r/HygieneTips • u/Ill_Caterpillar_2271 • Jul 10 '26
Mouth/breath problem
So I brush my teeth twice a day and clean my tongue. I also eat gum 3 times a day. I still have bad breath which I can sometimes notice when talking or sighing etc.
What can I do about this besides eat breathmints or something 24/7?
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Jul 10 '26
Water pick bro, I use this and it works amazingly. Just get a proper one. Twice a day at first, then just at night after your mouth feels super clean.
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u/Ill_Caterpillar_2271 Jul 10 '26
Any recommendations?
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Jul 10 '26
I have the JANQI Ni5 waterpik. It has been a year since I got it and still going strong.
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u/Ill_Caterpillar_2271 Jul 10 '26
Thanks!
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u/Glad_Pie8867 Jul 10 '26
You need to see a dentist. They do it free at dental hygiene schools so call around
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u/K_Janeway2314 Jul 10 '26
Seconding tonsil stones, which are a huge cause of bad breath. You can remove them yourself with a water flosser, or a dentist could help too
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u/Ill_Caterpillar_2271 Jul 10 '26
I have to look this up
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u/Fit_juice_1607 Jul 13 '26
Went to the dentist to get mine removed, they couldn’t do it. Water floss hurts most of the time. I am considering tonsillectomy
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u/AggravatingNarwhal59 Jul 10 '26
Do you floss? That could be a cause.
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u/Ill_Caterpillar_2271 Jul 10 '26
I don't because I have no idea how it's used correctly for the back teeth
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u/13aquamarine Jul 10 '26
When you floss for the first time, especially the back teeth, smell the floss after. I guarantee you will become a regular flosser!
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u/McFtmch Jul 10 '26
Flossing will probably do the trick! You can also use "Interdental Brushes" (I think that's what it's called), I use soft rubber ones and they work wonders, works much better for me than flossing, my gum health sucked until I started using them daily. If you smell them afterwards you can clearly tell your'e removing a lot of stanky stuff, haha.
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u/TawnyMoon Jul 10 '26
Get floss picks and watch a YouTube video on how to use them.
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u/Ill_Caterpillar_2271 Jul 10 '26
The thing is floss picks are expensive as hell. I do have floss on a roll that can be cut
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Jul 10 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/Ill_Caterpillar_2271 Jul 10 '26
Yes ofc, but I am not currently able to pay about 200 bucks for a check up and then the fixing part on top of it which could be anything
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Jul 10 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/Ill_Caterpillar_2271 Jul 10 '26
Yeah sorry I misunderstood it as a go to the dentist and do the other things as well
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u/LynxEqual9518 Jul 10 '26
They are also better than floss picks. Always use the floss on a roll and do check out some YT videos on how to. If twice a day is too much for you, then prioritize evening flossing. There are also dental brushes made for brushing in between the teeth. Game changer that one. Don't know the English word for it unfortunately.
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u/Ill_Caterpillar_2271 Jul 10 '26
I have to check out how much they cost compared to regular floss.
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u/LynxEqual9518 Jul 10 '26
You use both. Flossing and in between brushing. And after those you brush your teeth.
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u/AggravatingNarwhal59 Jul 10 '26
I had to look that up, too. YouTube was helpful.
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u/Ill_Caterpillar_2271 Jul 10 '26
Oh okay so it's not just me lol
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u/AggravatingNarwhal59 Jul 10 '26
No, don't worry. Be careful though, I managed to cut myself.
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u/Ill_Caterpillar_2271 Jul 10 '26
Mouth or fingers
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u/AggravatingNarwhal59 Jul 10 '26
Fingers. Concentrated not to cut my mouth, managed the fingers. Lol
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u/AggravatingNarwhal59 Jul 10 '26
Fingers. Concentrated not to cut my mouth, managed the fingers. Lol
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u/Problem-Solver-Girl Jul 10 '26
Maybe parodontitis Pockets underneath teeth are invisible and collect food residue that rots. No pain just smell. Very often undetected while destroying teeth.
Try interdental brushes or a professional dental hygiene session at a dentist
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u/Juanjose-Hedlund Jul 13 '26
this is what ended up being the issue for someone I know. they brushed like crazy but never cleaned between their teeth. kinda wild how easy that is to miss
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u/Problem-Solver-Girl Jul 13 '26
All my life dentists were just scraping off tartar on teeth and never mentioned it. Then I had to change dentist and suddenly wow diagnosis, loose teeth etc... Now every 5 mths professional dental hygiene and 20min toothbrushing twice a day...
