Bad breath

Even just looking at the topic title is enough to make some people cringe. Bad breath is a rather embarrassing problem which many people try and avoid, are scared of, or will hope it will go away. In this posting we will take a closer look at the topic and what can be done to help if you suffer with this problem.

Bad breath is something we have all experienced from time to time – in that sense it is common. This often results from the variety of foods which are available today which leave a distinct ‘overhang’ in our mouths. The professional name for bad breath is called halitosis and it is envisaged that most people who have a recurrent bad breath problem probably do so because of some other related oral / dental issue. The most common of these include gum disease, dry mouth, cavities and even oral cancer in the worst case scenario. Many people (erroneously) turn to mouthwashes in these instances but this only amounts to a sticking plaster on a wound – it doesn’t address the underlying problem.

As dentists we recommend that if you have a recurrent problem with bad breath to not be embarrassed, but instead visit the dentist and share your concerns. These are the best people to help and since it is their job you have no reason to feel uncomfortable about it, as it will have been experienced many times before yourself.

In the rest of the article we will give you some tips on how to control bad breath but remember your first priority should be to rule out underlying issues.

Brushing your teeth regularly and having a comprehensive routine of flossing etc. is the obvious best way to keep bad breath at bay. How many of you remember to clean your tongue also however? This can be a vital part in the overall process so remember to do it each time. Use a mouth wash regularly which should also help.

Irrespective of whether you have bad breath or suspect anything more sinister, visiting the dentist regularly also ensures your dental routine is fully complete and reduces the chances of this problem occurring anyway.

Chewing parsley after a meal is a well-documented way of improving the flavour of your breath. Parsley contains a substance called chlorophyll which is known to act as a breath freshener.

Try adding peppermint oil or tea tree oil to your tongue or with your toothpaste. Alternatively look for toothpastes with these natural ingredients in. These will help with the breath problem.

Chew sugar free gum to help increase the amount of saliva in the mouth. This has the effect of cleansing the mouth by extra saliva being able to destroy the bacteria.

Ultimately remember that bad breath isn’t a problem which needs to be put up with and through simple techniques or curing another problem can be quite easily controlled or eradicated.

While on our website, why not look at our meet the team page and find out about some of the professionals at our practice

Looking for more information?

Require a dental appointment, or are looking for cosmetic treatment such as teeth whitening in Tamworth, why not contact Ascent Dental Care Tamworth today, for a tailored and friendly service.