You know the score: you've fancied him for weeks (or maybe just hours!) and finally the Big Moment arrives. The rest of the world fades away, there's only the two of you in the room, leaning in to kiss, lips ready, faces poised, until… Urgh! An aroma akin to a mucky swamp forces you to pull away.

OK, so that might be a little extreme. But chances are that at some time, someone you care about has been afflicted by the personal hygiene monster that is halitosis. Worse still, that someone might have been you.

Nobody wants bad breath (or to be around someone who has it) but the sad fact is that most of us will suffer from it at some point in our lives. Diet and lifestyle, inadequate oral hygiene and poor health can all contribute.

First things first
It's easy to spot bad breath on others, but how do we go about recognising it in ourselves? Try the following:

Lick the inside of your wrist. Leave for two minutes and sniff. How does it smell? If it's not nice, that's a pretty good indicator that you have a problem

Check your gums: Are they swollen? Do they bleed when you brush your teeth? Gum disease (gingivitis) is a common cause of bad breath, but your dentist should be able to help

Consider your diet: Are you a smoker? Do you regularly drink alcohol and/or enjoy spicy foods? All these are notorious for lingering on the breath. Certain weight-loss programmes can contribute too; Atkins, with its infamous 'pear drops' breath comes top of the list.

If, on the other hand, the sufferer is a lover or someone else close to you, you're going to be doing everyone a favour if you can bear to break the news – gently!

From foul to fragrant
Bad breath (and the worry of having it) can knock your confidence in social situations and leave your feeling generally insecure. The good news is that in most cases the problem's easily treatable. Around 90% of all sufferers find that stepping up oral hygiene brings dramatic results.

Regular dental appointments are a crucial part of maintaining tip-top oral health. Make those bi-annual appointments and stick to them! It doesn't stop there, however. Every smart girl's medicine cabinet should contain the following:

Toothbrush (with the brush-head standing fully to attention – if the bristles are frayed, replace it immediately)
Toothpaste
Dental floss/tape/woodsticks, etc
Tongue scraper (a frightening amount of bacteria is contained on the tongue. Brushing helps, but nothing beats a scraper)
Mouthwash (not for everyday use unless your dentist recommends it, but useful in an oral emergency)

It's a good idea also to keep a packet of sugar-free chewing gum in your handbag. You not only get freshness on the run, but it boosts saliva production – a dry mouth is a contributing factor to bad breath. Be sure to breathe through your nose during the day and drink plenty of water to help keep your mouth fresh and lubricated.

Most of all, try not to worry. Morning breath is something that afflicts us all, while colds, flu and related conditions will all temporarily affect the way your mouth smells. But if, after following all the rules, you're still concerned, consult your doctor.

The rest of us, meanwhile, should now be ready for that all-important close up. You know what to do – pucker up!