Bad breath or halitosis is an unpleasant condition that can be embarrassing. Sometimes the person with bad breath may not even be aware of this problem. If you are concerned about bad breath or have been advised by somebody close to you, see your dentist to seek help and identify the cause and necessary bad breath treatment
Bad breath can affect one’s self confidence and result in low self esteem. By maintaining good oral hygiene and having regular dental follow up and treatment, this embarrassing problem can be prevented or avoided.
If there are no obvious dental reasons for bad breath you may be referred to your family physician or to a specialist for appropriate bad breath treatment.
If the odour is due to gum disease, it can result in the formation of pockets and as these pockets are deep, professional cleaning by a dentist can remove the bacteria and plaque.
Good oral hygiene is essential which includes brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily to remove food debris and plaque. Brushing your tongue will also help eliminate the bacteria.
For those with dentures, it is necessary to remove them at night to clean them thoroughly before wearing them the next morning.
Regular dental checkups to detect any problems such as gum disease, a dry mouth or other disorders. Maintaining good oral hygiene, eliminating gum disease and visiting your dentist regularly are helpful in reducing bad breath.
Mouthwashes may not have a long-lasting effect on bad breath.
