• Bright and Shiny Teeth

    Dear Sarah I would just like tot hank you for keeping my teeth so bright and shiny every three months! You have been so kind and considerate at every visit. Many Thanks Sylvia Fox […] Full Testimonial

  • years of professional caring service

    Dear Jill, After years of receiving your professional caring service, we feel it is time we expressed our appreciation. We have never had any qualms about our visits, but feel sure if we had they would quickly be dispelled. Yours sincerely, Reg & Ena Fuller […] Full Testimonial

  • A Credit to her Profession

    RE: Jill Mitchell Dental Hygienist. I have been Jill's patient for the past twelve years and I have always been extremely satisfied with the excellent treatment she has given me over that that time. Jill's expertise together with her caring sympathetic approach and calm and friendly manner creates a very relaxed atmosphere which puts the […] Full Testimonial

  • A note to say “Thank You”

    Dear Sarah, Just wanted to drop you a note to say "Thank You". I have no trepidation or nerves associated with my visits to the dentist as I know that I shall be in a relaxed environment and treated with care and attention. As a Dental Hygienist, you have the (no doubt from time to […] Full Testimonial

Halitosis Help

Do I have Bad breath?

You may notice small changes in how people behave towards you. Do people stand further away from you than they used to when talking? Do they shake hands rather than kiss goodbye?

An old test that works is to lick your wrist on the inside and then smell it. A bad smell probably means bad breath.

Asking a really good friend is also something to consider.

Causes of Halitosis

The causes are many and varied.

Halitosis is very common.

It is most commonly due to sulphur compounds produced by bacteria building up in the mouth and on the teeth, or by food debris getting stuck between teeth and rotting down.

It can indicate some form of gum disease so the first thing to do is to check you are cleaning adequately and have your mouth checked for any signs of dental disease.

Other common causes of bad breath include:

  • foods with strong flavours like onion, garlic, coffee – check your diet
  • dry mouth conditions often due to medications or age – there may be ways of helping with saliva flow problems
  • smoking can cause bad breath and make you susceptible to gum disease as well as all the other associated problems it causes.
  • Certain medical conditions also can cause bad breath so if no obvious dental cause is found a referral to your GP may be appropriate.

Self Help for Bad Breath

  • improve your oral hygiene. Brush thoroughly twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
  • clean between your teeth with dental floss or interdental brushes
  • Have regular dental checkups and hygiene as advised
  • chew sugar free gum to increase saliva flow if you have a dry mouth condition
  • Minimise your intake of food and drinks that are sugar containing they tend to increase plaque bacteria growth
  • Some mouthwashes eg CB12 will neutralise the smell of bad breath for several hours and may help whilst the underlying cause is dealt with.