To remove the smell, you can:

Avoid harsh rinses or scrubbing hard if your gums or mouth feel irritated.

A smell that lasts only a short time is usually harmless. If you develop sore throat, mouth sores, unusual discharge, swollen glands, or persistent bad breath, consider STI testing or seeing a clinician. Oral sex can transmit several STIs, and condoms can reduce that risk, as explained by the CDC’s oral-sex guidance.

Yes. A taste or odor can sometimes linger for several hours and occasionally up to a day, especially with dry mouth, dehydration, residue on the tongue, smoking, or existing gum/tooth issues. By itself, that does not mean you have an STI.

Try water, gently clean your tongue, brush normally, floss, and use alcohol-free mouthwash or sugar-free gum. Avoid harsh or repeated mouthwash, which can dry or irritate the mouth.

See a dentist or sexual-health clinic if it lasts more than a few days, keeps recurring, or you have sore throat, mouth ulcers, swollen/bleeding gums, pus, fever, or a new rash. Persistent bad breath is commonly linked to oral bacteria, dental decay, or gum disease, as noted by the NHS bad-breath guidance. Oral sex can transmit STIs, often without symptoms, so consider testing if there was unprotected contact with a new or unknown-status partner.