Understanding Bad Breath: Causes, Prevention, and Treatment for a Fresher Smile

Bad breath is one thing that you may not be aware of simply because no one has told you. If you think that you may be suffering from bad breath, simply hold your hand up to your mouth, breath into it and then breathe it in through your nose. If it is bad, you will soon know about it.

If you have bad breath, it can come from within the mouth or lower in the stomach, so it may be worthwhile seeking further professional help if your daily oral hygiene practice of brushing and flossing is not working.

What are the causes of bad breath?

Bad breath can have many causes such as smoking, gum disease, foods and drinks or gastric reflux.

Thorough dental care by daily cleaning, including brushing the tongue, is the best defence against bad breath. Do not use sugary mints or sugary gum to freshen your breath as these can cause decay if used frequently. On occasion when you do not have time to brush, use sugarless gum or mouth rinse. If bad breath persists, a dental professional can help you identify the cause and find solutions. Remember, rinses and gum are not a substitute for daily brushing and flossing!

Ready to tackle bad breath?

For more information about tooth maintenance and general pointers on oral hygiene, visit our Dental Hygiene page.