Bad breath...

[whiskeysheri]

My boyfriend has recently got REALLY bad breath. He's a very healthy personal trainer and eats well, so can't understand why. He uses a tongue scraper and expensive mouthwashes too.

At the back of his tongue, he has lots of lumps- I've never seen anything like them before. Has anyone evr had these or have an idea what this may be caused by?

He's really embarrassed, bless him, so won't go to the dentist.

Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks x

[VictrMeldrew]

+If he is a personal trainer, he most likely comes across things which his clients feel embarrassed about but which he has seen many times before and just takes in his stride. So back down and see his dentist or doctor without delay, they will have seen it before. If he is still relactant, keep on nagging he WILL thank you one day.

[rosyrussell]

There are lots of causes of bad breath, not just oral hygiene. It can also be caused by smoking,drinking, a throat infection (does he have trouble with his tonsils for example?), sinusitis, a lung infection, gum disease, stress or poor diet. It can also be an indicator for diabetes. Firstly, probably a good idea to check with a pharmacist, as they may be able to help with the most obvious treatments, and they are easier to chat to than making an appointment with a dentist or doctor! Dont know about the lumps on his tongue - but they could just be his taste buds. However, it is probably worth getting it checked out though, especially if he has never had a problem with it before.

[alijangra]

sometimes its not obvious where the smell is coming from, sinus problems is a def possibility but I think a visit to the hygienist is in order as often people have gum disease that they are unaware of. The plaque and tartar is under the gumline, where anaerobic (can live without oxygen) bacteria is present. This type of bacteria has a particularly nasty smell and the presence of plaque can release a substance called cadeverine. This substance is also present in decomposing bodies and necrotic wounds, so you can imagine it does not have a pleasant aroma. They only way for the plaque and tartar to be removed is by ultrasonic descaling treatment, which can be done by a dental hygienist at a cost of around �40. The only problem may be if he has not had a fairly recent dental check up, the hygienist may request it is done first.

Does he floss? I can remember when I first started flossing the smell from what I was removing was horrible,very similar to what is lurking beneath the gum line. Please encourage him to go for a check up at dentist, he doesnt even have to mention his breath!

[Scarlett]

Those lumps are normal- we all have them right at the back. It could be thrush- get him to go to the docs.

[WendyS]

I was also going to ask if he uses dental floss on a regular basis. Getting this waxy fibre between the teeth really seems to reach parts that a toothbrush doesn't always clearn effectively and some of the debris dislodged can smell really unpleasant. If you really can't get him to a dentist, get him to try this for a month first, flossing regularly and see if it makes a difference.

[spacechimp]

I hate flossing, makes me bleed. I know that's because I don't do it enough, but I don't want to start if that's what happens.

[smudge]

Flossing shouldn't make your gums bleed spacechimp, so you must be doing it too harshly, or need to visit the dentist to get your gums checked..

I gently floss every morning & my gums never bleed - touch wood. I use Oral-B Satin Tape (blue container) & it's a very soft floss.

[spacechimp]

Thing is, I only floss if I've tried getting whatever's caught in my teeth out by every other means first.

[rachela500]

Make sure his mouthwash is alcohol-free as the alcohol can kill off good bacteria too. Alcohol-free mouthwash still does the job but is much kinder to the mouth.

Does he ever have toothache? If so, he may have an underlying infection in his gums, which can cause a nasty taste and smell.

[goldheart]

I use dental sticks, they're great, not to put anyone off but if you floss or use this sticks for the first time, smell them after use, they reek! So not using can really contribute towards bad breath

So now I cant go a day without using them and my dentist is really pleased because the last two visits I havent had to go to the hygenist.

[smudge]

I've tried those dental floss sticks too goldheart (didn't smell them afterwards mind), but found them a bit too thick to get between my teeth. I then tried the dental floss satin tape, which I found much easier & gentler to use.

My husband uses the floss sticks though!

[whiskeysheri]

Thanks everyone for your tips. Still haven't got him to the dentist... but, I will! I will definitely pass on your advice. Thanks again x