Suffering from bad breath can be very embarrassing as it can be very difficult to disguise. It often leads to a loss of confidence and the avoidance of social situations altogether but it is relatively easily treated. Over nine out of ten cases of bad breath are caused by poor standards of oral hygiene which if improved could mean an end to horrible halitosis.
Bad breath is often caused by sulphurous smelling bacteria that thrive on decaying food matter caught between teeth and on the surface of the tongue. This smell is then carried out on the breath. By removing this food matter, usually trapped between teeth, by flossing and brushing thoroughly, you should be able to limit the effects of bad breath.
Many people resort to using anti-bacterial mouthwash, which while they do kill bacteria, also limit the production of saliva, the body’s natural defence against bad breath. This can cause the bad breath to come back as bacteria are again allowed to thrive. Some mouthwashes may work for certain types of mouth but it is always a good idea to consult a dentist.
If you have tried improving your oral hygiene by better brushing, flossing and perhaps even using a tongue scraper, and nothing is working, you can always pay a visit to the dentist. A Central Leeds dentist will examine your mouth to look for other possible causes, which may include gum disease, or in the worst case an infected tooth. If there is no evidence of an oral cause the dentist may be able to refer you to see if you are one of the ten per cent of cases where the bad breath is caused by internal issues.
Tags: bacteria, bad breath, brushing and flossing, decaying food, oral hygiene
