At one time or another, whether we are aware of it or not, we all will have suffered from bad breath. Bad breath, or halitosis as it is otherwise known, can strike anyone at any time unless you take preventative measures. Mouthwashes and chewing gum can mask the smell of bad breath but they don’t get to the causes so it is likely to return. Because it is so difficult to tell if your breath smells (we’ve all done the hand cupping move at some point) only a strong regime of preventative measures can alleviate the anxiety that you have bad breath.
People commonly believe that bad breath is caused by internal issues, such as poor digestion or stomach issues, but this is generally not the case. Studies have shown that nine cases out of ten are caused by poor standards of oral hygiene. Food matter that gets caught in the gaps between teeth can start to decay when acted upon by bacteria in the mouth. This releases foul smelling sulfurous compounds which can be one of the main causes of halitosis. Bacteria thrive in the human mouth, where conditions for them are almost perfect. There are over 500 million on the human tongue alone where they live in the warm and moist crevices. This bacteria can also build up in a filmy substance called plaque that covers the teeth and decays the enamel. This bacteria and plaque live on decaying organic matter so the more you have in your mouth the more it is going to smell.
The most effective way to deal with bad breath is to make sure you are brushing your teeth correctly, twice a day, for three minutes. As well as this you should be flossing once a day. Flossing helps to clean small gaps in the teeth that conventional brushes can’t reach. This can remove the decaying food particles which cause many cases of bad breath. Using a mouthwash may also help kill bacteria but only as part of a wider oral hygiene routine.
Bad breath can be a warning sign that your oral hygiene needs improving. Ask a Central Leeds dentist about the correct ways to brush and floss at your next check up. They can also recommend the most suitable brush for your teeth. Just a few minutes extra cleaning a day could help you keep bad breath away for good.
Tags: bad breath, halitosis, oral hygiene
