Bad breath is a very common problem, but it does tend to cause embarrassment; if you find that you have unpleasant breath on a regular basis, there is no need to panic, as we can help to banish bad breath for good and ensure that your mouth feels and smells fresh and clean.

What causes bad breath?

There are many possible causes of bad breath; the most common cause is bacteria in your mouth, which is usually found on the tongue. Bacteria release unpleasant smelling gases when they feed and these gases are responsible for giving you bad breath; often, poor oral hygiene is the reason bacteria are allowed to collect in the mouth. Other causes include smoking, eating strongly flavoured foods, such as curries, soups and garlic, and taking certain forms of medication.

What can be done about bad breath?

Treatment for bad breath often depends on the cause. In cases where you get bad breath after eating certain foods, it is best to either avoid those foods or to carry sugar-free chewing gum or a small bottle of mouthwash around with you.

Most cases of bad breath are linked to oral hygiene and usually, good oral hygiene is sufficient to get rid of bad breath. If you have been neglecting your oral hygiene regime and you have plaque or tartar, it is advisable to see a dental hygienist. Dental hygienists can offer intensive cleaning treatments to rid the mouth of plaque and bacteria and give your mouth a lovely fresh feeling. It is also advisable to invest in a tongue cleaner if you are prone to bad breath, as most cases are linked to bacteria gathering at the back of the tongue.

If bad breath is associated with smoking we can provide help and advice to help you give up; you may also find it beneficial to chew sugar-free chewing gum during the day to make your breath smell fresher.

If you have bad breath there is nothing to worry or be ashamed about; we see many patients with the same problem and we have solutions that can help to banish your bad breath for good; call us today!