How Do I Know If I Have Bad Breath?
Bad breath, or halitosis, is one of those things that can make you self-conscious—but it's not always easy to spot on your own. Most people can't accurately smell their own breath, and it's not exactly comfortable to ask someone else to check. At North Richland Hills Dentistry, Dr. Sonal Desai and Dr. Sekhon often reassure patients that bad breath is more common than they think—and, more importantly, it can usually be solved once you know the cause.
A Few Simple Self-Checks
While you may not be able to smell your own breath directly, there are a couple of tricks people use:
- Lick the inside of your wrist, let it dry for a few seconds, and then smell it.
- Floss between your back teeth, wait a moment, then smell the floss.
- Notice if you often have a dry mouth or a “coated” tongue—both can hint at odor.
These little tests aren't foolproof, but they can give you a quick sense of whether bad breath might be an issue.
What Causes Bad Breath?
Bad breath can be linked to a few different things, some temporary and others ongoing:
- Food and drink: Garlic, onions, and coffee are common culprits.
- Dry mouth: Saliva helps wash away bacteria; when it's lacking, odors can build up.
- Plaque and bacteria: If brushing and flossing aren't thorough, odor-causing bacteria can linger.
- Gum disease or infections: Persistent bad breath can sometimes point to deeper oral health issues.
The good news is that identifying the cause usually leads to simple solutions.
Lifestyle Changes That Help
Sometimes freshening your breath is as much about daily habits as it is about dental treatment. Drinking water throughout the day keeps your mouth from drying out and helps wash away food particles. Using a tongue scraper or brushing your tongue can reduce bacteria that brushing alone might miss. Cutting back on tobacco and limiting alcohol also helps, since both can dry out the mouth and contribute to odor. Even chewing sugar-free gum can stimulate saliva, which naturally helps keep your breath fresher.
When Professional Treatment Is Needed
If bad breath lingers despite good brushing and flossing, it may be a sign of something that needs professional care. Deep cleanings can help when bacteria build up under the gums, giving your mouth a fresh start. Cavities, too, can be sneaky culprits, since they create tiny spaces where food and bacteria get trapped. Once they're treated, many patients notice their breath improves almost immediately.
And sometimes the cause isn't even your teeth at all. Tonsil stones—those little white deposits that can form at the back of your throat—are a surprisingly common source of odor. While they're harmless, they can contribute to persistent bad breath. If they're part of the picture, our team can guide you on the best ways to manage them.
By identifying what's really behind the problem, Dr. Desai and Dr. Sekhon can offer solutions that don't just cover up bad breath but actually fix it.
Fresh Breath Care at North Richland Hills Dentistry
No one should feel embarrassed about asking for help with bad breath. At North Richland Hills Dentistry, Dr. Sonal Desai, Dr. Sekhon, and our caring team are here to help you find the cause and give you solutions that last. If you've been wondering whether your breath is an issue, call our office in North Richland Hills today to schedule an appointment.