Bad Breath

Bad breath is usually caused by bacteria in the mouth and is not a sign of general ill health. Gum disease can cause bad breath. But you could still have bad breath with good oral hygiene and healthy teeth and gums. The smell then usually comes from the far back of the tongue.

What can my dentist do?

Make sure, before you see your dentist, that you have not done anything to hide the normal smell of your breath. Do not smoke, chew gum or use a mouth rinse, and avoid any sort of perfume. This will make it easier for your dentist to tell where any problem is coming from.

Good oral hygiene will usually be the answer to a bad-breath problem. A scale and polish from your dentist or hygienist makes it easier to keep your mouth clean at home.

What can I do myself?

• Brush your teeth thoroughly twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.
• Use floss or other oral hygiene aids if your dentist or hygienist recommends them.
• Gently brush your tongue if it is heavily coated.
• Stop Smoking

A mouth will smell less if it is moist. Chewing sugar-free gum can help with bad breath by increasing the flow of saliva. You might have a dry mouth because you breathe with your mouth open or because you are taking certain medicines. Your mouth gets drier as you get older too.