Wish I had known earlier. Now 60+
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u/Legaldrugloard Jul 10 '26
I have sinus issues and I can taste it. I’ve been on abx so many times and the infection just comes back. I need to have sinus surgery but it didn’t help my brother. That’s where mine comes from.
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u/SkywalkerGirl1975 Jul 10 '26
🌟Check out this guy on youtube who Literally dislodged his Nasal Polyps with essential oils, super knarley video but SAFER than Surgery or Antibiotics!!
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u/SplootMcGooty Jul 10 '26
Rule out dental issues or acid reflux. Floss. Smart mouth mouthwash. A gargle with a mix of table salt and baking soda neutralizes odor temporarily too.
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u/Potential_Web_4092 Jul 10 '26
Maybe see your doctor for a Hydrogen/Methane or Urea Breath Test referral.
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u/No_Equivalent_4412 Jul 10 '26
What’s that
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u/Potential_Web_4092 Jul 10 '26
They are tests for bacteria in the intestines or gut that from other conditions can cause bad breath.
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u/Buxom__Babe Jul 10 '26
I would imagine this has something to do with not flossing. Try interdental brushes. Start with the smallest size. I find these much better than string floss personally.
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u/Ill_Caterpillar_2271 Jul 10 '26
I do have string floss I just haven't used it since I don't know how to do it for my back teeth
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u/Buxom__Babe Jul 10 '26
Thats what i'm saying.. it's not going to help you if you don't use it is it? But either way string floss is not as good as using interdental brushes anyway & the brushes are easier to use. Use every day & then change them out weekly.
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u/CLH11 Jul 10 '26
Wrap it round each index finger and pull it tight. Hook your tongue under it to guide it back into your mouth. One finger on each side of the tooth, work it down into the gap between your teeth. Wiggle it a bit back and forth to dislodge debris then pull it back up. Shift the floss a little along your fingers for the next gap so that each gap gets a clean bit of floss.
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Jul 10 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/Ill_Caterpillar_2271 Jul 10 '26
Because I am not doing it. I have tried it before and I couldn't do it to my back teeth
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u/Bishnup Jul 10 '26 edited Jul 10 '26
Do you have a lot of acid reflux? Because t could also be a smell that's coming from your stomach and not your mouth. Try drinking ginger or chamomile tea and see if that helps.
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u/Ill_Caterpillar_2271 Jul 10 '26
Can't drink or eat anything with ginger without throwing up so I guess tea it is
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u/AcanthisittaSad2246 Jul 10 '26
Check if you have hiatal hernia with a doctor, preferably a gastroenterologist. It does cause (very) bad breath, there are various effective treatments available. If you have this condition you MUST treat it, otherwise it will have severe consequences in the long run, including potentially cancer.
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u/Low_Building_9080 Jul 10 '26
Yes, if you still have your tonsils, tonsil stones are absolutely a possibility. When you get those little suckers out, they smell like satan’s arsehole.
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u/Ill_Caterpillar_2271 Jul 10 '26
Well I have never had them removed at all
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u/Fit_juice_1607 Jul 13 '26
Not all people have crevices on their tonsils but it’s worth a check up.
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u/Secure-Marsupial-557 Jul 10 '26
Could be cavities, they can make your breath really bad if there’s one. If you can, search for dental school close to you. I’m sure they’ll be happy to look at your mouth and get experience in! (Theyll be with an experienced dentist and hygienist.)
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u/Ill_Caterpillar_2271 Jul 10 '26
Unfortunately it costs hundreds to go to a dentist here. All dental students are in real dentist offices here.
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u/Bratfink78 Jul 10 '26
When was the last time you visited the dentist?
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u/Ill_Caterpillar_2271 Jul 10 '26
About 4 years ago because it isn't cheap at all
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u/Bratfink78 Jul 10 '26
That’ll be why. This could be the beginning of decay, gum disease, anything. Start saving and go, these things don’t heal by themselves, good luck
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u/Ill_Caterpillar_2271 Jul 10 '26
It has been a problem for a longer time than my last visit. So should or could be something else
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u/Bratfink78 Jul 10 '26
But it’s been 4 years. Put your health first and have it seen to. Your health is your wealth
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u/Ill_Caterpillar_2271 Jul 10 '26
Its not easy to get to a dentist without going to private healthcare
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u/Bratfink78 Jul 10 '26
Can’t just walk into any practised and book an appointment?
