An international research institute conducted a survey in which 71 per cent of people said that bad breath decreases confidence. In contrast, a higher percentage said bad breath is a first-date deal-breaker.
These are only some of the adverse effects of bad breath on your life.
This means that even though bad breath is not necessarily a threat to health (though it can be a symptom of something dangerous), it is a condition that must be detected and addressed.
The first step to treatment is to know you have bad breath, identify the cause, and then treat it.
At My Local Dentists West Ryde, we are happy to be your partner in fighting bad breath!
How Do I Know If I Have Bad Breath?
Because most people are considerate, they won’t tell you that your breath is terrible. So, if you think you may have bad breath, the easiest way to learn for certain is to ask someone you trust.
If you don’t feel comfortable asking someone, you can try to check it out yourself. After you’ve licked your wrist and allowed it to dry, sniff it. Another tactic is to smell your dental floss after you’ve used it. Finally, get a tongue scraper and use it. Then, smell the scraper.
If you’re still uncertain, come see us at My Local Dentists West Ryde, we’ll check it out for you!
Causes Of Bad Breath
Tobacco products.
It is an unpleasant mouth smell caused by smoking. Another reason for bad breath is gum disease, which is more common among smokers and oral tobacco users.
When a thick, sticky film of bacteria called plaque accumulates on your teeth, and you don’t brush and floss regularly, food particles remain in your mouth and contribute to a bad smell. Odour-causing bacteria can also be transferred to your tongue. Poorly cleaned or ill-fitting dentures can also hold onto food particles and microorganisms that cause foul odours.
Another common reason for bad breath is a dry mouth. A dry mouth occurs if you haven’t been drinking enough water or if you have been sleeping or travelling, or any other case in which your body slows down saliva production. Dry mouth can also be caused by strenuous workouts, breathing through your mouth, and some diseases and medicines.
The other common reason for bad breath is dietary. The simplest case is garlic or onion breath or the odour of a smoker. Furthermore, the UK’s National Health Service reports that bad breath might result from these practices when the body burns down fat and emits odorous ketones during fasting or crash-dieting.
Keeping Breath Fresh At Home
- Brush and floss after every meal at least twice a day.
- If you wear dentures, clean them off at night to remove bacterial buildup from food and drink.
- Drink plenty of water and swirl cool water around your mouth. This is particularly helpful to freshen “morning breath.”
- Keep track of the foods you eat. If they are suspects in your bad breath, bring your log to us to review. Along the same lines, note all your medicines, as some drugs play a role in mouth odour.
- Replace your toothbrush at least four times a year.
- Schedule regular dental checkups and cleanings at My Local Dentists West Ryde.
- Every morning, use a spoon or tongue scraper to remove germs, fungi, and dead cells from your tongue that could be causing an odour.
- Chew fragrant spices such as cloves, fennel seeds, or aniseed. Their antiseptic qualities help fight halitosis-causing bacteria.
- Chew a piece of citrus rind for a mouth- freshening burst of flavor. The citric acid stimulates the production of saliva and fights bad breath.
- Chew a fresh sprig of a chlorophyll-containing plant such as basil, parsley, mint, or cilantro.
- Make your 30-second alcohol-free mouthwash. Mix a teaspoon of baking soda (which alters the pH level and eliminates odour in the mouth) into one cup of water and a few drops of antimicrobial peppermint essential oil.
What Can Your Dentist Do To Help?
If a buildup of plaque or tartar is the cause of your bad breath, we could suggest a mouth rinse that destroys the bacteria. We may also recommend toothpaste containing antibacterial agents that kill bacteria.
A good scale and clean can remove odour-causing bacteria in more severe cases.
In rare cases, we may recommend replacing faulty tooth restorations or appliances, which can be breeding grounds for bacteria.
My Local Dentists West Ryde Advantage
My Local Dentists West Ryde’s treatments and services are 100% personalised to you and your needs. Our dentists hold graduate degrees from the University of Sydney and are highly qualified, dedicated professionals.
Like our dentists, the supporting staff at My Local Dentists West Ryde are highly dedicated and experienced to guarantee that each visit with us is as comfortable as possible.
GAP FREE
General Check-up, Scale and Clean, X-rays and Fluoride treatment (with any health insurance)
*For new patients only
Call your West Ryde dentist on (02) 9809 7000 or visit us at Shop 20 West Ryde Marketplace 14 Anthony Road in West Ryde.