Bad breath is one of the most common forms of body shame, and for good reason, it can severely limit your life.
You may not know it, but you would most likely notice somebody else’s bad breath. In 85% of cases, there will be a noticeable scent even if it is not bad breath.
How do you know if you have bad breath? There are plenty of symptoms you may not be aware of, so make sure you keep reading to find out all the things that could mean you might.
What is Halitosis?
If you’re worried about bad breath, there are some telltale signs to look for, such as a sour or metallic taste in your mouth or gums bleeding when you brush.
Do other people seem to be avoiding you or standing back when you talk? If you answered yes to any of these, you might have halitosis, also known as bad breath.
Halitosis is caused by a build-up of bacteria in the mouth, which can be the result of poor dental hygiene. It can also be caused by certain foods, tobacco use, dry mouth, or a medical condition.
If you’re concerned about bad breath, see your dentist. Your dentist can tell you all about halitosis and ways to prevent it.
How Do You Know If You Have Bad Breath?
Bad Breath When You Wake Up in the Morning
Bad breath when you wake up in the morning could be a sign of poor oral hygiene. If you don’t brush and floss your teeth before bed, plaque and bacteria can build up overnight and cause your breath to smell.
Your Mouth Feels Dry and Sticky
If your mouth feels dry or sticky, it could be a sign of bad breath. There are a few things you can do to check.
Try licking the back of your hand and smelling it. If it smells bad, that’s a good indication that your breath does as well.
You can also ask a friend or family member for their honest opinion. If they offer you gum or mints, that’s a pretty good sign that you need to freshen up your breath!
Your Tongue has a White or Yellow Coating
If you have a tongue that has a white or yellow coating, it is likely that you have bad breath. Ask a close friend or family member if they notice anything different about your breath.
Your Gums Swollen
If your gums are swollen, it is likely that you have bad breath. The bacteria that cause gum disease can also cause bad breath.
If you have gum disease, you may also notice that your gums are receding or that your teeth are becoming loose.
Getting Rid of Bad Breath
How do you know if you have bad breath? There are a few telltale signs that show you have bad breath.
First, people may avoid talking to you or stand back when they do talk to you. Secondly, you may notice that your mouth feels dry or that your tongue is coated. Finally, you may see that your teeth are stained or that your gums are red and inflamed.
If you have any of these signs, it’s important to see a dentist to find out the cause and to get treatment.
Read more from our blog to understand more about oral health.
