Are you worried that you have bad breath, but are not too sure? This is a common condition as our adaptive nature doesn’t sense our own smell. Most people are horrified to learn that someone perceives their breath as unpleasant. Halitosis, or bad breath, can be embarrassing and uncomfortable. Fortunately, there are a few ways to test yourself for breath so that you can work to improve it.
Quick & Easy
A common method used to check your breath is to lick the back of your wrist, wait a few minutes and then smell the spot you licked. This may give you some indication of how your breath smells. Unfortunately this method has been shown to have a lot of error.
Another method is to wipe a cotton ball or gauze to the top of your mouth and sides and see if it has a bad smell. Also, note the color of the post-wiped cotton. If it has a yellow color, you may have elevated sulfide levels. Unfortunately this method can also give false information about what one’s breath is really like.
The best way is to ask someone for feedback about your breath. Although most people are uncomfortable using this method it is the most reliable of all methods.
Visual Oral Health
Looking into your mouth can also help gauge your oral health, which plays a huge part in the quality of your breath. Stand in front of the mirror and look in to your mouth for any irregularities. Look at your tongue, under your tongue and all sides of your mouth. Everything should be a bright pink color. If you notice any strange bumps or colors, you may have a condition this is leading to bad breath
Ask Others
Select a friend or loved one that you can trust and explain to them your concern. Be sure they understand the seriousness of the issue and consult them on a regular day where you haven’t had particularly odorous foods like garlic or onions. First ask them if they’ve ever noticed your breath, and then ask them to smell your breath.
Another great person to ask is your dentist or dental hygienist. These are trained professionals who consistently deal with oral issues and they can let you know if you do have halitosis, to what degree and some options.
Bad Breath Remedies
If you determine that you do have bad breath, there are things you can do to reduce or eliminate it. Depending on the severity of your breath, you may just need to improve your oral care by brushing, flossing and using mouthwash more. You may want to start carrying Gemz Bad Breath Mints. This product is helpful for breath conditions that are a result of certain foods. If it is more serious, you may want to consult a halitosis specialist who can recommend a bad breath treatment kit or a formal diagnosis and treatment of the condition.
About the Author: Dr. Anthony Dailley is a practicing dentist in the Bay Area. Earning a degree in Cell & Molecular Biology from San Francisco State University as well as a Dental Degree from the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry, Dr. Dailley specializes in curing bad breath. He has a 99% success rate with his patients and also sells products to get rid of bad breath as well as products for dry mouth.
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Asking somebody who would genuinely care enough to tell straight in your face that you do have bad breath can be one painstaking task. But the one who will be honest enough to answer without fuss should be considered as a genuine friend. sydney dentistry