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,

Bad breath or halitosis is the unpleasant odour that comes from the breath of an individual. There are many reasons that can cause a person’s breath to smell bad. Intake of foods with strong smell like garlic and onions is a very common reason. Problems in the intestine or the stomach could also cause bad breath. Smoking and lack of dental hygiene are also some of the common reasons for bad breath.

Treating bad breath

Many times the person with bad breath does not know about it but people around them will know it. However these people will often be too embarrassed to mention it. Most of the people who have bad breath are generally made aware of this embarrassing condition by a family member.

Brushing the teeth twice a day, cleaning the tongue and flossing everyday will certainly help a person who is suffering from bad breath. Also avoiding foods with strong smell and drinking lot of water every day will help. However in certain cases, bad breath could be caused due to gum disease or tooth decay. If you are continually having the unpleasant odour in your breath, then the best thing to do would be to visit a dentist.

Dental check-up

The dentist will check your mouth teeth, tongue and gums for any signs of dental condition. The dentist will also be able to thoroughly clean your mouth. This will remove every trace of bacteria, plaque and food particles stuck between your teeth. Small particles of food get stuck between the teeth if the mouth is not rinsed immediately after eating. These particles will later give out bad smell.

Bad breath can greatly hinder you from having quality conversations, whether it is business or private. This will surely have long-term negative effects for you. Therefore the moment you realise that you are unable to get rid of this condition – seek help from one of our dentists at Liverpool Dental Spa.