Video
Quick Health Advice: Bad Breath
Around 95% of us suffer from halitosis (or bad breath) at some time in our lives, and one in four adults suffer from it on a regular basis. In this exclusive guide, Dr McKenna demonstrates a simple technique to check for bad breath, and advises on ways we can ultimately prevent the ‘death breath’. She also reminds us that around 90% of bad breath cases are due to poor oral hygiene, so a visit to the dental hygienist at least once a year wouldn’t hurt. Well, it might do…but would you rather have bad breath?
If you’re suffering from any of the conditions featured on this site and want to apply for an onscreen consultation with one of the EB team then you can find more details here >>
Remember that you should always check with a health professional if you have any concerns about your health.
Comments and Questions
You can share your experiences and thoughts with other Embarrassing Bodies site-users below. Comments & Questions are reviewed by moderators, but if you see anything on the site that worries you, please report it and one of our moderators will look at it as soon as possible.
Please note: Unfortunately Channel 4 cannot respond to individual inquiries. If you have any concerns, you can check out NHS Choices, but ultimately it is always best to check with a health professional.
I suffer from mucas build up and constantly taste it at the back of my throast i have had several treatments but not worked, this causes bad breath that smells like metal. I brush, floss and use mouthwash but i know it is still offensive what else can i do? I have been offered a sinus operation to clean them out but i need to take 8 weeks off work and have heard this does not help and can make it worse? Please help as i'm at my witts end!!
I have had bad breath for ten years but has got worse last two years. So embarased. I've stopped talking to people. I have very good hygeine. I'm 39 years old. Please help.
Hydrogen Peroxide 3% solution baking soda salt 1) brush teeth and scrape tounge 2) 25ml water + salt + 25ml HP gargle and swish around for 1 or 2mins 3) spit out and rinse with water 4) 3 parts baking soda + 1 part salt + water ...gargle and swish for 1 or 2mins. spit out and rinse. gargle properly. do this twice a day for few days or week. see if it helps. ive done it and doing it now. just to be sure i dont have bad breath. im paranoid when kissing.
Hi iv got bad breath had it now for at least 10 yrs. Im 25yrs old and its soo embarrasing. I don't want to socialize or meet new people or even get a job its that bad. Iv been my dentist and they'v told me its nothing to do with my teeth. I suffer from bloatedness, excess acid. I also when i blow my nose can smell the smell which is awfull and get an awfull taste in my mouth. I can't see myself having to live with this for the rest of my life. can someone please help me.
Hi my name is Toyin, as far as i can remember i have since about your age 10 yrs and I'm 32 yrs old and i know how embrassing this is but don't give up. when i had my second son it got realy worse that i don't socialise with people or my friends anymore. Someone that i know for a very long time who is not really a medical doctor told to speak to my Doctor about it. He told me to tell the doctor that have going to the Dentist for two years, i brush twice daily and the bad breath doesn't seem to go that it might an internal problem. I told my doctor precisely what he told me and the doctor did test. they discover that i suffer from Helicobacter pylori and am on medication know is working but i still have bad breath. my doctor has suggested that they check my throat dowm to my stomach to see what is happening and give me best cause of action. i suggest that people with bad breath sholud go to their and complaint and don't let them talk you out of it.
I have the same problem I have spoken to my dentist about it they say see your doctor as my mouth is fine, so I see a doctor and tell them what the dentist has said and they just keep passing me from one to the other . I just don`t talk to pepole anymore due to foul smelling breath and when I do talk to someone because I have to I face away from them or put my hand to my mouth they think I am being rude pehaps I shall have to live in silence thats all I can think HELP!!!!
I have this problem right from when i had my daughter and she is four years now.I have spent a lot of money because of bad breath and these has made me loose confident when talking to people.I have been to dentist several time and yet no solution.Please i need your help because i can not even talk to people or even kiss my husband.I have checked my tongue by rubbing on my wrist and i can not smell any thing but yet i have bad breath.please find a solution for me.
I have had he same problems for nearly three years now. I thought it would go but it's still here. I have a white cover on my tongue, mybreath always smells, people aske me did i fart, its crazy!!! Ironic at the fact im so hygenic i justhate the look people give you like your dirty and everybody who talks bout bad breath talks bout hygiene???? dese doctors dont seem to know nothing! whos teaching them??? i have had my tonsils removed, given all dese tablets and nothing lol all ib can do is laugh now ... im all cried out! fml
White tongue and bad breath. Please save yourselves time, money and embarrassment. If a dentist as ruled out gum disease, then simply buy yourself some glycerine. Tescos sell a small bottle at 65p and Colgate Oxygen toothpaste, it must be Oxygen, non of the other colgate range as I don't think they have the active ingredient. Now simply clean teeth, cheeks, roof of mouth and under the tongue (Scrape tongue, Orabrush preferably). Rinse with water. Next step apply Oxygen toothpaste to entire mouth and tongue area as far back as possible, leave for at least 1.5 minutes. rinse with water. Finally apply Glycerine to tongue and leave. All of the above is cheap and easy to follow.
I have been suffering with bad breath problems for years. It smells like poo and have had my teeth cleaned at dentist , used all sorts of mouth washes etc . the only time it went away was when a took antibiotics for helicobacter. but came back a couple of weeks later had the tube down the throat nothing found . please help its seriously affecting my relationships and confidence .
Hi Christina,Your story is similar to mine the only extra thing that I have done is removing my tonsils however it didnt change anything.To be honest I don't know what to do.The only thing left for me is breath clinic and get my breath tested with halimeter and see...If you know anything better please let me know.
hi i have had bad breath since i was i child ,but since i have had menopause my breath has got really BAD , smells like moth balls and poo i have changed my deit and dont touch milk i drink water or herbel teas .i have been and asked the docter but they just laugh . i dont think its funny cos im the one who is embaresed by it and i am finding that i dont want to talk .
Hi, I am a 26yr old smoker and I have always struggled with occasional bad breath, ( my whole family struggle with this) recently the problem has got worse and my breath stinks all the time - I have good oral health - use an electric toothbrush, floss & use an oxygen non alcoholic mouthwash but nothing seems to work. I have also cut out caffiene and only really drink hot or cold water now as tea/coffee seems to make it stronger and give me a fuzzy tounge. It seems to be coming from right down my throat and is very embarrassing! I have also recently started snoring when laying on my side not my back and am getting concerned as I feel as though my throat is partially constricted when I sleep on my side with my right arm up by my head. Any advice?
hi i have bad breath and try everethings that i thing i can help i went to see ent they told me i got postnasal drop and they give me nasal spray and nystatin oral suspension did not help at all now i got x-ray am fed up npw


