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:
https://www.health.harvard.
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