassing, but have you noticed anything?” Say, “This might sound strange, but does my breath smell bad? I’m taking Jenny out to a movie tonight, and I’d rather deal with it now than wait for her to notice. "
Morning breath is normal. You can fix it by brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash right after you wake up. Halitosis is a more serious bacterial infestation, but it is still common and still treatable. To fight halitosis, you’ll need to keep your mouth clean and manage the bacteria that make your breath smell bad. The most common causes of bad breath are dental cavities, gum disease, poor oral hygiene, gastrointestinal conditions, and coated tongue (a white or yellow coating on the tongue, usually due to inflammation). If you can’t tell from inspecting your mouth, your dentist should be able to tell you what’s causing your bad breath. If someone tells you that your breath doesn’t smell so great, don’t be embarrassed. Think of it as constructive criticism.
It’s very important to brush your teeth before going to bed. You might try an additional round of brushing with baking soda to reduce the acidity in the mouth and make it difficult for the bacteria that cause bad breath to grow. Use a tongue scraper (available at many drugstores) to remove any residue that may be building up between the taste buds and folds in the tongue. If you don’t have a tongue scraper, you can use your toothbrush to brush your tongue. [4] X Research source Replace your toothbrush every two to three months. The bristles will become less effective over time, and your brush may accumulate bacteria. Replace your toothbrush after you’ve been sick so you don’t give the bacteria a place to hide out. [5] X Trustworthy Source American Dental Association World’s largest dental professional organization and advocate for proper oral health Go to source
Processed foods that are full of sugar like cookies, candies, and pastries can also contribute to bad breath.
A neti pot can be helpful in rinsing mucus buildup from your nose. Drinking hot water with lemon, using nasal saline drops, and taking vitamin C can help alleviate a stuffy nose. When taking vitamin C, follow the dosage recommendations on the package. Adults should not exceed 2000 mg of vitamin C per day. [7] X Research source
You should also incorporate probiotic-friendly foods into your diet, like unsweetened kefir, kimchi, and plain yogurt. Alternatively, you can take a probiotic supplement.
Chew a handful of cloves, fennel seeds, or aniseeds. Their antiseptic qualities help fight halitosis-causing bacteria. Chew a piece of lemon or orange rind for a mouth- freshening burst of flavor. (Wash the rind thoroughly first. ) The citric acid will stimulate the salivary glands—and fight bad breath. Chew a fresh sprig of parsley, basil, mint, or cilantro. The chlorophyll in these green plants neutralizes odors.
If your dentist believes that the problem is caused from a systemic (internal) source such as an infection, he or she may refer you to your family physician or a specialist.
