Bad breath - I know, neither style nor beauty but if you could help...

[mycatislickingherpaw]

No one has commented on it, but I never have a fresh feeling in my mouth. And after a couple of hours of washing my teeth I feel like I need to do it again. It's not in my head, it feels like I never wash my teeth.
If I can't do it when I feel the need to then my social life is a bit awkward as I try not to talk to people or speak close by.

What has helped you?

Thank you!

I use CB12 in the blue cap. I also chew gum, the peppermint one hourly. I find both help.

What has the dentist said?

Thank you!

I'd rather not chew gum continuously for the effects that it has, but I have never heard of CB12. Is this it? Do you buy it somewhere in particular?

www.amazon.co.uk/Meda-0570-5000-CB12-Menthol-250ML/dp/B01ADENMES?tag=mumsnetforum-21

Nothing, my teeth are fine, I wash them well, and I use and electric toothbrush. I am wondering whether it's a diet thing, but given that I eat reasonably healthy and I exercise well I'd rather not go down the road of excluding foodstuff for two weeks to see whether I get better doing that.
I was hoping to try something more 'cosmetic' first.

Have you seen a dentist though? They might recommend a specific mouthwash or toothpaste or other. Or they might have an idea of what’s causing the bacteria.

Drinking plenty of water helps with bad breath that comes about from a dry mouth. You could up your water intake and see if that helps.

Also, do you mouth breath? If you do your mouth will dry out quicker. Try making a conscious effort to breath through your nose.

Could you have tonsil stones ?

Do you floss OP? I know you said you wash your teeth well, but bad breath (unless you have visibly rotting teeth, which you'd have noticed) is usually as a result of gum health. Flossing is essential. Even then, flossing won't clean as deeply as a dentist/hygienist will. So, make sure you're flossing regularly and visiting the dentist for a proper scale & clean, regularly.

I second flossing, it's the only thing that's sorted mine out.

Also, bit grim but a quick way to check if your breath is fresh is to lick the back of your hand with all of your tongue. Wait a few secs and then sniff.

I'm paranoid about this as I have a very dry mouth caused by meds, I mean it's like all the moisture has been sucked out!

So I have a bottle of water that I drink from regularly and keep Smints in my pocket as they are tiny mints that are really strong.

Came to suggest tonsil stones, they can cause exactly what you describe. Shine a torch down your throat OP and see if you can spot and little white bits 'in' the tonsils. If so try a salt water gargle on them. If not Ultradex mouthwash is quite good too.

Definitely check out dental/medical issues but if those are all clear, I agree with the advice to floss. Also using a tongue scraper can be effective too in ensuring your whole mouth is clean.

Ladies (I suppose), these are all very helpful suggestions, thank you!
I do floss, but maybe I have to do it more often or more carefully; I do not know whether I have tonsil stones so I will check that out; I will buy Smints; breathe with my mouth close; and drink more water!

(The dentist did not see any reason why I should have bad breath...)

Ah, and if you see someone frequently licking their hands and then smelling it that's me!

Thank you!

Yes that's the one, but don't buy it there. It's reduced in Sainsbury's to £5.50

Would also recommend tongue scraping. It gets rid of the bacteria build up on the tongue which also helps.

Ultra Dex mouth spray is the business. Makes your mouth smell like a warm oven.

I think what you're describing OP is what most people feel after a few hours. If you're not smoking, drinking or eating tons of garlic, and the lick your (wrist in my case) hand trick smells clear then I'd try not to worry. Drinking water does help.

For me a scale and polish at the dentist helped a lot. Also I stopped using mouthwash (dries your mouth out) and upped my flossing, with special attention to the back teeth.

I used to worry about the same thing OP, I now have a waterpik water flosser and my teeth feel so much cleaner and my whole mouth is fresher.

Thanks so much everyone! I now have a battle plan!

Have you tried using an inter-dental brush? I have found that they work better than floss.

Another here to sing the praises of interdental brushes! Tonnes better than floss. Must use morning and night. Your mouth will feel so much cleaner. Try a tongue scraper too.... you’ll be surprised what difference it makes to your breath. Superdrug are best. Pack of 2 for £2 I think!

Xylimelts. I have a dry mouth and these are great as you just tuck them away and they last for ages.