Bacteria that reside between the teeth can also cause breath odor.  Most commonly this occurs in people with gingivitis or periodontal disease. To see if you have odor causing bacteria between the teeth do the floss check.  Floss a few teeth at a time.  Then, smell the floss.  If you detect a bad odor, see your dentist.

FYI: Bad breath caused from periodontal/gum disease can be one of the worst smelling breath odors.  In fact, it has a particular odor that we call “perio breath.”

How can you tell if you have bad breath associated with gum disease?

1. See your dentist!  Only your dentist can determine if you have gum disease.  We can treat the infection and give you recommendations for treating any breath problems associated with it.
2. There could also be other problems creating bad breath from between the teeth such as tooth decay or trapped food.  Only your dentist can pinpoint for sure the source of your breath odor.

Keep in mind, it’s possible to have gum disease and not have any symptoms such as bad breath.  That’s why visiting your dentist regulary is important so problems can be caught early.

Be sure to check out our previous post on the Fresh Breath Check!

There is a simple way to determine if you have bad breath that is originating from bacteria on your tongue.  Now, be aware, this method is accurate but may seem a little odd to some.  In fact, we got an email from someone who thought using a tongue scraper sounded gross so if you share that thought don’t read any further!  Here are the steps:

1. Take a plastic spoon and gently scrape the surface of your tongue from back to front. This will collect a small amount of tongue debris on the inside surface of the spoon.
2. Now, smell the spoon.  Is there an odor?  If so, I’m sorry to say, that is the odor everyone smells when you’re up close and personal.
3. If there’s no odor, have a very close friend or family member smell the spoon.  You may be use to the smell and can’t detect the odor.
4. If another person can’t detect an odor, congratulations you have fresh breath!

A dentist in Arlington, TX, Dr. Alexander has been serving the area for more than 30 years. His practice specializes in creating smiles while reducing dental anxity.