Ann-Marie Banks, from Apollonia House Dental and Health Care in Grasscroft, gives you some tips on how to beat dental erosion
Can I prevent bad breath?
If you think you might have bad breath, there is a simple test that you can do. Simply lick the inside of your wrist and sniff – if the smell is bad, you can be pretty sure your breath is too.
What causes bad breath?
Bad breath is a very common problem and there are many different causes.
Persistent bad breath is usually caused by the smelly gases released by the bacteria that coat your teeth and gums.
One of the warning signs of gum disease is that you always have bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth so if you have noticed you have persistent bad breath mention it to your dentist or hygienist.
Also, bits of food can get caught between the teeth and on the tongue causing an unpleasant smell. Strong foods like garlic, coffee and onions can also add to the problem.
Bad breath can be caused by some medical problems – for example, dry mouth (xerostomia) is a condition that affects the flow of saliva and causes bacteria to build up, leading to bad breath. Dry mouth may be caused by some medicines, salivary gland problems or by continually breathing through the mouth instead of the nose.
How can I prevent bad breath?
You must get rid of any gum disease and tooth decay, and keep your mouth clean and fresh.
Try keeping a diary of all the foods you eat and list any medicines you are taking. Take this diary to your dentist who may be able to suggest ways to solve the problem.
Brush your teeth and gums for two minutes, twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Spit out the toothpaste and do not rinse afterwards.
Children up to three years old should use a toothpaste with a fluoride level of at least 1000ppm (parts per million). Three-year-olds to adults should use a toothpaste that contains 1350ppm to 1500ppm of fluoride.
Don’t forget to clean your tongue as well using a different brush or tongue scraper.
Clean between your teeth using floss or interdental brushes – brushing alone only cleans up to about 60 per cent of the surface of your teeth. Ask your dentist or hygienist what would work best for you.
Use a mouthwash preferably after eating – some contain antibacterial agents that could kill bacteria that make your breath smell unpleasant.
Chew sugar-free gum as it stimulates saliva and stops your mouth drying out. A dry mouth can lead to bad breath.
Cut down on how often you have sugary food and drinks and visit your dentist regularly.
Please contact Apollonia House Dental Practice for more advice: 01457 821800.
