The easiest way to find out if you have bad breath is to ask a close and trusted friend, or family member, for their honest opinion.

Bad breath is usually caused by a problem in the mouth, so you need to visit your dentist for a diagnosis. You should not try to mask the smell before visiting your dentist, as this will make it more difficult to find out what is causing the problem.

If bad breath is being caused by food decay in the mouth, your dentist will normally treat this straightaway. They will also give you advice about how to keep your teeth and gums healthy, and recommend regular dental check-ups to help spot signs of tooth and gum decay early on.

If bad breath is not caused by a problem in the mouth, you may be referred to a clinic specialising in breath odor, a dental hygienist, or your doctor, for further investigation.