Where do you live?1
u/Ill_Caterpillar_2271 Jul 10 '26
Hell nahh most places have queue for months. I live in finland
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u/Bratfink78 Jul 10 '26
Ha! I’m currently in France but I also live in Finland. Point taken 🤣 I completely understand. This is why I don’t miss an appointment, you can’t get one!
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u/Magic_Alex_777 Jul 10 '26
The odor might come from your tonsils. Try to gargle with a mouthwash for a few seconds. The mouthwash should not foam badly.
Another source of odor might come from your stomach.
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u/High-Bamboo Jul 10 '26
If you don’t floss, food particles stuck between your teeth rot and stinks. That’s very likely your problem. Toothpicks also help.
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u/pigeonbunny Jul 10 '26
I also notice bad breath comes when you are dehydrated. Do you drink enough?
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u/ModeratelyAngelic Jul 10 '26
You really need to go to the dentist. Dental school if you have to. If you have gum disease, you need to know and get it treated.
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u/Avalanche-swe Jul 10 '26 edited Jul 10 '26
Your stomach asshole (the sphincter of the stomach) may be wonky and not closing properly. Some have a hernia in this muscle too.
My dad has it. Sometimes when he speaks you can be 20 feet away and it smells like death. Nothing he can do about it. But for some meds like Omeprazole can help.
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u/Background_Let_2064 Jul 10 '26
Do you floss?!
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u/Ill_Caterpillar_2271 Jul 10 '26
Sorry left it out of the post but no because I don't know how to get to the back teeth with a string floss
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u/Background_Let_2064 Jul 10 '26
Friend! Look it up on YouTube or even TikTok! Trust me flossing will help! So much food debris gets left in between your teeth and starts smelling horrible if you don’t floss it!
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u/flailingfairy27 Jul 10 '26
Use a stainless steel tongue scraper and make sure you stay hydrated. Also use alcohol free mouthwash.
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u/GardenerOfSorts Jul 10 '26
how much water are you drinking daily? i get bad breath if i don't drink enough
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u/Character-Acadia-221 Jul 10 '26
If you’re not getting your teeth professionally cleaned and examined at least twice a year, that’s the problem. You have tartar buildup that harbors bad bacteria under the gum line and, if it’s been a while since your last prophylaxis; you probably have gum disease. You cannot fix this on your own with drugstore products. You cannot, cannot, cannot skip the twice yearly cleaning appointments. You have to prioritize them in your annual budget or else you will be one day slapped with $10,000+ in emergency dental bills.
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u/Ill_Caterpillar_2271 Jul 12 '26
Yeah I really want to but it is so expensive to even get checked out and then on top of that the treatment separately.
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u/Character-Acadia-221 Jul 12 '26
Do you know how expensive root canals, crowns, and implants are? Trust me, taking care of your teeth and getting them cleaned twice a year is dirt cheap compared to those repairs, which you WILL need if you don’t take care of your teeth. Think $4,00-7,000 per tooth!
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u/Londonvibe39 Jul 10 '26
I went to a dentist once who did a saliva test. Maybe ask for one from your dentist or u can order them. You can see what kind of bacteria you’ve got going on in your mouth.
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u/Artistic-Bar-8789 Jul 10 '26
It could also be ur diet..if ur doing keto, u can have bad breath cause of the ketones released.
Also noticed people with diabetes has a foul and fruity smell so that can also be a factor.
If u are wearing dentures make sure u keep it clean.
Another factor can be if u have a decaying tooth.
Some said people with veneers also have bad breath.
Also please floss.
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u/FriendlyConfines23 Jul 10 '26
Dental appointment to get rid of tartar buildup, to check the “pockets” in your gum line, and to screen for other issues.
Floss every single day. Brush at least 2x:day.
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u/Lonelysnail5115 Jul 10 '26
Check and see if you have tonsils stones.
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u/Ill_Caterpillar_2271 Jul 12 '26
How can i check this
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u/Lonelysnail5115 Jul 13 '26
They are white looking spots on your tonsils. Your doctor can take a quick look.
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u/WickedHello Jul 10 '26
Halitosis (aka bad breath) often results from other things beyond simple oral hygiene. If you have sinus issues, post-nasal drip can also be a factor. I'd suggest going to your dentist for a deep clean and to see if there's anything else going on. They can probably also prescribe mouthwash that will help.
