Bad breath (halitosis) is a common problem, which often comes from the activity of bacteria in the mouth. Although there is no way of knowing for sure, most adults probably suffer from bad breath occasionally, with perhaps a quarter suffering on a regular basis.

What should you do if you have bad breath?

If you think you have a problem, then see your dentist first, since the causes of bad breath often come from the mouth itself.

When you see the dentist, it is a good idea to explain in advance that you will be asking for advice about bad breath. Try to give the dentist an objective picture of how bad the odour really is, how long it has been going on, and when it improves or gets worse.

If the dentist knows that the consultation is about bad breath, you may be asked not to eat, drink, smoke, chew gum, suck confectionery, use mouthwashes, breath fresheners etc., so that the odour will be more typical. You should also avoid using perfumed cosmetic products, such as perfume, aftershave and scented lipstick prior to the appointment, since it can interfere with the odour assessment. If the dentist is not told about the reason for the consultation beforehand, do these things anyway and tell the dentist that you have prepared for the appointment in this way.

Treatment of Bad Breath

In the past, bad breath was often considered to be an incurable affliction. However, in recent years it has become increasingly evident that bad breath is usually treatable once a proper diagnosis is made.

The main problem is knowing whether we have it or not, because we are poor judges of our own breath odour. Some people suffer from bad breath without knowing it, while others build up exaggerated fears about breath odour even though they do not have it. The best way to find out whether we have bad breath is to ask for someone else's opinion.

Most cases of Bad Breath are solved once the oral cavity has been made healthy.

For further information you should read the fact sheet prepared by
Professor Mel Rosenberg, of Tel Aviv University, Israel The Maurice and Gabriela Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine here.

Remember, bad breath is a problem that needs professional attention.
Book an appointment with our hygienists to see what you need to do.
Don't mask it - deal with it.

FRESH BREATH DO'S AND DON’TS

Do:

• Visit your dentist regularly
• Have your teeth cleaned periodically by a dental professional
• Floss or otherwise clean between your teeth, as recommended by your dentist. Choose unscented floss so that you can detect those areas between your teeth that give off odours, and clean them more carefully.
• Brush your teeth and gums properly.
• Ask your dentist to recommend a toothbrush or scraper for your tongue. Clean your tongue all the way back gently, but thoroughly.
  Drink plenty of liquids.
• Chew sugar-free gum for a minute or two at a time, especially if your mouth feels dry. Chewing parsley, mint, cloves or fennel seeds may also help.
• Clean your mouth after eating or drinking milk products, fish and meat.
• Unless your dentist advises otherwise, soak dentures overnight in antiseptic solution.
• Get control over the problem. Ask a family member to tell you whenever you have bad breath.
• If someone in your family or a close friend has bad breath, find a kind way to let them know. If you can't tell them directly, leave this fact file lying around. They may get the message.
• Ask your dentist to recommend a mouthwash which has been shown to be clinically effective in fighting bad breath. Use it most effectively right before sleeping.
• Eat fresh, fibrous vegetables such as carrots

Don't:

• Don't let your concern about having bad breath run your life.
• Don't be passive, don't be depressed. Get help.
• Don't ignore your gums - you can lose your teeth as well as smell bad.
• Don't drink too much coffee - it may make the situation worse.
• Don't forget to clean behind the back teeth in each row.
• Don't brush your tongue with regular toothpaste - it's better to dip your toothbrush in mouthwash for tongue cleaning.
• Don't run to the gastroenterologist for concerns of having bad breath - it usually comes from the mouth and almost never from the stomach.
• Don't give mouthwash to very young children, as they can swallow it.
• Don't clean your tongue so hard that it hurts.
• Don't rely on mouthwash alone - practise complete oral hygiene