Bad breath (sometimes called halitosis) is a common problem that can be difficult to neutralize. Although some cases of bad breath relate to underlying medical problems, the vast majority are linked to poor oral hygiene. We at Oakvillage Dental put together a few pointers to help you understand the cause and offer some prevention techniques to help you fight bad breath.
How is bad breath identified?
Unfortunately, many people find it difficult to judge the smell of their own breath and do not notice when the odor begins to worsen. You can ask our dentist during your assessment, but there is also an easy way to test your breath at home. If you lick the inside of your wrist and then sniff this area, you’ll be able to get a sense of what your breath smells like and whether halitosis is an issue.
How does poor dental hygiene cause bad breath?
In most cases of chronic bad breath, the explanation is that the teeth and gums are coated in bacteria. If you know that you don’t brush your teeth quite as often as you should, it’s likely that bits of food have remained trapped in the gaps between your teeth. Bacteria will then break down these food particles, releasing an offensive gas. You can improve or prevent bad breath if you diligently follow a routine of brushing your teeth twice a day, getting rid of leftover food after meals. Anti-bacterial mouthwashes can also be a useful addition to your oral hygiene routine. Research suggests that mouthwashes containing cetylpyridinium chloride or chlorhexidine may be especially effective.
Brushing technique
If you rush the process of brushing your teeth or have never learned how to do it in the most effective way, it may be your brushing style (rather than frequency) that puts you at risk of developing bad breath. Proper brushing should take at least two minutes, and you need to make sure that you brush all the surfaces of your teeth. Your dentist will also be happy to evaluate your technique and offer pointers. Further, don’t forget cleaning your tongue can help to improve your breath, and flossing can clean the areas of your teeth that are difficult to reach with a brush.
Smoking
It’s also worth noting that smoking negatively influences your oral health by straining your teeth, increasing your chances of developing gum disease and making you more susceptible to a range of mouth cancers. Unsurprisingly, smoking is also linked to bad breath, so if you are a smoker who is worried about halitosis then you have a huge range of compelling reasons to try and quit.
Gum disease
You are more likely to suffer from gum disease if you have poor oral hygiene, and gum disease is also linked to bad breath. If you have gum disease, you will notice red, bleeding gums that may also feel tender when brushing or eating. Being vigilant about these symptoms and reporting them to your dentist can make sure the problem is treated in the earliest stages, tackling bad breath and periodontitis (a deep tissue inflammation that is sometimes eventually associated with tooth loss).
Here at Oakvillage Dental, we treat you like we would treat our own family. We strive to make your dental experience comfortable and stress-free. Contact us today to schedule a consultation appointment.