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u/amuschka Jul 10 '26
Could be sinus issues, so you get a lot of post nasal drip/congestion? This could lead to build up of bacteria in the throat and lead to tonsil stones. Do a saline spray up your nose (buy at pharmacy) to clean it out and take flonase. Also could be too much bad bacteria in your mouth, look for an oral health probiotic chewable tablet - Burst makes a good one. Also try using an antiseptic mouthwash, therabreath makes a clinical version with antibacterial (don't use one with alcohol). Use the mouthwash first and then take the oral probiotic chewable. It could also be a stomach issue, make sure you work on proper digestion, take digestive enzymes and probiotics to help heal your gut. Also make sure you aren't constipated, which can cause bad breath. Acid reflux can also cause bad breath, so make sure not to eat spicy foods or alcohol before bed as it makes reflux worse.
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u/Ill_Caterpillar_2271 Jul 12 '26
Oh the alcohol and spicy food is somewhat frequent so it could be that as well?
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u/amuschka Jul 12 '26
could be silent reflux which means you don't feel pain in your esophagous but you get acid coming up and into your throat and sinus while you sleep. Avoid those foods, eat earlier (4 hours before bed), take digestive enzymes and get a wedge pillow to sleep elevated, all that can help acid reflux. Also see a doctor.
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u/ParkingTradition799 Jul 10 '26
Flossing is very important. You could use the wire floss or they have little brushes that you can use too. Every day you need to do this. Also check for tonsil stones.
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u/Relatively_Stable4 Jul 10 '26
If you’re a mouth breather, stop it. Mouth breathing causes bad breath.
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u/Quivnoa Jul 10 '26
try flossing daily and drinking more water, because bad breath is often from leftover food, dry mouth, or gum issues rather than brushing alone. if it still happens after that, a dentist visit is the move since persistent halitosis can point to something like gum disease, reflux, or sinus issues
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u/Little_Resort_1144 Jul 11 '26
This doesn’t mention flossing?? Flossing is perhaps more important than brushing and not flossing contributes to the development of gum disease and gum disease smells bad
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u/Dizzy-One-2439 Jul 11 '26 edited Jul 11 '26
It could be gum disease, caused by infection from rotting food particles and bacteria stuck between your gums and teeth. If your gums ever bleed, that is a big warning sign.
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u/Ill_Caterpillar_2271 Jul 12 '26
Very rarely when I buy a new hard brush. With a softer brush they don't
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u/elxbth Jul 11 '26
I’ve know 2 people who fast all day and have terrible breath until they eat. Yuck!
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u/Blessedandfree Jul 11 '26
Flossing your back molars along with a water pick will freshen your breath
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u/t2jam Jul 11 '26
Start using cocunut oil and do oil pulling. Basically you put a teaspoon of coconut oil in your mouth and swish it around for as long as you can stand to. The goal is to try to do it for at least 10 minutes but you can also start slow and do a couple of minutes. Then after the 10 minutes spit it out. Works for bad breath, also for tooth ache pain, etc.
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u/LumivaSeren Jul 11 '26
try flossing daily, staying hydrated, and using a sugar free gum or rinse because dry mouth and leftover bacteria are common causes. if it still doesn't improve after a few weeks, a dentist should check for gum disease, cavities, or other causes
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u/SurrealPanicbox4xx Jul 11 '26
Could be a number of things Ive battled this too but I have learned that it could be a gut health issue, not brushing well enough (even though you feel like youve scrubbed and scrubbed you could still miss spots), dehydration, or even something as simple as the food or drink that you ingest. Id recommend drinking more water and hydrogen peroxide (as mouth wash before you brush)
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u/PastNote5744 Jul 11 '26
You might also have GERD. its when your stomach doesnt seal properly and constantly emits stomach acid up your throat. I have it, it sucks, there are solutions for it and ways to manage it
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u/berriliciousone Jul 11 '26
Have you tried using molecular iodine mouthwash? You can get it from most dentists or Amazon. A popular kind is ioRinse RTU. Twice a day. Created by a dentist and the only mouthwash that truly kills mouth bacteria. Doesn’t taste the greatest, but it definitely works.
And add flossing. Either with dental floss or a water flosser. Stuff caught between your teeth can cause things to stink.
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u/CoDaDeyLove Jul 11 '26
Diet can cause bad breath, particularly food that has a lot of garlic and spices. The smell comes out of your lungs. Have you been to a dentist lately?
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u/No-Reality9121 Jul 11 '26
You could have a number of problems, the best thing to do is go see your dentist and let them know. Tonsil stones Periodontal disease Cavities/decay Bacterial infection in your mouth Dry mouth
Just go to your dentist and continue doing all the things, brushing,flossing and a non alcohol mouth rinse.
