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Bad breath is something most people will have experienced in their lifetime. Most will be at the receiving end of it and on the giving side. Sometimes bad breath is unavoidable, or at least it is something that will be tolerated as you can eat a delicious meal in your favourite Italian restaurant, for example! However, for some people bad breath is not solely a result of their favourite steak with garlic butter and onions. 

For some people, poor diet is the primary cause of bad breath. Not just based on what was recently eaten but a combination of foods working up the stomach all the way up through their throat and into the mouth. Examining your diet can be one way of stopping bad breath if the halitosis continues, even with regular dental treatment. Coffee and cigarettes are both causes of bad breath in every day diets, and can be particularly difficult to deal with in a small office environment.

A dentist can help deal with most causes of bad breath. Regular cleaning will clear the surface of teeth and get rid of any plaque build-up on them. This is not just important for bad breath but is important for the overall health of your teeth- Ensuring you have a winning smile for decades to come.

A dentist can also help with any gum problems. Gingivitis is incredibly common, and if not addressed at an early stage can lead to serious dental issues. Gingivitis is the inflammation of the gums. When gums are inflamed it becomes very easy for bacteria and even bits of food to get to get trapped between the tooth and gum. While brushing, flossing, scraping the tongue and mouth wash may help with removing bacteria and debris from the general mouth area, with gingivitis it will always be an uphill struggle. A dentist will spot gum problems and take steps to address it immediately. This can range from special mouthwashes to a course of prescribed medication.

Finally, there is an element of a trip to the dentist and hygienist that many people do not realise is available and separate to a regular check-up. A dental hygienist will clean your teeth and gums and will be able to tell you if you are brushing correctly. The number of people who brush their teeth incorrectly and ineffectively is quite startling. Many people would feel ashamed at asking how to brush their teeth, they have been doing it all their life and would hate to think they were getting something basic so wrong. However, dentists and dental hygienist are the experts, they have seen thousands of people brush their teeth and know that a small inconsistency in brushing pattern could cause big trouble for your overall dental health. It is far better to ask your dental hygienist to help you with your brushing and flossing technique than to tolerate bad breath, plaque and possibly gum disease.