Description

Bad breath is a common problem that can affect anyone at any age. About one in four people are thought to have bad breath (halitosis) on a regular basis.

What causes bad breath?
There are a number of things that can cause bad breath. It’s usually the result of poor oral hygiene.
1. If bacteria build up in your mouth, the toxins produced can cause your breath to smell. Bacteria break down pieces of food in the mouth, and may release an unpleasant-smelling gas. Any food trapped on your teeth – particularly between them – is broken down by bacteria, which may cause bad breath.

2. Persistent bad breath can sometimes be a sign of gum disease.

3. Smoking is another cause of bad breath. As well as making your breath smell, smoking stains your teeth, irritates your gums, and reduces your sense of taste.

4. Drinking alcohol is another obvious cause of bad breath

5. Eating strongly flavoured foods, such as onions and garlic, can also cause your breath to smell

6. Occasionally, bad breath can occur after an infection or illness, or as a result of taking certain types of medication.

7. Crash dieting, fasting, and low-carbohydrate diets are another possible cause of bad breath. They cause the body to break down fat, which produces chemicals called ketones that can be smelled on your breath.

Treating and preventing bad breath
Improving your oral hygiene is usually enough to cure bad breath and stop it happening again.
To improve your oral health, make sure you:
• floss between your teeth daily
• brush your teeth and gums regularly
• clean your tongue regularly
You may want to consider investing in an electric toothbrush, which can make cleaning easier and more effective.

Cleaning your teeth
Your dentist will probably recommend that you brush your teeth at least twice a day using fluoride toothpaste.
Below are some tips on how to brush your teeth and keep your mouth healthy. You should:
• use dental floss to clean between your teeth and remove trapped food that could cause tooth decay – brushing on its own only cleans about 60% of the tooth’s surface
• choose a small or medium-sized toothbrush with soft, multi-tufted synthetic bristles
• replace your toothbrush every three to four months
• brush your teeth for at least two minutes – you could keep a toothbrush at work or school so you can brush your teeth after lunch
• brush all areas of your teeth, paying particular attention to where your teeth and gums meet – your dentist or oral hygienist may recommend using a special single-tufted brush for specific problem areas of your mouth
• use a separate toothbrush or a tongue scraper to lightly brush your tongue – some toothbrushes have a tongue cleaner on the back of the brush head
• avoid brushing your teeth for 30 minutes after drinking an acidic drink, such as fruit juice, or eating acidic fruit, such as oranges, to help prevent tooth abrasion
Your dentist may recommend that you rinse your mouth daily using an antibacterial or anti-odour mouthwash. This shouldn’t replace brushing, but can be included as part of your daily routine.
Read more about dental health and how to keep your teeth clean.
Cleaning dentures
If you wear dentures, you should take them out at night to give your mouth a chance to rest. Clean your dentures thoroughly before putting them in the next morning:
• don’t use toothpaste to clean your dentures as it can scratch the surface and cause stains
• clean your dentures thoroughly using soap and lukewarm water, denture cream, or a denture-cleaning tablet
• use a separate toothbrush to clean your dentures
Your dentures should stay clean and fresh if you follow this routine. It will also help prevent the build-up of plaque, which can cause bad breath.
Fresh breath tips
To help keep your breath fresh, you should:
• give up smoking
• eat a healthy, balanced diet and avoid eating strongly flavoured or spicy food
• cut down on sugary food and drink as it can increase the amount of bacteria in your mouth
• reduce your alcohol consumption
• cut down on coffee
• drink plenty of water to help prevent your mouth becoming dry
• chew sugar-free gum after eating to stimulate the flow of saliva – this will help clean away any remaining food particles
You should visit your dentist for regular check-ups. Having regular dental check-ups will ensure any plaque and calculus – previously known as tartar – is removed from your teeth, particularly in areas that are difficult to reach.
Your dentist can recommend the best way to clean your teeth and gums, and point out areas you might be missing. They can also identify any signs of gum disease and ensure early treatment.
Gastrointestinal problems
Bad breath can be caused by a gastrointestinal problem, such as an H. pylori infection or gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD). You may be referred to a gastroenterologist.
The treatment recommended will depend on the type of gastrointestinal condition you have. For example, if you have a stomach ulcer, you may need a combination of two or three different antibiotics and a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). This is known as eradication therapy.
When to seek medical advice
See your dentist, dental hygienist or dental therapist first if you still have bad breath after making changes to improve your dental hygiene.
You may also need to visit your GP as there may be a medical cause that needs to be investigated.
Don’t try to hide the smell of your breath when seeking medical advice as it may make it more difficult to find out what’s causing the problem.

(every article has this section, it will have up to three relevant products. Can it be done in a different coloured font … as a separate text box … maybe we can put this on the side or insert somewhere in middle or put it at the end)
Relevant dental products:
• Link to toothbrush

• Link to denture cleaning products

• Link to mouthwash