Bad Breath
Most bad breath stems from the mouth, and is usually worst
in the morning after waking. The level of bad breath
differs during the day, dependant on how dry the mouth is
(which can be affected by dehydration, stress and fasting
amongst other things), eating certain foods (such as garlic
and onions), smoking and alcohol consumption. Because the
mouth is dry and inactive during the night, the odour is
usually worse upon awakening. It is often transient, and
commonly disappears following eating, brushing and
flossing.
Bad breath in the mouth is usually attributed to smelly
chemicals produced by bacteria in the mouth, especially
those located on the back half of the tongue. The bacteria
digest, amongst other things, particles of food, releasing
pungent compounds in return. Thus, good oral hygiene to
remove food debris and bacteria will help to reduce such
odours. It is also particularly important to clean the
tongue, either with a toothbrush or a tongue scraper.
However, dental caries (decay) can also cause bad breath
and foul tastes.
How can I tell if I
have bad breath?
It is relatively easy to check if you have bad breath;
simply lick the inside of your wrist, and smell it - a bad
odour suggests that your breath is also bad.
Alternatively, ask a trusted friend to be absolutely
honest..
How can my dentist
help?
A clean mouth is critical in avoiding bad breath. Also
regular check-ups with your dentist will help to pick up
any problems early; in addition, regular visits to the
hygienist will aid in removing calculus which is difficult
to remove with a toothbrush. Our team will also be able to
show you the best way to clean your teeth and gums, and
show you any areas you may be missing, including your
tongue.
A warning sign of gum disease is that you always have bad
breath or a bad taste in your mouth. Again, your dentist
and hygienist will be able to see and treat the problem
during your regular check-ups. The earlier the problems are
found, the more effective the treatment will be, and the
less damage will have occurred.
Can I prevent bad
breath?
To keep your breath fresh, you must get rid of any gum
disease, and keep your mouth clean and fresh. If you do
have bad breath, try keeping a diary of all the foods you
eat and list any medicines you are taking. Take this diary
to your dentist who may be able to suggest ways to solve
the problem.
Brush your teeth and gums twice a day with a fluoride
toothpaste. Don’t forget to brush your tongue as well. Use
dental floss once a day for cleaning between your teeth.
There are other products you can buy to clean between your
teeth (they are called ‘interdental cleaners’).
If you wear dentures, take them out at night to give your
mouth chance to rest. Do not clean them with toothpaste as
it will scratch the surface and more stains will build up.
They will also lose their shine. Hold them over a bowl of
water or a towel in case you drop them. Clean them
thoroughly with soap and lukewarm water, a denture cream or
a denture cleaning tablet. Use a denture brush kept just
for the purpose. Remember to clean the surfaces that fit
against your gums and palate. This will make sure your
dentures are always fresh and clean, and avoid the plaque
build-up on the denture that may cause bad
breath.