Having bad breath without knowing, or suffering the embarrassment of someone quietly taking you aside to let you in on the bad news, is high on the list of situations we would all like to avoid. Bad breath, or halitosis as it is medically known, is the result of sulphur-producing bacteria living within the surface of the tongue and in the throat. Sometimes, these bacteria start to break down proteins at a rapid rate and smelly volatile sulphur compounds are released. Apart from bacteria, other major causes of bad breath are periodontitis (infection around the teeth), poor oral hygiene, a dry mouth and smoking. However, the good news is there are many steps you can take to avoid the condition.
1) Drink plenty of water. This will help wash away food particles and bacteria. Stimulating the production of saliva with chewing gum can also be helpful. Look for sugarless gums and mints containing xylitol.
2) Practise good oral hygiene. Brush twice-daily with a fluoride toothpaste and floss daily to remove any food particles. If remnants of food remain in your mouth, bacteria can flourish between your teeth, around the gums and on your tongue. Antibacterial mouth rinses are great as they kill the bacteria that cause bad breath.
3) Make regular visits to the dentist. Get your teeth professionally cleaned at least twice a year. Your dentist at East Bentleigh Dental Group will also conduct an oral exam and will be able to let you know if you are suffering from periodontal disease, dry mouth or other problems that can trigger bad breath.
4) Avoid foods with strong odours. Foods such as garlic and onions have powerful odours that stay in your body until the food has passed through your system. Brushing, flossing – and even mouthwash – just mask the odour temporarily. If you are suffering from bad breath keep a food diary to show to your dentist. Also make a list of the medications you are taking as some medications can contribute to bad breath.
5) Quit smoking! Smoking or chewing tobacco-based products can cause bad breath. There are also other negative effects such as stained teeth, a reduced ability to taste foods, and gum irritation.
If you do suffer from bad breath, it is not the end of life as we know it! Treating halitosis just requires the establishment of a good mix of bacteria in the mouth and throat. Often minimising certain proteins in our diets can combat the problem.
Bed Breath Recovery Program
Make an appointment with your dentist at East Bentleigh Dental Group to discuss our Bad Breath Recovery Program. We use clinically proven solutions to treat halitosis – taking advantage of products such as KForce, Balance and Breeze.
Your dentist can also conduct an Oral-Chroma test to measure the levels of up to five different gases that exist in the mouth. This involves a 30-minute consultation that focusses on detecting the three main gases that cause halitosis. Once these gases are identified, your dentist at East Bentleigh Dental Group can offer several treatment solutions.
To book an appointment to discuss our Bad Breath Recovery Program, to undergo the Oral-Chroma test, or to get your teeth professionally cleaned, phone 03 9575 1100 or make an online booking.