A simple test reveals if you really suffer from bad breath – 8 tips to combat it

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If you had a funny taste in your mouth or had a pungent meal, you may be concerned about bad breath.

Bad breath is a common ailment, but sometimes it can be hard to smell on yourself.

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Bad breath can be annoying, here’s a simple test you can do to find outCredit: Getty

Luckily, experts have revealed a simple test you can take that will reveal whether or not your breath is a little whacky.

Licking and smelling the inside of your wrist are key factors, said experts at the Oral Health Foundation.

They added that if it smells bad, you can be pretty sure you have bad breath.

The NHS states that there are various causes of bad breath, including eating or drinking strong-smelling or spicy foods and drinks.

You may also suffer from this condition if you have problems with your teeth or gums.

This can include problems such as gum disease, holes in your teeth, or infection.

Extreme dieting and smoking may also have an effect, experts say, as can some medical conditions such as tonsillitis, acid reflux and dry mouth.

NHS paramedics say the best way to make sure you don’t have bad breath is to keep your teeth, tongue and mouth clean.

Here are eight things you should do to combat bad breath:

Gently brush your teeth and gums at least twice a day for two minutes, use a fluoride toothpaste, and gently clean your tongue once a day with a tongue scraper or interdental cleaner with a brush or dental floss at least once a day. Keep dentures clean and remove them at night with sugar-free mints or chewing gum. After consuming strong-smelling foods and drinks, try using an antibacterial mouthwash or toothpaste.

In order to avoid bad breath and to prevent the smell from getting worse, the NHS states that you should avoid smoking.

Besides, medics state that you should not rinse your mouth with water immediately after brushing your teeth, and you should also avoid brushing your teeth so hard that your gums bleed.

They added that you should also avoid consuming too many sugary foods and drinks.

When to get help

While you can treat bad breath on your own, if the problem does not improve within a few weeks, you should make an appointment with your dentist.

You should also seek help if you have painful, bleeding, or swollen gums.

If you are an adult with loose teeth, have a toothache or problems with dentures, you should also book an appointment.

If it’s an emergency, you can call your dentist – some offer appointments at short notice.

If you do not have one, you can call 111 who will be able to help you.

The NHS states that you should not contact a GP as they will not be able to provide emergency or out of hours dental care.

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