Help! I have bad breath

 

Halitosis is the medical term for bad breath. So what are the causes? How do I know if I have bad breath? What can I do to prevent it? Read on to find out some interesting facts on bad breath.

95% of us have suffered bad breath at some time in our lives and 1 in 4 adults suffer from it on a regular basis . . . . . . but why is it so common?

 

Common causes;

  • Bad oral hygiene
  • Tooth decay &/or infection
  • Gum disease
  • Smoking
  • Excess alcohol
  • Food & drink – coffee, garlic, onions etc
  • Xerostomia (dry mouth)

 

Less common causes;

  • Tonsillitis or ENT infections
  • Some medications
  • Reflux
  • Some diseases

 

Morning breath is normal, this is due to your saliva drying up and stagnating through the night. This is normally rectified once we wake up, produce more saliva and have something to drink and eat.

So how do I know? If you dare to test your breath one way is to lick the inside of your wrist, leave to dry and then smell. Argh, if you are horrified here are some tips that will help.

 

The most common causes are found in your mouth, so a visit to the dentist can prevent bad breath by;

  • Cleaning your teeth
  • Assessing the health of your teeth and gums
  • Personalized oral hygiene instruction
  • Treating tooth and gum disease

 

At home you can help by;

  • Brushing your teeth twice daily
  • Cleaning in between your teeth
  • Brushing your tongue
  • Drink plenty of water
  • Knowing your body

 

Some mouthwashes can help but they do not solve the problem! Here are some good ones; Biotene, ultraDex or RetarDex for dry mouth. Colgate Peroxyl for minor gum irritations. Alcohol free mouthwash for plaque removal.

Ascot Dental can provide you with personalized advice on preventing bad breath. Why not book an appointment?

 

Before and After – Treatment by Nikki Cane

Bone and gum loss due to periodontal disease