How do I know if my breath stinks?

When breath goes bad, its known as halitosis. Detecting it on yourself isn't easy because your senses have trouble picking up your own smells, often until it gets really bad. Short of asking a mate, try cupping your hands over your mouth, breathing out and then breathing in through the nose. A sour smell may indicate bad breath.

How can I deal with it?

Bad breath can arise from a number of different causes. Which means there are a number of different solutions too:

• Poor dental hygiene. such as tooth decay, gum disease, or just rotting bits of food trapped between your teeth.
  Solution: A decent brushing/flossing routine, and regular visits to your dentist.
• Poor diet
  Solution: Cut down on junk food, sweets and fizzy drinks, and take on more fresh fruits and vegetables. Also drink plenty of water to keep your digestive system in good working order.
• Niffy food, such as curry, garlic, horseradish, crisps, chips, chocolate, coffee, red meat, raw onion and cabbage all leave their mark on your mouth)
  Solution: There's no need to cut this stuff from your diet, just exercise a little caution if you're planning on a snog-fest later in the day.
• Smoking
  Solution: One more reason for giving up the evil weed.

But what if it's still bad?

Mouthwashes can work. They contain zinc chloride (usually red in colour) and will sort out bad smells, but if you want to take on the bacteria too, then go for brands containing domiphen bromide and cetylpridnium chloride (often yellow or green). If your breath continues to be a problem after all this, consult your doctor (GP) as it could be a symptom of a gastric condition.

Updated: 30/07/2010