A dentist has revealed some of the telltale signs that you might have bad breath and what you can do to prevent and treat it.
Dr. Deepak Aulak, founder of AI-based dental app Toothfairy, is used to advising his patients on ways to improve their oral hygiene; However, sometimes he finds it necessary to tell them an uncomfortable truth during dates.
The dentist points out that many people are not aware of their bad breath, also known as halitosis, until someone boldly points it out to them.
He said: It can be mortifying to be told you have bad breath, and it takes a lot of courage for a family member or friend to tell you.
‘If you think you have bad breath, talk to your dentist. There is nothing to be ashamed of as it is very common.
To help people self-diagnose and address the problem, Dr. Deepak has identified three telltale signs that you might have bad breath and how to prevent and treat it should it become a particularly acute problem.
Dr. Deepak Aulak is accustomed to advising his patients on ways to improve their oral hygiene; However, sometimes he finds it necessary to tell them an uncomfortable truth during dates.
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 spot the signs of bad breath:
1. The smell test
Lick your wrist, let it dry, and then smell it. If it smells bad, chances are your breath does too.
2. Dental floss
After flossing, smell it to detect any lingering bad odors. If you do this and can identify a bad smell, this is an indicator that you may have bad breath.
3. Language test
Look at your tongue in the mirror. If you notice a white or creamy coating on your tongue, it may be a sign of bad breath.
The dentist highlights that many people are not aware of their bad breath, also known as halitosis, until someone boldly points it out (file image)
What can I do to treat and prevent bad breath?
Dr. Deepak said bad breath can often be fixed with rbrush and floss 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, regularly having bad breath can be a sign of something more serious, including an undiscovered medical condition.”
‘If this is something that reoccurs regularly, I highly recommend seeing your dentist so you can get to the root of the problem.
‘There are a few things I would recommend to try to solve bad breath. Firstly, it seems 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 brushing and flossing regularly and thoroughly, and rinsing with mouthwash.
“Sometimes a simple adjustment to your cleaning technique is all you need to get better results; for example, you may be brushing too hard and causing your gums to bleed.”
Making small adjustments, such as letting toothpaste residue remain in your mouth after brushing, rather than removing it with water, can make a big difference in oral health.
The dentist also recommends using a toothpaste with fluoride, since fluoride is a natural mineral found in water in varying amounts and works wonders in preventing cavities.
Dr. Deepak added, “Although a lot of emphasis is placed on cleaning the teeth and gums, gently cleaning the tongue is also a good method to protect yourself from bad breath.”
By following these tips and regularly visiting the dentist, people can effectively control and prevent bad breath, ensuring fresher breath and greater confidence in social interactions.