How to Determine Whether You Have Bad Breath or Not
Disease description:
Recently, my husband has been telling me that my breath has an unpleasant odor, but I cannot smell it myself, which is very embarrassing. I would like to ask the doctor: is there any accurate method to determine whether I have bad breath?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Chao
Self-assessment methods for bad breath include covering the mouth and nose with both hands and exhaling, performing a wrist-lick test, asking others for feedback, checking with a mirror, and undergoing professional examination. Details are as follows:
1. Covering the mouth and nose with both hands and exhaling: Breathe deeply with clean hands covering the mouth and nose, then exhale quickly onto the palms and smell the breath to assess its odor.
2. Wrist-lick test: Gently lick the inner side of your wrist. Once the saliva dries, check for any unpleasant odor.
3. Asking others: Feedback from family members or close friends is the most direct and reliable method.
4. Mirror check: Use a mirror to examine the inside of your mouth for food debris, dental plaque, or excessive tongue coating, which are common causes of bad breath.
5. Professional examination: If you suspect severe bad breath, it is recommended to consult a dentist or oral physician for a professional assessment to identify the cause and receive appropriate treatment advice.
If bad breath occurs, it is recommended to maintain good oral hygiene by brushing teeth twice daily, using dental floss to clean between teeth, and undergoing regular dental cleanings to remove tartar. Use a tongue brush to clean the tongue surface. Additionally, reduce consumption of pungent foods such as onions and garlic, avoid smoking and alcohol, and prevent prolonged fasting that may lead to acid reflux.
