Many of us worry about how our breath smells from time to time. When we first wake up in the morning, when we eat certain foods, or if we have indulged in a sugary drink; keeping on top of our oral hygiene is a natural part of our daily routine. Normal cases of bad breath can be quickly remedied by brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash.
Persistent bad breath is medically known as ‘halitosis’ and is usually caused by a build-up of bacteria and plaque. Plaque is the unpleasant film that covers our teeth and gums; made of bacteria that reacts with ingredients in foods when we eat.
Halitosis can lead to stress and anxiety, particularly when it comes to social interactions. This can have a lasting impact on self-esteem and interpersonal relationships. It’s important to seek help from a dental professional if you are struggling with bad breath, as you may have underlying dental problems that need attention. Here is our guide to what causes bad breath, how it can be remedied by your dentist, and how you can prevent it in the first place!
Neglecting oral hygiene is one of the main causes of bad breath. Forgetting to brush your teeth, running out of mouthwash, or if you’re in a rush one morning and don’t brush properly… These are all factors that contribute to the build-up of bacteria and plaque that cause bad breath.
Maintaining a rigorous oral hygiene routine is key to avoiding persistent bad breath and keeping teeth and gums healthy. Cleaning our teeth properly and regularly ensures we’re removing all the bacteria and debris that can cause halitosis. The same tips for effective dental routines have been promoted by dentists for decades, so you likely already know them! Here they are:
There are a few dental issues linked to bad breath:
If a dental problem is causing halitosis, your dentist will suggest appropriate treatment to resolve it.
Certain medical conditions can cause persistent bad breath:
If your dentist suggests persistent dental issues may be caused by a medical issue, contact your GP for help in treating the underlying cause.
We all know how some foods can make our breath smell! This happens when chemicals react with plaque and increase bacterial growth in the mouth.
Luckily, we can maintain our dental hygiene by removing bacteria that causes bad breath after a meal. To do this, rinse with water or mouthwash after eating. Wait 30 minutes for your saliva to neutralise any acids or sugars (so you don’t rub them into the teeth) then brush your teeth to remove any residue.
We all know how bad smoking is for our health. It has a major impact on oral health, too. People that smoke are four times more likely to be diagnosed with gum disease than people that don’t smoke. Smoking is also one of the main factors leading to the development of mouth or throat cancers, as around 90% of patients with such cancers are smokers.
Alongside these harmful risks, tobacco has an unpleasant smell that can linger on the breath for hours. It’s also full of toxic chemicals that can damage the mouth and further contribute to halitosis.
It’s best to ensure you are maintaining good oral health by visiting your dentist. They will always be honest about dental issues, as from a medical perspective, halitosis can signify an underlying issue that needs to be addressed.
At Ringway Dental, we don’t think anyone should have to suffer persistent bad breath. Our dedicated team of dental professionals are highly experienced in resolving issues such as halitosis, as we develop tailored treatment plans for each patient.
Whether this involves treating the underlying problem, or simply helping patients maintain good oral hygiene with regular check-ups and bespoke, expert advice; we can help. Call our team today on 0161 437 2029 to book an appointment.