27 May 2021
Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is a cause of significant embarrassment and concern to the sufferer as well as being unpleasant for those around them.
Approximately 30% of the population has chronic bad breath and 70% of the population notice it on other people.
Contrary to popular opinion, the majority of cases of bad breath begin in the mouth and not in the stomach.
Around 80% of bad breath cases are linked to the gases given off by the dead bacteria involved in gum disease.
What causes bad breath?
- Poor oral hygiene
- Gum disease
- Poor fitting crowns or bridgework
- Deficient fillings
- Poorly cleaned dentures
- Morning/menstrual breath
- Fasting
- Some medical conditions
- Food or drink
- Smoking
What can be done to combat bad breath?
To maintain fresh breath there are a number of products and techniques that can be used:
- Regular and thorough brushing using a Fluoride toothpaste
- Brush your tongue –large amounts of bacteria live on your tongue!
- Brush around where the tooth meets the gum as well as the tooth surfaces.
- Clean in-between the teeth with floss or interdental brushes.
- Ask the Dentist or Hygienist to demonstrate the use of an electric toothbrush
- Use ‘Oral B Superfloss’ to clean around bridgework.
- Use a mouthwash - preferably one that contains fluoride.
- Thorough cleaning of dentures using specially designed cleaning products such as ‘Steradent’.
- See your Dentist regularly so that they can treat and prevent any problems.
- Use ‘Ultradex’ toothpaste and mouthwash available at most chemists
For further information, please visit:
Our practice owner Dr Kunal is happy to chat to any patient and answer questions you may have. Get in touch with us – we’d love to hear from you