Has anyone ever told you that you have bad breath? There are over 80 million people world wide who suffer symptoms of bad breath, also known as halitosis. The most frequent cause of bad breath is from bacteria in the mouth, the decay of food particles and other symptoms of lower levels of dental hygiene. The formation of bacteria in the mouth and the decay of food produce a sulfur that leads to the bad breath.
Dr Finkelstein's Bad Breath Avoidance Tips
- Maintain good oral hygiene meaning brushing and your teeth twice a day. After breakfast and before you go to bed.
- Floss. Flossing removes the build up of plaque and bacteria as well as food that may get trapped between the teeth.
- Brush your tongue (some people may use a specific tongue scraper) particularly first thing in the morning as this takes away the bacteria that builds up on the surface of the tongue overnight.
- Gently brush the insides of your cheeks and your palette (the roof of your mouth) to remove the build up of any bacteria.
- If you have removable devices such as Invisalign retainers, dentures or a mouthguard we recommend to clean the appliance thoroughly before placing it back in your mouth.
Reset your oral hygeine with a visit to the Dentist
Bad breath is initially a result of poor oral hygiene but can also be a result of the decay of food particles and periodontal or gum disease. It is important to visit your dentist every six months to reduce the chance of bad breath. At a dental visit we will discover any physical problems and we will also clean away the build of plaque and bacteria that naturally build up in the mouth over time and may lead to bad breath.
At Dr Finkelstein dentist, we are able to detect the source of the problem of bad breath. It may be the build up of plaque. It may be food particles. It may be that you need to separately brush your tongue every morning. If the problem of bad breath is from a systemic or internal symptom, we will refer you to see your family physician or a doctor resolve the problem of bad breath. Contact us on (02) 9262 7778 or book an appointment online
