How to Tell if You Have Bad Breath / Need Mouthwash

Your tongue can be home to the bacteria that causes bad breath.

In 1921, the generic expression "bad breath" became the more clinical sounding "halitosis." Bad breath is caused by the foods you eat as well as the bacteria that reside in your mouth. Brushing and flossing on a regular basis, as well as visiting a dentist, can help reduce and even eliminate bad breath. Use a plastic spoon to determine if the residue in your mouth is giving off a foul odor.

Things You'll Need

• Plastic spoon

Instructions

1. Scrape your tongue two or three times with a clean plastic spoon to collect any residue. A plastic spoon will scrape better than a metal one and won't have any conflicting smells already associated with it.

2. Remove the spoon from your mouth, turn it over and inspect it. The clearer the residue, the less stinky it will be. White, green and yellow all indicate bacteria that can be causing bad breath or even an illness. Consult your dentist or doctor if the residue is discolored.

3. Give the spoon a sniff. If the residue smells bad, it is likely your breath does too.

Tips & Warnings

• Try the spoon test right after your usual brushing/flossing/rinsing ritual to establish a smell benchmark.

• Brush, floss and use mouthwash regularly to eliminate the bacteria that could be causing bad breath.

References

• Dental Health: You May Have Bad Breath and Not Even Know It
• Bad Breath Guide; Effective Methods to Test Your Breath; Paul J. Heldt