Tips for Dealing With Bad Breath (Halitosis)

2013 July 13

That all sensitive issue, would you tell your partner, friend or colleague about it?

Research suggests that 60% of people suffer from chronic bad breath at some point ; many of these are as a result of due oral health issues of which the most common cause is bacteria which has accumulated on the tongue. Other causes of (temporary) bad breath can be eating foods such as onions or garlic, smoking, drinking or a dehydrated mouth.

Should you suffer from bad breath, your first port of call should be your dentist or dental hygienist who should be able to help determine the cause.

Some people keep breath fresh by using breath-freshening products which can be bought over the counter but these are limited in their effectiveness.

Below are some tips on how to minimise halitosis and keep your breath fresher for longer:

  • Clean your tongue, particularly the back surface, with a tooth brush or tongue scraper
  • Brush your teeth and gums effectively and regularly and don’t forget to floss in between your teeth
  • If you are a denture wearer, use an antiseptic solution for overnight soaking
  • Mouthwashes and toothpastes containing chlorine dioxide help eliminate sulphurous gases which can cause bad breath when bacteria breakdown in the mouth
  • Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration
  • Avoid dieting or fasting excessively as this can result in the release of odour producing compounds from the mouth
  • Eat foods such as fennel, mint or parsley to counteract mouth odour
  • Visit your dentist and hygienist regularly to keep your teeth and gums healthy

Listen to some of our patients recommend a dentist, discuss their dental treatments.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Visit our smile gallery to see some cosmetic dentistry treatments carried out by our Derby dentists

Contact our Derby dentist for more information on good oral health or to book an appointment witht our dental hygienists or dentists in Derby

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One Response leave one →
  1. Jesika Mery permalink
    July 13, 2013

    Bad breath, medically called halitosis, can result from poor dental health habits and may be a sign of other health problems. Bad breath can also be made worse by the types of foods you eat and other unhealthy lifestyle habits. Many other diseases and illnesses may cause bad breath. Here are some to be aware of: respiratory tract infections such as pneumonia or bronchitis, chronic sinus infections, postnasal drip, diabetes, chronic acid reflux, and liver or kidney problems.

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