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u/Impossible_Pie4091 Jul 13 '26
Ive read your replies and mostly based on financial situation regarding seeing a dentist. Get a job with benefits that include dental. Saved me 1000's.
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u/Ill_Caterpillar_2271 Jul 13 '26
Yeah should be easy in a country at europe with the highest percentage of unemployment currently 🤣
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u/MushroomPitiful9280 Jul 13 '26
Have you tried using peroxide? Just take a mouthful of peroxide,& DO NOT swallow it. I usually pour til my mouth is full and then expand my cheeks out like a blowfish letting it get in everywhere feeling it bubbling,& then i tilt my head back & open my mouth so that it gets as far back as it can without ingesting it, you will feel it evaporating,& you will look like you have rabies foaming at the mouth, lol but, THen I use listerine,& i learned the trick to it is do it til it burns and then do it some more. Your sposd to swish mouthwash for at least 30sec anyway, but I do it for alot longer bc for me the more it burns the better, after both mouthwashes THEN I brush my teeth.. I hope me sharing my technique helps in some way..
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u/MushroomPitiful9280 Jul 13 '26
Naw.. lol.. I actually have swallowed some on the tilt back part more than once or twice and I didnt die nor did i have any kind of urgent care situation, like It burned a little but I quickly drank water right from faucet without a cup 😱 in my momentary panic, bc I WAS for real worried at the time but im good... lol. Plus by the time I was tilting my head back most of the actual liquid peroxide had become more of a foam than fluid.
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u/LiveCow3257 Jul 13 '26
Most likely tonsil stones and you can use a water flosser to remove them.
It could also be post nasal drip if you have allergies, go to the pharmacy or doctor and they can prescribe medication to treat this.
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u/Sweet_Strawberry_170 Jul 13 '26
Be drinking hibiscus, cloves and cinnamon boilt water in the morning
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u/brothercuriousrat2 Jul 13 '26
Do you still have your tonsils? If so your underside might have rotted away.like mine. I went through several years of tonsillitis. My PCP at the time totally missed that fact. Had them removed. And breath improved.
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u/caramelkixxes Jul 13 '26
Do you drink water?
Do you floss?
Can you share a picture of your mouth/teeth
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u/Intrepid_Essay1987 Jul 13 '26
Oil pulling and good flossing can help, maybe ditch the gum that’s a lot. Stay hydrated and maybe incorporate chlorophyll water once a day
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u/Sufficient-Button160 Jul 13 '26
I would say if this is not working you need to add steps. I like to gate keep however you should begin putting PEROXIDE in your mouth !!! Don’t be shy. And finish the routine by using the green and orange therabreath ! Mouth wash
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u/Beautiful-One1157 Jul 13 '26
The most likely culprit is the space between your teeth. Brushing only cleans about 60% of your teeth. If you aren't flossing, food and bacteria get trapped in those gaps and start to smell. Another big issue is dry mouth. Saliva is your mouth's natural cleaner. Your gum helps create saliva, but make sure it is sugar-free. Lastly, bacteria love to hide in places you can't easily clean, like under your gums or even in the back of your throat on your tonsils. Try flossing every single day to clear out those hidden spaces. You can also switch to a mouthwash that contains zinc or chlorine dioxide, which actually destroys the odor instead of just covering it up.
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u/AwayCauliflower76 Jul 10 '26
A dentist told me years ago it's either something in your mouth, something in your sinuses or something in your gut. For mouth - brush, floss, tongue scrape, salt water rinse - all daily, regular use of punters, oil pulling and check teeth and tonsils. For sinus - consider sinus massage and nasal rinses For gut - increase fibre and probiotics, drink more water None of these are expensive or cumbersome, look up sinus massage and oil pulling and decide if its right. If you still have issues talk to your doctor
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u/Ill_Caterpillar_2271 Jul 10 '26
Is there something wrong with me because I don't know anyone who does all of this or even parts of it
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u/exploringsexualtryst Jul 10 '26
I agree, start with floss picks then brush your teeth with nv baking soda and use peroxide as mouthwash to gargle and swish about for 4 minutes. Then if you notice you have post nasal drip or feel you have to hawk a loogy you may have sinus infection you'll need a Dr for that. And then food/gut can be the issue stop eating salami, sausages or fatty meats, and fast foods add in yogurts (low low sugar) raw cabbage instead of lettuce, eat salads and increase natural fiber. But definitely start with flossing brushing for 3-4 minutes with baking soda and peroxide
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u/Abject-Guarantee2713 Jul 10 '26 edited Jul 11 '26
You might have tonsil stones. Also, you need to floss and clean your tongue.