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So you want to talk bad breath, but you don't want to blow anyone away while doing it. That's why you're here. We understand that it's no fun to broach bad breath. But if you don't, you run some risks. You'd probably never learn what causes chronic bad breath and forever be known as that guy or girl with rank breath. And you may never figure out how to stop the stinky breath that's cramping your style. So first things first. We suggest starting with a bad breath detector test. You could ask someone to help you "get fresh" or do a test in private. We've got plenty of suggestions, so check out the articles in this section. You'll get quick facts on bad breath symptoms, learn what causes breath odor, find out what treatments can help neutralize chronic bad breath and discover which products are worth trying.
Q: What causes bad breath? A: There are many causes of stinky breath, but the most common one is the accumulation of bacteria in your mouth. The easiest way to prevent bacteria buildup is to brush, floss and see your dentist regularly.
Q: How do I take a bad breath test? A: There are a few easy bad breath tests that you can take at home in private. You can ask a trusted friend or loved one to smell your breath, though this can be uncomfortable or embarrassing. If that's the case, you can try this: Lick the back of your hand, wait for the saliva to dry and then smell it.
If your hand smells foul, it could be an indication of stinky breath. Another easy bad breath test is to wipe the top of your tongue with a cotton swab and smell it. If the swab smells bad, your breath odor probably does too.
Q: I brush regularly. Why do I still have bad breath odor? A: Chronic bad breath may be a sign of a more serious condition such as diabetes. It can also be caused by dry mouth syndrome and certain medications. See your dentist or physician for a bad breath test and professional diagnosis.
Q: Mouthwash doesn't seem to work. What should I use? A: Most mouthwashes contain alcohol, which dries the mouth and makes it more vulnerable to bad breath causing bacteria. Try using an alcohol-free mouthwash or a tongue brush. Be sure to ask your dentist about other ways to combat breath odor!