Best Ways to Combat Bad Breath

Bad breath, also known as halitosis, can be uncomfortable especially while dealing with your friends, colleagues and family. In some cases, it is embarrassing creating a lot of anxiety and self-esteem issues. It is no wonder that supermarket shelves are filled with gums, mints and mouthwashes that are intended to fight bad breath.

Some foods, health conditions and bad oral hygiene are the common culprits for this condition. It is preventable through observing good oral hygiene and being consistent with it. To tackle this dental issue we shall look at the various causes of bad breath and the treatment and remedy options available.

Causes of foul mouth odour

There are many possible causes for bad breath. Some of them include:

• Food – The breakdown of food particles in the mouth provides a good environment for bacteria to thrive which results in bad breath. Food such as onions, garlic and spices may cause foul smell too.
• Poor dental hygiene- Improper brushing and flossing can lead to accumulation of food particles turning into a colourless, sticky film called oral hygiene . If not brushed properly, the plaque-producing bacteria will result in bad breath.
• Smoking – Most tobacco products result in bad breath. They are also associated with gum disease which is another source of foul breath.
• Medications – Some medicines may induce bad breath indirectly by causing a dry mouth. Some chemicals in the pills may also affect your breath.
• Dry mouth – Saliva naturally cleanses your mouth with its bacterial properties and removing food particles. A dry mouth, especially while breathing through your mouth will result in bad breath.
• Infections in your mouth – Sores and wounds after dental surgery may result in a foul smell being produced. Tooth decay and gum disease are also notorious for hiding bacterial colonies and plaques.
• Other causes – Diseases such as cancers, metabolic disorders and gastrointestinal reflux disease are associated with bad breath.

How to treat bad breath?

If your bad breath persists even after practising good oral hygiene, it may be prudent to visit a dental clinic for a check-up. Our dentist will smell both the breath from your mouth and nose and rate the odour on a scale. They will then recommend a treatment plan. The best treatment methods could be:

• Mouth rinses and toothpaste – Bad breath is caused by an accumulation of bacteria. A dentist may recommend a mouth rinse that will eliminate the bacteria. They may also suggest the use of an antibacterial toothpaste to help reduce the plaque build-up.
• Treatment of dental diseases – Chronic bad breath arises from dental diseases such as gum disease and periodontitis. They leave deep pockets filled with bacteria causing faul odour. The conditions may require a professional cleaning service from a dental hygienist.

Keeping your mouth, teeth and gums healthy will reduce embarrassing bad breath. It is therefore vital to practise good oral hygiene and have regular dental check-ups and hygienist treatments.

Bad breath remedies – what really helps?

To avoid people covering their noses as you speak, a strict regime of dental hygiene must be adopted. This denotes a lifestyle change and traditional home remedies that supplement the treatment. To reduce or prevent bad breath:

• Brush your teeth after a meal – Brushing using a fluoride-containing toothpaste is a good place to start. This might be done after meals or at least twice a day.
• Floss at least once a day – Proper flossing removes food particles and plaque that may accumulate between your teeth.
• Brush your tongue – Your tongue is a perfect habitat for mouth-invading bacteria. Use a toothbrush with an inbuilt tongue cleaner to reach these colonies and clean them up.
• Keep your mouth moist – You can adopt a healthy habit of drinking lots of water that will hydrate your mouth. Adequate saliva production is necessary for a healthy mouth.
• Change your toothbrush frequently – It is vital to replace your toothbrush after the bristles become frayed or after every three to four months.
• Regular dental check-ups – It is important to schedule to see your dentist on a regular basis at least twice a year. You will have your teeth examined and cleaned for plaque and bacteria accumulation.

Are you struggling with bad breath? Act now and book your appointment for a dental check-up at our clinic to happily breathe again. Call us on 020 3355 0552 or make a booking via email at info@muswellhillsmile.co.uk and we shall get back to you in no time.