What your dentist can do about bad breath

Bad breath is a problem that dentists are frequently asked about. There are many causes of bad breath – also known as halitosis – and the first thing we will do when you come to our Weybridge dental practice for treatment is to establish what is causing the problem, so that we can recommend an effective way to treat it.
Most people will experience bad breath at some point in their life – particularly after eating strong-smelling foods, or drinking too much alcohol. Occasional bad breath shouldn’t cause too much concern, but if the problem is persistent, you should contact your dentist for advice. We offer both dentist and hygienist services at our Weybridge clinic, both of which can help combat halitosis.
Common causes of bad breath
Bad breath can be caused by many factors. Here are some of the most common causes:
Food and drink
Spicy foods such as curries, plus onions and garlic, are common causes of temporary bad breath. Drinking too much alcohol or coffee can also dry out the mouth and cause bad breath. Brushing your teeth after every meal can help alleviate this type of halitosis.
Smoking
Smoking cigars, cigarettes, or pipe tobacco can all cause bad breath, along with staining the teeth and increasing your risk of gum disease. Your dentist can provide you with smoking cessation advice if you are interested in stopping or cutting down.
Medicines
Some medicines, particularly those used in chemotherapy and angina can have the side-effect of causing bad breath. Your GP will be able to advise you on how best to treat or manage this.
Crash dieting
Crash dieting causes the body to break down fat, releasing chemicals called ketones that can cause the breath to smell unpleasant. Following a sensible, balanced diet will help.
The most common cause of bad breath is inadequate dental hygiene. Regular visits to our Weybridge dental practice help to treat and address these issues, so you can be bad-breath free for life.