I need help with bad breath
Persistent bad breath? Your teeth and gums might be to blame.
Bad breath can be embarrassing and make you feel self-conscious. If it’s being caused by a dental issue, we can help.
How do I know if I have bad breath?
Usually, it’s easy to tell if you have bad breath because you can smell it. Perhaps a family member or a close friend has commented on it. It’s normal to feel self-conscious when this happens – nobody likes their breath to smell bad. While it’s not unusual to have a little “morning breath”, if you notice your bad breath persists all day, you may have a dental problem. In this case, you might also experience sore, bleeding, or swollen gums, toothache, an unpleasant taste in your mouth, or issues with your dentures.
Why do I have bad breath?
Bad breath can happen if you haven’t been brushing, flossing, or getting your teeth professionally cleaned as often as you should. Food, plaque, and tartar build up between your teeth and along your gum line, and the bacteria they attract creates an odour. If you have gum disease, tooth decay, or an abscess, that can also lead to bad breath. Another potential cause is a dry mouth, because you lack sufficient saliva to wash food particles away from around your teeth and gums. Other reasons for bad breath include diet, respiratory infections, digestive issues, and snoring.
What treatments are available for bad breath?
You don’t need to live with bad breath. Our modern and pain-free treatments will have it smelling sweet again in no time.
Common questions about bad breath
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Bad breath is not always a dental issue. It can also stem from illnesses like diabetes, tonsillitis, kidney or liver disease, sinus problems, autoimmune conditions, and digestive disorders. Most commonly, there is a dental cause for bad breath, so make an appointment to see us first. We’ll refer you to your GP if necessary.
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No doubt you have experienced bad breath after eating onions or garlic. These vegetables contain organic sulphur compounds that can linger for hours after your meal. Other foods and drinks, like dairy, coffee, and alcohol, can make your breath smell by creating an inviting environment in your mouth for odour-causing bacteria. Good oral hygiene and drinking water can help eliminate food-related bad breath.
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Your saliva normally washes food particles away so that odour-causing bacteria can’t develop. However, while you sleep, your body produces less saliva, often resulting in a dry mouth and “morning breath”. If you sleep with your mouth open, it will exacerbate the problem. As long as your morning breath doesn’t persist all day, it is not a major cause for concern.
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If your bad breath is related to poor oral hygiene, then brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and even brushing your tongue will help to improve it. Limiting alcohol, which can decrease saliva production, and drinking plenty of water will also help. If your bad breath persists, come and see us for a check-up to rule out other causes.
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Treatment for bad breath usually includes a combination of thorough home care and regular dental check-ups, with a visit to the oral therapist every six months. If your bad breath is caused by tooth decay or gum disease, you may need additional dental treatment such as fillings or root canal therapy. We’ll ensure that you receive the right treatment to make your breath smell sweet again.
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Because the causes of bad breath can vary, it’s difficult to say how much your treatment will cost before you have been for an examination. Once we have determined why you have bad breath, we’ll develop a treatment plan and give you a quote that covers all the costs.