Bad breath (from the other side!)

[LemonTartsForever]

I've seen a few 'bad breath' threads recently, with people complaining about their partners breath... its made me think about myself and how to address the issue I've suffered with for years. I'm on the other side and seeing the posts of how 'disgustingly vile' (which I agree with btw) has made me want to get it sorted.

I'm a 23 year old female, I'm healthy, I eat well and drink plenty of water. I brush my teeth three/four times a day, I use mouth wash and I floss. I still have the most vile breath. I know people pick up on it occasionally, ex boyfriends out of spite have said things such as "it's a shame, you've got such a pretty face with the most disgusting breath" I can taste it also. I constantly carry mints and chewing gum to hide it. I'll wake up at 3am to brush my teeth in case I breathe on DP and before he wakes! I feel so sorry for my lovely DP he's never said a word bless him

I think it's hereditary as my dad and auntie suffer with the same thing. I literally just cried my eyes out writing this, it's affecting me so much. I didn't go to a job interview the other day because I'd misplaced my chewing gum just as I was walking into their office!

I don't have tonsil stones I don't think, I can't see anything? Does anyone have any other possible causes?

Are you lactose intolerant? DS had terrible breath as a child and the dentist suggested it might be lactose intolerance. She was bang on.

You said you've never been to dental hygienist yet you had your teeth professionally cleaned.

Who cleaned them?

This won't explain your problem but my dd's orthodontist told us not to use mouth wash after brushing. The mouth wash has much lower concentration of fluoride than the toothpaste so if you use it straight after you're washing all the toothpaste's fluoride away..... Who would have thought??

I, too, have excellent dental health - no gum issues, regular dental checkups and cleaning with the hygienist, brush/floss/mouthwash 4 times a day at least. Never had an issue with bad breath, until I got pregnant... I just can't get rid of it, no matter what I do!! It's horrible and making me so self conscious. My DH says he's only detected my bad morning breath twice since it started 2 months ago, but I feel it and taste it all the time

Apparently it's quite a common side effect during pregnancy, caused by the raging hormones... I'm hoping it will just clear itself up once I give birth. OP could yours perhaps be something to do with hormonal imbalance?

Why don't you ask the GP for a referral to an ENT (ear, nose and throat) specialist. There may be something they can detect. Best of luck with it.

Not a medical expert, but I think you said upthread that you had a bowel movement 3 times a week? Whilst that might be normal for you it does make me wonder if the two are related? That doesn't seem that 'regular' to me

Thanks for your messages.

I'm not lactose intolerant I don't think? I don't experience pain, bloating or anything like that.

mummy thanks for those, I'll definitely order some - I'll try anything!

butterfly it's not due to my hormones, I remember my breath starting to smell when I was 9/10 and sneaking chewing gum into school! I slept a lot whilst I was pregnant which made it worse but I didn't notice any other changes. Hope yours clears up quickly

sadie that's a really good point, thank you!

second a few people say it's not regular and I should go more. I'll mention it to the DR!

It just makes me wonder how can you find out you have a bad breath?
It's easy if it's somebody else but I know for myself, well when my little one makes a comment :) otherwise I'd never realise it myself.
When I come across people with bad breath I always worry what if it's me myself. I personally like chewing gums.

Katie

I don't go to the hygienist

There's your problem right there. (more than likely)

People underestimate how badly a build up of plaque can smell.
Even if you brush your teeth 3 times a day, you are not going to be able to reach places a hygienist can.

Do the floss test. Floss your teeth and smell the floss. Disgusting I know. But if it's smelly, it's your teeth and gums and they need a professional clean.

I agree with what Second said - 3 times a week means you could have slow digestion which might mean bad bacteria feeds off the food for longer and gives off bad smells. Reflux can also cause bad breath.

I'd also suggest that 3 mins morning and night for cleaning teeth with the electric brush both times, using alcohol-free mouthwash and getting some interdental brushes to use every day is at least a surefire protection from any bacteria in your mouth causing plaque, which smells pretty bad.

Definitely go to your GP and don't suffer in silence!

style I do floss, I mentioned earlier I do floss, but it doesn't smell. Does that mean something else??

aldra thank you, will be making an appointment Monday

I only go about 3 times a week too! That is regular for me and always has been.

It does sound like tonsil stones. Job for the GP.

Three times a week for toilet trips sounds almost dangerous - OP I'm keeping my fingers and toes crossed that you find an answer to this you sound like such a lovely person!

Interdental brushes and tongue scraper!! Tongue scraper twice a twice has made soooo much difference for me!!

What happens if you eat garlic or drink coffee? Does your own breath smell still come through?

As mentioned upthread I also wonder if the mouthwash and brushing is making your mouth too dry .

I use interdental brushes every time I clean my teeth ( twice a day ) .I couldn't get away with flossing twice a week - but my teeth are uneven and have lots of different sized gaps .

I wonder if it could be reflux - you can have this without pain . Maybe try Gaviscon plus which forms a "raft" over stomach contents .And sleeping propped up .

Good luck ,I do feel for you .And actually I really think you should see a GP .

I have just stumbled across your post and worry I have the same problem. Did you ever get this sorted?

Postnasal drip? Often causes tonsilstones, but sometimes just a sort of unpleasant tasting film at back of throat. Also can cause regular sore throats. A nightly antihistamine might work, maybe also the sort of steroid sprays used for hay fever (GP can prescribe stronger if needed). This could well be the issue if you have other allergy issues like eczema, hay fever etc.

Do you have a proper scale and polish regularly at the hygienist? I was horrified by the stench coming off my teeth the first time I had this done. Now go every 3-6 months.

Oh and are you on any meds like amitriptyline which give you a dry mouth?