Bad Breath
Self-conscious about bad breath? We can help identify the cause!
Bad breath (also known as halitosis) occurs when a noticeably unpleasant breath odour is present, and often it won’t be yourself that notices.
SYMPTOMS OF BAD BREATH
There is one very distinct way to recognise bad breath, the smell. You may notice it yourself, or be alerted by someone you know. You may not realise, however it can be more severe than just an off smell, in some cases this symptom helps with detecting further dental health related issues.
Other symptoms that can come into consideration with bad breath is:
- Sore gums
- Bleeding or swollen gums
- Toothache
If you are having any concerns with the above, book an appointment with your local Southall dentist to examine your mouth and look into treatment options.
CAUSES OF BAD BREATH
Bad breath starts in the mouth, though generally the causes of this vary and can include:
- Poor dental hygiene habits such as infrequent brushing and flossing
- Build up of food on your tongue, between teeth or along your gums
- Build up on bacteria and plaque, often from infrequent dental check-up visits
- Gum disease, tooth decay or dental abscesses
- Dry mouth or xerostomia
- What you eat and drink can also play a role
Other factors such as stress, dieting, snoring and hormonal changes can affect your breath.
WHEN TO SEE A DENTIST?
If you are unsure about bad breath, see your dentist who will help identify the cause.
Book an appointment to see your dentist in Southall as soon as possible if:
- Your bad breath has been persistent and has lasted more than a few days
- The odour is quite noticeable or concerning
- You have pain in your mouth, bleeding or sore gums
WHAT’S NEXT?
Learn more about some possible treatment options with your local Southall Dental practice. We recommend you book an appointment with a dentist to further discuss, so they can provide expert advice on getting your mouth on track.