Have you ever suffered from bad breath? Would you like fresher breath?
It can be a socially debilitating disorder and it isn't something that you will want to share or discuss with many people!
We are sympathetic to patients with these conditions and can provide confidential advice and treatment.
The odour is caused by wastes from bacteria in the mouth, the decay of food particles, other debris in your mouth and poor oral hygiene. The decay and debris produce a sulphur compound that causes the unpleasant odour. At Walkinstown Dental Care our hygienist, Joann, plays a vital role in keeping your mouths healthy and reducing the causes of bad breath. Some obvious causes are:
- Smoking
- Alcohol
- Strongly flavoured foods such as garlic or onions
- Poor oral health
- Gum disease
The Atkins diet can have an associated 'ketone' breath which can also present when patients eat a lot of meat.
Does bad breath come from sources other than the mouth?
Bad breath also may occur in people who have a medical infection, diabetes, kidney failure or a liver malfunction. Xerostomia (dry mouth) and tobacco also contribute to this problem. Cancer patients who undergo radiation therapy may experience dry mouth. Even stress, dieting, snoring, age and hormonal changes can have an effect on your breath.
An odour that comes from the back of your tongue may indicate postnasal drip. This is where mucus secretion, which comes from the nose and moves down your throat, gets stuck on the tongue and causes an odour.
How do I control bad breath?
Often a course of visits to the hygienist can put you in the right direction.
It is also important to practice good oral hygiene, such as brushing and using interdental brushes/flossing your teeth at least twice a day. Proper brushing, including brushing the tongue, cheeks and the roof of the mouth, will remove bacteria and food particles.
The best way to brush your tongue is with your toothbrush. Tongue scrapers tend to loose their effectiveness quickly. Without toothpaste (it can actually burn the tongue!) brush the tongue all over and then rinse the brush thoroughly.Do this daily, especially if you notice a discolouration (can be a yellow or brown colour - particularly if you smoke) of your tongue.
Chewing sugar-free gum also may help control odour. Mouthwashes which are alcohol free will give longer lasting fresh breath. They are only an adjunct to good brushing/interdental brushing - not a substitute.
If you have dentures or a removable appliance, such as a retainer or mouthguard, clean the appliance thoroughly before placing it back in your mouth. Before you use mouthrinses, deodorizing sprays or tablets, talk with your dentist/hygienist, because these products only mask the odour temporarily and some products work better than others.
Call us on 01 450 6373 to arrange an appointment or ask us confidentially next time you are at the practice.
