Almost everyone has bad breath sometimes, especially first thing in the morning. Ongoing bad breath, called halitosis, can be embarrassing, but in most cases it has a cause in the mouth that can be treated.
Common causes
- Plaque and food trapped between teeth and along the gums
- Bacteria on the back of the tongue
- Gum disease
- Tooth decay, broken fillings or old crowns that trap food
- A dry mouth, from medication, mouth breathing or not drinking enough water
- Smoking and some foods, such as garlic, onion and coffee
- Less often, sinus or tonsil problems, reflux or medical conditions
What helps
- Brush twice a day and clean between your teeth daily.
- Clean your tongue with a tongue scraper or your toothbrush, working from back to front.
- Drink water through the day to keep your mouth moist.
- Chew sugar-free gum after meals to increase saliva.
- Clean dentures every day and take them out at night.
- Have regular check-ups and professional cleaning.
Mouthwash isn’t a cure
Mouthwash can mask odour for a short time, but it doesn’t remove the plaque and bacteria causing the problem. Some alcohol-based mouthwashes can dry the mouth and make breath worse.
When to see a dentist
If bad breath continues despite good cleaning, a check-up can find and treat the cause, such as gum disease, decay or a leaking filling. If no dental cause is found, we may suggest seeing your doctor.
Book a check-up and clean with Dr H.B Mohamed in Lenasia. Contact the practice.