Bad breath or halitosis can be very embarrassing and we all have bad breath occasionally and this is often due to eating foods that are spicy or include garlic, and in this case there is little you can do but wait until the food is eliminated from your body. Persistent bad breath is much more worrying and does require a proper diagnosis.

So what causes bad breath?

Common Causes

The main cause of bad breath is poor oral hygiene and this means not brushing and flossing regularly. Without good oral hygiene, food particles can remain trapped in between your teeth and around your gum line where they will gradually rot. This food also fuels the growth of bacteria, adding to your bad breath. Your tongue can also carry bacteria and food particles too, so it is wise to gently brush it when you brush your teeth.

Another potential cause of bad breath is called ‘dry mouth’. Normally your mouth produces plenty of saliva to help wash away old food particles and excess bacteria, keeping your mouth clean and comfortable but a lack of saliva increases the risk of bad breath. Additionally, not having enough saliva increases your risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

Dry mouth may be a side effect of certain medical conditions or medications and can also develop after some treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy that may damage the salivary glands. There are also a number of other diseases and illnesses that can cause bad breath such as diabetes, pneumonia, bronchitis and kidney or liver problems for example.

A dedicated treatment plan

If in doubt, book an appointment with Olga and she will carefully examine your mouth for any sign of dental diseases that may be causing bad breath. After the examination she will formulate a suitable treatment plan that will help to freshen your breath. If your halitosis is caused by poor oral hygiene then she can advise you on ways to improve your brushing and flossing routine.

If you think you have this problem, contact us on 01884 32240.