Many of us suffer from bad breath every now and then. But such occurences are typically rare. They may come about because we have just eaten something pungent such as garlic or durian, a tropical fruit. Or, it may simply be that we have just woken up from a nap.

However, a more pervasive condition known as halitosis is what we need to be concerned about, if we suffer from it. Funnily, most of those with this condition did not even realise that they have this condition in the first place. It is a condition that sufferers are unable to detect it themselves.

The reason why it is difficult for self detection is due to a phenomenon known as adaptation. Adaptation causes our olfactory nerves to become used, or adapted to, our sense of smell. One way of detection is to tell from the reactions of other people when you talk to them. If you find them pulling away or backing off, then these are signs that may be indicative, short of them telling you directly.

Here are other ideas on conducting bad breath self examinations.

Self Test #1 To Detect For Halitosis: The Floss Test

You can use a simple string of unflavored and unwaxed dental floss to detect your own breath odor. Use a piece of dental floss to floss your lower and upper back molars. Once you are done flossing, examine the string of dental floss for color. If it is red or brown, your gums are bleeding – an indication that you need to floss more often. Next, smell the piece of wax. If there is a bad odor, then you may be suffering from halitosis.

Self Test #2 To Detect For Halitosis: The Washcloth Test

Simply take a clean white washcloth and rub it against your tongue. Rub as far back as you can. Then, smell the washcloth to detect for bad breath.

Self Test #3 To Detect For Halitosis: The Wrist Test

This is an easy test, although it may not be as reliable as the previous self-tests. It requires you to simply lick your own clean wrist. Wait a few seconds and smell.

Your dentist can also help you with a proper diagnosis. He does this with a little machine known as a halimeter. A halimeter can measure the bad breath gases usually measured as the amount of volatile sulfur compounds in your mouth in your mouth at any given time.

Naturally, if you have halitosis, you need to be aware of it. Not only is bad breath potentially a very embarrassing problem, it can also be indicative of more serious health ailments, including kidney or renal failure and gall bladder problems. You may find it embarassing to have halitosis. However, it is important that you set aside your embarrassment and find out for sure if you have a serious problem with bad breath or not.

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