Is bad breath avoidable?

Bad breath is usually associated with bad oral hygiene. People who fail to brush and floss their teeth on a daily basis, are more likely to experience bad breath, due to the bacteria living in their mouth. However, halitosis (the medical term for bad breath) can also be triggered by other factors, which are not always manageable without the help of a dentist.

Dentist in W1Bad breath is often an oral condition and should be treated as one. At Harley Street Dental Clinic, our dentist in W1 will do their best to find the cause of a patient’s bad breath and treat it accordingly.

What is the link between bad breath and oral health?

For most people, halitosis is the direct result of poor oral hygiene practices. People who don’t brush and floss their teeth daily or even avoid meeting with their dentist in W1 bi-annually, are more likely to develop bad breath.

Halitosis may also be caused by the presence of bacteria on the tongue or existing cavities. Yeast infections, dry mouth, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption can also lead to bad breath and so can damaged dental restorations. Bad breath may also be a side-effect of diabetes, lung disease or sinus infections.

Say goodbye to bad breath with the help of your dentist in W1

Depending on the cause of your bad breath, there are some things that you can do in order to reduce the effects. If bad oral hygiene is the main cause of your bad breath, establishing a great oral hygiene routine will soon make a difference.

The same applies for smelly foods such as garlic and onion, or caffeinated drinks which can cause dry mouth – another symptom of halitosis. Drinking plenty of water will help saliva to flow in your mouth and wash out bacteria that break down and cause a foul smell.

However, patients with health problems will need to address these first in order to prevent and treat halitosis. In some cases, good oral hygiene is not enough.

If you are unsure, follow your dentist’s advice, practise good oral hygiene at all times and don’t forget to see your dentist in W1 for a check-up and cleaning at least every 6 months.