Bad Breath FAQ's
How can I tell if I have bad breath?
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Lots of small signals can show that you have bad breath. For example:
Or, ask a very good friend or your dentist to be absolutely honest. |
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What causes bad breath?
Bad breath is a very common problem and there are many different causes.
Persistent bad breath is usually caused by the smelly gases released by the bacteria that coat your teeth and gums.
Bits of food that get caught between the teeth and on the tongue will decay and can sometimes cause an unpleasant smell. Correct and regular brushing and mouth cleaning is very important to keep your breath smelling fresh.
The plaque bacteria on our teeth and gums also cause gum disease and dental decay which can also make your breath smell rotten. One of the warning signs of gum disease is that you always have bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth. Your dentist or hygienist will be able to see and treat the problem during your regular check-ups. The earlier the problems are found, the more effective the treatment will be.
Persistent bad breath is usually caused by the smelly gases released by the bacteria that coat your teeth and gums.
Bits of food that get caught between the teeth and on the tongue will decay and can sometimes cause an unpleasant smell. Correct and regular brushing and mouth cleaning is very important to keep your breath smelling fresh.
The plaque bacteria on our teeth and gums also cause gum disease and dental decay which can also make your breath smell rotten. One of the warning signs of gum disease is that you always have bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth. Your dentist or hygienist will be able to see and treat the problem during your regular check-ups. The earlier the problems are found, the more effective the treatment will be.
What else causes bad breath?
Bad breath can also be caused by some medical problems. Dry mouth (xerostomia) is a condition that affects the flow of saliva. This causes bacteria to build up in the mouth and this leads to bad breath. Dry Mouth may be caused by some medicines, salivary gland problems or by continually breathing through the mouth instead of the nose. Older people may produce less saliva, causing further problems.
If you suffer from dry mouth, your dentist may be able to recommend or prescribe an artificial saliva product or other ways of dealing with the problem.
If you suffer from dry mouth, your dentist may be able to recommend or prescribe an artificial saliva product or other ways of dealing with the problem.
Can other medical conditions cause bad breath?
Other medical conditions that cause bad breath include infections in the throat, nose or lungs, sinusitis, bronchitis, diabetes or liver or kidney problems. If your dentist finds that your mouth is healthy, you may be referred to your family GP or a specialist to find out the cause of your bad breath.
Can smoking cause bad breath?
Tobacco causes its own form of bad breath. The only solution in this case is to stop smoking. As well as making your breath smell, smoking causes staining, causes loss of taste and irritates the gums. People who smoke are more likely to suffer from gum disease – they also have a greater risk of developing cancer of the mouth, lung cancer and heart disease.
Ask your dentist, pharmacist or GP for help in quitting. If you do stop smoking, but still have bad breath, then you need to see your dentist or GP for advice.
Ask your dentist, pharmacist or GP for help in quitting. If you do stop smoking, but still have bad breath, then you need to see your dentist or GP for advice.
How can my dentist help?
If you do have bad breath, you will need to start a routine for keeping your mouth clean and fresh as well as attending to any dental issues like tooth decay, gum disease and mouth infections that may be the source of the problem.
Regular check-ups will allow your dentist to watch out for any areas where plaque is caught between your teeth. Your dentist or hygienist will be able to clean all those areas that are difficult to reach. They will also be able to show you the best way to clean your teeth and gums, showing you any areas you may be missing, including your tongue.
Regular check-ups will allow your dentist to watch out for any areas where plaque is caught between your teeth. Your dentist or hygienist will be able to clean all those areas that are difficult to reach. They will also be able to show you the best way to clean your teeth and gums, showing you any areas you may be missing, including your tongue.
Will mouthwash help?
Most mouthwashes only disguise bad breath for a short time, so if you are using a mouthwash all the time, talk to your dentist. However, we do stock specifically formulated mouthwash and oral care products that are designed to help treat your bad breath or dry mouth, not simply mask the smell.
How can I prevent bad breath if I wear dentures?
Just like real teeth your dentures need to be cleaned twice a day. Clean them thoroughly with soap and lukewarm water, a denture cream or a denture-cleaning tablet. Use a denture brush kept just for the purpose. Remember to clean the surfaces that fit against your gums and palate. This will make sure your dentures are always fresh and clean, avoiding the plaque build-up on the denture that may cause bad breath.
Can I prevent bad breath?
To keep your breath fresh, you must get rid of any gum disease and tooth decay, and keep your mouth clean and fresh.
- Brush your teeth and gums for two minutes, twice a day with toothpaste. Don't forget to floss and clean your tongue as well.
- Cut down on how often you have sugary food and drinks.
- Visit your dentist regularly, as often as they recommend.
- Floss your teeth – brushing alone only cleans up to about 60 percent of the surface of your teeth. There are other products you can buy to clean between your teeth, such as interdental brushes.
- Use a mouthwash – make sure it is alcohol free, as alcohol will dry out your mouth and make your bad breath problem worse. Choose a mouthwash with antibacterial agents that kill the bacteria that make your breath smell unpleasant. If you continue to suffer from bad breath visit your dentist or hygienist to make sure that the mouthwash is not masking a more serious underlying problem.
- Drink plenty of water as being dehydrated will reduce saliva flow and add to the problem of both bad breath and dry mouth.
How can I tell someone they have bad breath?
The chances are we all know someone who has bad breath, but very few people feel brave enough to discuss the problem. It is obviously a very delicate matter to tell someone they have bad breath. There is always the risk that they will be offended or embarrassed and may never speak to you again! However, bad breath may be the result of any number of problems. Once the person knows they have bad breath, they can deal with whatever is causing it. You could try talking to their partner or a family member, as the bad breath may be caused by a medical condition which is already being treated.
Alternatively, you could point them in the direction of our website for more information.
Alternatively, you could point them in the direction of our website for more information.
