What to Do About Bad Breath?

Updated on December 11, 2008
C.R. asks from Lehi, UT
15 answers

This might be an unusual question but I need advice on what to do about my husbands bad breath. I am pregnant and so maybe my nose is super sensitive right now but I can't stand my husbands breath and I don't know what to do. I know if I say something to him it will hurt his feelings. Back when I had morning sickness I would occasionally ask him to brush his teeth and it crushed him. So is there something I can give him or is it something he needs to talk to his doctor about or am I just stuck with it. I just feel bad cause its interfering with our sex life. Thanks for your help moms

1 mom found this helpful

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

Featured Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

N.S.

answers from Pocatello on

It can also be caused from sinus problems. But here's some good home remedy ideas:
http://www.home-remedies-for-you.com/remedy/Halitosis.html
There are products on the market, pills that have oils in them, they work, but are pricey long term. I feel for you, and totally know what you're going through. It sucks. Good luck.

1 mom found this helpful

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.D.

answers from Colorado Springs on

I had bad breath and there are a couple things to try. It could be sinus drainage, try NeilMed sinus rinse. It can be found at WalMart and will stop the post nasal drip mucas. My allergy Dr also told me it could be reflux(even with no burning signs) so try Prilosec for a month. I also found a mouth rinse system at www.breathappeal.com that you can try. Good Luck!

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.M.

answers from Denver on

I read, but haven't tried:

1/4 cup aloe vera gel mixed with water or apple juice. Swish and gargle with it. Also, a tongue scraper is probably the best remedy.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.L.

answers from Pocatello on

If his breath didn't stink to you before but does now, it may just be the pregnancy. Try to cut out things like garlic and onions. Add parsley, that usually helps with bad breath. If it continues to stink after the pregnancy, he should see someone about it.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.S.

answers from Provo on

I saw the Oprah show last night and they discussed the causes of bad breath. He may have an illness that may be causing it. They also discussed a tongue scraper to remove bacteria from the back of the tongue. Diet might be another culprit as well.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.R.

answers from Salt Lake City on

If you can smell it, so can others. He should be grateful that you let him know--and he should want to do something about it....

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.P.

answers from Provo on

Preface any remarks to him about this with the heightened sense of smell that comes along with pregnancy. Be glad it is just his breath during my third pregnancy my husband smelt like a tater tot to me and not just his breath. His whole person smelled like a tater tot! It made me so sick. Luckily that went away as the pregnancy went along.

Anyway something that has helped me through the years is a mouthwash called Biotene. It has enzymes that help control bacteria all day or all night long. You need to brush your teeth really well (they also make toothpaste) and your tongue as well to get rid of as much bacteria as you can. Then you swish a couple of teaspoons of it for quite a bit longer than normal mouthwash and get it into every nick and cranny before spitting it out.

I suffered from recurrent sinus infections and sinusitis for many years (until I had some corrective surgery done) and my breath no mater what I tried would go bad about an hour after brushing. It was so frustrating. I was the queen of Listerine but nothing worked until I had a dentist recommended this stuff. I had thoroughly brushed and used Listerine every time I brushed. I used it so much that I was essentially causing my gums to recede without any sign of disease. Almost like brushing and disinfecting my gums away.

Anyway there are two kinds of Biotene and it is with the regular mouthwashes it is in a white smaller bottle. Even though it is a little more expensive you use less so it lasts longer.

I would explain the problem of an extra sensitive nose to him due to pregnancy and then use it yourself so you could set a good example. Tell him "heck I offend myself right now" that it is nothing personal. I always joke to my husband that if he is going to kiss me I need to have eaten what he has eaten recently otherwise I just can't stand it. He likes to eat some pretty pungent stuff but even Doritos are enough to turn me off. He has made a game of it and thinks it is very funny but I tell you what I am not going near anything that smells like kippered herring or pickled garlic!

Good luck with your olfactories.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

P.L.

answers from Salt Lake City on

It could mean he has an infection of some sort. My mom's breath was smelling foul so I tooker to the dentist and they found a bad tooth in her bridge and needed to remove it. Once that was done, she was fine! Same with my husband who needed a crown.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

T.R.

answers from Denver on

My husbands dentist gave him a prescription mouth wash, and that worked pretty good. I can't remember what it was but I am sure your dentist will know.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.K.

answers from Denver on

Maybe just remind him it is time for a dental check up, if he hasn't had one in a while, schedule him one. Getting a good cleaning can help and if it still continues approach him with being worried about his health, as some chronic bad breath is a sign of health issues. Also if he snores that can lead to bad breath, try the nasal strips over his nose to keep his airways clear. No way around having to approach the subject if he refuses to go to the dentist.
I know my now ex cooked venison meat when I was pregnant, I had to leave the house, I was so sick from the smell. I was too very sensitive to the slightest smells. Boiled eggs were unbareable for me too! Good luck.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.W.

answers from Boise on

He needs to take acidolphilus. He can either eat the right kind of yogurt (without sugars and colors and with live cultures), or take the capsule. You should notice a difference in a couple weeks. It corrects the flora in his system. Acidolphilus is not only for making you "regular".

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.J.

answers from Salt Lake City on

when my husband's breath bothered me, i would tell him. help your husband understand that while your pregnant, smells are intensified for you. let him know it's nothing personal.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.T.

answers from Provo on

This happened to my husband years ago, and I started to realize that it was linked to how much sleep he was getting. I looked it up and sure enough, that is a true principle. Lack of sleep also causes snoring. You could talk to him about this and see if you can help his schedule, or just try to subtly help him get more sleep. In the meantime, I bought some Listerene (minty flavor) and just left it on the counter. When we were getting ready for bed, I used it myself as an example. Soon, he started to use it and that helped a lot. Good luck

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.S.

answers from Salt Lake City on

I've noticed that guys are really sensitive! My husband hardly ever brushes his teeth (he constantly has tartar on them) and no matter how much I hint at him brushing his teeth so I feel like kissing him, he doesn't do it on a dailiy basis. If he does I would be suprised! What to do? Good question! I would invest in some mouthwash and make an appointment with the dentist. Yes, it does seem to interfere with the sex life and why they don't catch a clue, I have no idea! I guess since they've "caught the fish" they don't have to worry about how to "bait" it again!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.M.

answers from Denver on

Cristy R,

I totally can relate. Here is my never so humble opinion. 1. If is gingivitus or something serious then that can lead to more medical problems icluding heart disease. So, think of it as doing something good for his health and the future of your family. I know bad breath is suchs a taboo subject in our society. It usually equates, in our minds, to bad hygene. I am certain that is NOT your husbands case. So, I am not sure of the perfect approach, but change your mind set. Yes you are more sensative right now, but his health is more important. 2. My husband and I dont have dental insurance right now. My hubby had some bad breath issues a while back and I just said. Honey, lets budget for the dentist. WE have not been in a while and I am concerned aboout MY teeth and gums. I found a good dentist near by and exams and xrays will cost x$. That did the trick. 3. It sounds like he cares very much what you think of him, so that is awesome in itself. Let him know that you realize that your extra sensative state may be the issue, but lets get checked out just to make sure. Extra dental care while you are pregnant is good advice anyway.

Hang in there sister!!!

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions

Related Searches