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How do I stop bad breath causing an embarrassment?

What is the cause and how do you stop bad breath?

Bad breath is a common problem. There are a number of reasons why bad breath (halitosis) can occur.

1. Certain strong flavoured foods can cause it. Foods such as garlic, strong cheese, onions are strong in flavour and aroma.
2. General health problems. Such as Gastric reflux.
3. Medicine: lots of medication can cause xerostima (dry mouth)
4. Dental disease: periodontal (gum) disease and tooth decay

When food debris lingers in the mouth, the bacteria feeds on this debris. This in turn produces a number of bi-products one of which is sulphur which is foul smelling.

Medication often causes a dry mouth as a side effect. This reduces the natural washing action of saliva which allows bacteria and debris to stagnate in the mouth.

Plaque bacteria is a biofilm that builds up on the gums and teeth only hours after they are brushed. When combined with sugar from food, the bacteria produces acid which demineralises the teeth resulting in tooth decay which is smelly. The plaque bacteria also causes the gums to react and become inflamed which is the first stages of gum disease and harbours more of the plaque that causes bad breath.

There a few things you can do to prevent bad breath:

1. Drink plenty of water.- Helps to wash the mouth and prevent debris and bacteria lingering.
2. Chewing sugar free gum- chewing gum for a short time after eating helps to produce saliva that also helps to wash the mouth.
3. Use an alcohol free mouth wash at a different time to teeth brushing. Some mouthwashes have a special disinfectant that helps kill the harmful bacteria in the mouth.
4. Visit your dentist and hygienist as often as they recommend. Seeing your dental health team will help to prevent gum disease and tooth decay. Your dentist can spot things early and give you the right tips to prevent bad breath .

If you want further help to freshen and stop bad breath, call us at Time Dental on 01252 723 008 to see how we can help.