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     Experience teaches us that people are frequently unaware of their own bad breath.  Inability to smell one's own Bad Breath has been attributed to adaptation.  Whatever the underlying reasons, our insensitivity to our own bad breath can have grave consequences. People may spend their entire lives unaware of their offensive breath. Conversely, others suffer from a highly exaggerated fear that they suffer from bad breath, "halitophobia".   These individuals often practice social avoidance and are continually preoccupied with concealing their perceived Bad Breath (e.g., frequent tooth brushing, continuous gum chewing and candy sucking, keeping a safe distance, talking sideways).  During consultation, they often become quite emotional and break into tears, describing their problem as a "nightmare".  In extreme cases these individuals become socially isolated and even contemplate suicide.

Three simple methods to help you test yourself for bad breath

bullet Take a piece of un-waxed, un-flavored white dental floss and floss between your upper and lower back molars. Examine the floss. Is it red or brown? Wait about 45 seconds and then smell it closely. Does it have a bad odor?
bulletTake a clean washcloth and then pull your tongue forward with one hand grasping the tongue with the washcloth. With the other hand and a clean white washcloth rub or scrape the furthest back portion of your tongue two or three times. Again, wait for about 45 seconds and then smell the portion of the cloth that was rubbed on the tongue. Does it have a bad smell?
bulletLick your tongue on your own clean wrist. Wait, then smell. This technique does not get back far enough on the tongue to be of best value but can be a quick test in a pinch for time.

 

 
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Last modified: October 17, 2007