It's always good to be concerned about hygiene. My parents were depression era folks too and my mother was afraid that if I went to the dentist or we used my father's military insurance "too much" the government would know all our business. Did I mention she also had some mental health issues? Thankfully, my dad took me without telling her.

Some medication can also cause breath problems. A family member of mine (I won't say who) is on something...I don't know what, I don't know all his meds, might be a cholesterol one, not sure and...yikes!!!!