Halitosis Prevention

How our Ashby dentists can help in the battle against bad breath

Whilst physical attraction is often the starting point for a relationship; how many of us have noticed someone, only to find that when we talk to them, all we can think about is how bad their breath is?

There is no doubt about it, being around others when they have halitosis is no fun at all and can almost literally take our own breath away. It is surprising, given this unpleasantness, that so many people who suffer from it think nothing about spending hours choosing what to wear and applying makeup in many cases but ignore the unpleasantness of their own breath.

The reality is that combating halitosis can be relatively straightforward and a few simple tips can help ensure that you don’t suffer from this embarrassing problem.

Lifestyle Choices

Whilst many of us probably associate halitosis with the eating of garlic, the more severe cases usually come from those who smoke or drink a significant amount. Not only do both of these leave the odour of the tobacco or alcohol, but both habits also cause dehydration, and especially in the mouth.

This dry environment is a perfect ground for the bacteria that live in our mouth. When we are well hydrated, most of these are flushed away and any remaining are so insignificant in number that they have little effect.

Oral Healthcare

Brushing and flossing of the teeth is essential to not only freshen our mouth, but to rid it of the food particles that these bacteria feed on. Whilst we may think that it is the food itself which causes bad breath, it is actually the gases which the bacteria expel after eating; not a pleasant thought!

As well as cleaning and flossing, it is also important to ensure that you take in enough water to remain hydrated throughout the day and night to prevent providing the environment that they thrive in.

Gum Disease

One of the most common cases of severe halitosis that we see at our Ashby dental practice is when a patient is suffering from gum disease, especially in the advanced stages. Most cases of early stage gum disease can be treated simply by an improvement in the cleaning and brushing of the teeth. When advanced gum diseases, such as periodontitis, occur though, dental intervention is definitely needed and a professional clean will be needed to remove the hardened bacteria from the teeth and possible below the gum line.

Not only will this procedure help to cure your halitosis, but in very severe cases, may well also prevent you from losing the teeth as the bone in which they are held come under attack in the advanced stages of gum disease.

If you suffer from bad breath and can’t pinpoint its cause, why not give Alexandra Dental care a call in confidence on 01283 216347 to have your overall oral health assessed.

Google+