Chewing mints may temporarily mask bad breath but may not treat the cause of bad breath or halitosis as it is also known. Causes of bad breath vary and may include:
- Pungent foods
- Gastrointestinal conditions
- Smoking
- Bacterial build-up on the tongue
- Tooth decay
- Gum disease such as Periodontitis
We may not even be aware that we have bad breath until someone points it out to us. While brushing teeth with fluoride-containing toothpaste may freshen the mouth, bad breath may still be present.
Looking at the cause
At Liverpool Dental Spa we provide ways to deal or cope with bad breath by identifying and addressing the cause of the problem. The first step may involve oral health assessment to determine if oral bacteria, tooth decay or gum disease such as Periodontitis is present.
Having regular dental check-ups and professional teeth cleaning with a dental hygienist means the cause of bad breath may be diagnosed and treated sooner. Dentists advise on proper teeth cleaning practice and dental hygienists clean and scale teeth to remove tartar and food trapped in hard-to-reach tooth grooves. Trapped food debris may rot causing tooth decay and bad breath.
Smelly foods
For some it is simply a care of their eating pungent foods, such as garlic and onions. Altering diet may eliminate bad breath and improve health. Where oral health causes are of bad breath are not obvious, a dentist may refer an individual to their GP for further screening such as for gastrointestinal conditions.
By stopping smoking, the breath may freshen or using special dental products for smokers may make a difference. Smoking causes a thick yellowy layer to form on the tongue that attracts bacteria and may give smoker’s breath. Keeping the mouth clean and having frequent appointments with a dental hygienist for oral cleansing helps keep this condition at bay,
Tags: bad breath, bad breath Liverpool, halitosis, liverpool
