I am quite sure I have bad breath 24/7 and I have tried tongue brushes, constant brushing and flossing, rinsing, mints, increased water intake, breath assure, etc. I can brush my teeth, rinse with water and within minutes have horrible breath. My husband has never said anything, but quite often he'll say, "You would tell me if I had bad breath wouldn't you" or "Joe Blow at work has the worst breath in the world" and then the deal about me telling him if he ever did. I never say it back because I don't want to put him on the spot. I went to the dentist last week and he told me my teeth were in wonderful shape, no cavities, disease, recession. I mention this breath thing to him and all he asked me was "Do you brush the back of your tongue?" He never really confirmed or denied it he thought I had bad breath. What can I do? I am developing quite a complex about being too close to people and offending them or even kissing my husband.

I suggest that start by discussing it with your family doctor. Extremely bad breath can indicate other conditions. It may be something that is easily treatable. I have heard of a type of deoderant tablet that is use by people with extreme body oder. Maybe that would help you.

Your doctor will have access to a lot more tests and treatments then your dentist.

You really should check with your family doctor. I am a hygienist and can tell you there are few patients I see with great oral hygiene who complain of this. Don't waste your money on things to cover it up because it could be a more serious problem. That taste could be because of an underlying systemic condition. Is it a metalic taste in your mouth?

I don't want to alarm you but this sort of thing is common in people with liver problems.I thought I should add this to my last reply because obviously you should see your doctor but have come here for advice prior. Have you ever been tested for hepatitis?Specifically hep C? It is an increase in a persons iron level cause by the liver not functioning that gives that dragon breath in spite of good dental health. Please note I am not saying you have hep just that you should look into it and other digestive problems. Of course most breath problems result from food and bacteria rotting between teeth because people don't floss daily.

I'd like to add in to here a few suggestions of my own... When you brush your teeth, as your dentists said, brush your tongue, not just the tip but also the body and a little further back on your tongue. Look into the mirror and stick out your tongue, do you see any dicoloration like thick creamy white, brown, or grey. This can be brushed off. Also after brushing gargle with a mouth rinse, diluted if necessary, but when you gargle, look up and stick your tongue out of your mouth, so that the rinse can cleanse the back of your throat. If you have sinus drainage this will clean that away. Also make sure that you don't have any kind of sinus infection, as this too can cause breath odor. What do you do for a living? Studies show that people who have to constantly talk have increased breath odor. Do you breathe through your mouth mostly? This is also a cause of breath odor. Do you drink coffee or tea, do you smoke? These things will too cause breath odor. Lastly, avoid using sugar sweetend candies to cover up your breath. If you choose to use a mint, use sugar free mints. Mint candies sweetend with refined sugar encourge plaque growth, and the more plaque you have the more odor you will have. Also be sure to see your hygienist regularly for dental cleanings, more frequently if you have any kind of periodontal pocketing, greater than 5 mm, ask your hygienist if you don't understand. Also ask if you are performing the proper technique with your flossing, brushing, and tongue brushing. I hope this information helps you. Good Luck!