Bad Breath

Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is a common problem that can affect anyone of any age.

Most people have short periods of bad breath at some point, and it is estimated that up to 50% of people have persistent bad breath.

What causes bad breath?

There are several causes of bad breath, these causes can range in severity from poor dental hygiene to a sign of a serious dental emergency:-

Poor oral hygiene

The most common cause of bad breath is poor oral hygiene. Bacteria that coats your teeth, tongue and gums can cause plaque (the soft white deposit that forms on the surface of the teeth), gum disease and dental decay. These bacteria combine with saliva and food in the mouth, breaking down food particles and proteins. This releases an unpleasant-smelling gas.

If you do not brush and floss your teeth regularly, any food that is trapped between your teeth will be broken down by the bacteria, causing bad breath.

These bacteria can also live in the rough surface of the tongue. Therefore, as well as brushing your teeth, cleaning your tongue can help control bad breath.

Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth can be warning signs of gum disease or tooth decay.

Any oral hygiene problems should be picked up and treated in regular check-ups with a dentist or hygienist. Attending The 247 Dentist may help to identify problems which can prevent tooth loss or the need for greater dental work at a later date.

Morning bad breath

Most people have bad breath when they wake up in the morning. This is normal and occurs because the mouth dries up overnight. This slows down the flow of saliva that normally washes away food particles. Bacteria quickly break down any bits of food left in the mouth, and an unpleasant, stale smell is released. The flow of saliva usually increases once you start eating.

Medicines

Some medication can cause bad breath. Medicines that have been associated with bad breath include:

• Nitrates – sometimes used to treat angina
• Some chemotherapy drugs
• Phenothiazines (tranquilisers)

Talk to your GP about possible alternative medicines.

Medical conditions

Bad breath can be caused by a medical condition, although this is rare. Dry mouth (xerostomia) is a condition that affects the flow of saliva. This can cause bacteria to build up in the mouth, leading to bad breath. Dry mouth can be caused by salivary gland problems or continually breathing through the mouth instead of the nose. As you get older, you may produce less saliva, which can lead to bad breath.

Other medical conditions that can cause bad breath include:

• Infections in the lungs, throat or nose
• Bronchitis
• Sinusitis
• Diabetes
• Liver or kidney problems
• Gastritis (inflammation of the lining of the stomach) and food reflux

Crash dieting, fasting and low-carbohydrate diets, such as the Atkins diet, can also cause bad breath. These cause the body to break down fat, which produces chemicals called ketones that can be smelt on the breath.

Food and drink

Eating strongly flavoured foods, such as garlic, onions and spices, often cause your breath to smell. Strong-smelling drinks, such as alcohol and coffee, can also cause bad breath. This type of bad breath is usually temporary and can be easily avoided by not eating or drinking these types of food or drink. Good dental hygiene also helps.

Smoking

If you smoke, your breath is likely to smell of stale smoke. As well as making your breath smell, smoking also causes staining and loss of taste and irritates your gums. This increases your risk of gum disease, another cause of bad breath. Stopping smoking will lower this risk and help prevent bad breath.

How to find out if you have bad breath

It can be difficult to know if you have bad breath. Other people usually notice it first, and they may find it difficult to tell you. If you are worried that you have bad breath, you could ask a close friend or family member to tell you honestly whether they think you have.

A simple test you can do yourself is to lick the inside of your wrist and wait for the saliva to dry. If the area you licked smells unpleasant, it is likely that your breath does too.

Treating bad breath

Treatment for bad breath depends on what is causing it.

The simplest and most effective treatment is usually improving your dental hygiene. To avoid bad breath, keep your mouth and teeth clean:

• Regularly brush your teeth and gums
• Floss in between your teeth
• Keep your tongue clean

Keeping your teeth and mouth healthy

A dentist is likely to recommend that you brush your teeth at least twice a day using toothpaste containing fluoride.

• Choose a small to medium sized toothbrush with soft, multi-tufted synthetic bristles
• Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months
• Brush your teeth for a minimum of two minutes each time
• Brush all areas of your teeth, and particularly where the teeth meet the gums
• Your dentist or hygienist may recommend a special single-tufted brush for specific problem areas of your mouth
• Use a separate toothbrush, or tongue scraper, to lightly brush your tongue (some toothbrushes have a ‘tongue cleaner’ on the reverse of the brush head)
• Use dental floss to clean between your teeth and remove any trapped food that could cause tooth decay
• Your dentist may suggest daily rinsing with an anti-bacterial or anti-odour mouthwash (this should not replace brushing, but can be included in your daily routine)
• 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 erosion.

Will mouthwash help?

Most mouthwashes only disguise bad breath for a short time. So if you find that you are using a mouthwash all the time, talk to your dentist. Some mouthwashes that are recommended for gum disease can cause tooth staining if you use them for a long time. It is important to read the manufacturer’s instructions or ask your dentist about how to use them.

Wearing dentures

If you wear dentures, take them out at night to give your mouth a chance to rest and clean them twice a day:

• Do not clean dentures with toothpaste, which can scratch the surface and cause stains to build up
• Clean them thoroughly with soap and lukewarm water, a denture cream or a denture-cleaning tablet
• Use a separate toothbrush to clean your dentures

This routine should make sure your dentures stay fresh and clean and avoid the build-up of plaque, which could cause bad breath.

How can The 247 Dentist help with bad breath?

The 247 Dentist can recommend the best way to clean your teeth and gums and show you any areas you might be missing. With an emergency dental appointment we can ensure that any signs of gum disease are noted early on, and arrange for you to register with a dentist so that you can have regular check-ups and avoid long-term dental problems through effective treatments and health checks.

Find an emergency dentist near you, or view our video dentist service for an online dental appointment with a virtual dentist. We can provide a dental consultation over video call to help identify and resolve your problem, as well as prescribe antibiotics ready for collection from your local pharmacy.