How to prevent Bad Breath
Ways to avoid Bad Breath
Bad breath, also known as Halitosis, is a common problem, with many people being affected. Sometimes a person may not even be aware they have bad breath until they’re told, which can be embarrassing. However there are ways to help prevent bad breath.
What are the symptoms of bad breath ?
A consistent bad smell from the mouth. Usually noticed when speaking, eating or breathing through the mouth. There can also be an unpleasant taste in the mouth. Some people experience a dry mouth or can see a white coating on the tongue.
What causes bad breath ?
There are a number of causes of bad breath. The most common cause is bacteria in plaque and around the mouth. The bacteria release odours that cause the bad breath. Plaque containing bacteria is often seen coating teeth and around the gums. It may also coat the tongue. Inadequate oral hygiene allows plaque bacteria to sit in the mouth for some time, resulting in bad breath. There may also be food lodged between teeth due to poor dental hygiene. Bad breath can also indicate gum disease or tooth decay, as plaque bacteria cause gum disease as well as tooth decay. If gum disease is not treated, it may lead to tooth loss. If tooth decay progresses, the tooth may not be able to be repaired and will require extraction.
Smoking is also a common cause of bad breath. Tar and nicotine is deposited in the mouth. Smoking has the effect of frying the mouth and reducing saliva, resulting in bad breath.
Certain foods can cause bad breath. Onions and garlic are well known foods that leave an odour in the mouth after eating them.
Dry mouth due to smoking or medical health conditions. Problems with tonsils may also be a cause of bad breath.
Bad breath treatment ?
When you attend the dentist, we check the inside of your mouth including your teeth and gums. If you suffer from bad breath, we can help work out the cause of it and treat it appropriately. We check for gum disease and tooth decay.
A professional teeth cleaning is an effective treatment for bad breath, since plaque and tartar build up is the most common cause of bad breath. During a dental hygiene appointment, plaque and tartar is removed. Stains can also be removed. Bespoke homecare advice, tailored to each specific patient is given, so the mouth can be maintained.
Having your teeth professionally cleaned on a regular basis will help to prevent gum disease, tooth decay and bad breath.
Daily effective plaque removal can eliminate and prevent bad breath. We will let you know areas where you’re missing when cleaning your teeth. We show you the correct techniques for toothbrushing and cleaning in between your teeth and recommend oral hygiene products that will help you to remove the plaque.
What can I do to avoid bad breath?
- Clean your teeth twice a day, morning and night, spending a few minutes.
- Brushing with an electric toothbrush will allow maximum effect. Oral B is recommended.
- Clean in between your teeth using floss or interdental brushes.
- Clean your tongue with a toothbrush or tongue cleaner.
- Replace your toothbrush every 3 months.
- Avoid smoking, vaping and limit alcohol consumption.
- Drink plenty of water to avoid a dry mouth.
- Attend the dentist regularly for dental check ups and to have your teeth professionally cleaned to maintain dental health, fresh breath and a confident smile.
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Our modern dental clinic is conveniently located in Ealing, Greenford, and Perivale. It’s ideal for patients in and around West London and Middlesex, including Hanwell, Southall, Northolt, Wembley, Harrow, Hayes, Hounslow, Hillingdon, and beyond. With excellent public transport links and free parking, it’s easily accessible.
So if you have bad breath or know someone who has, contact us because we’re here to help. For clean teeth and fresh breath, book your dental appointment with our experienced, friendly dentist.
