How To Banish The Bad Breath Blues

Poor oral hygiene can be a source of embarrassment and Maria Croce finds steps you can take to prevent it happening

- Maria Croce

YOU may not be able to get too up close and personal with people outside of your household just yet – but if you’re worried about bad breath, you should tackle it now.

Dental hygienist Anna Middleton said: “The most common cause of bad breath, also known as halitosis, is poor oral hygiene.”

She says a build-up of food that isn’t removed every day can affect your breath and lead to an increased risk of gum disease and tooth decay.

Anna’s tips on banishing bad breath come from looking at possible causes:

1. Gum disease

If your gums bleed when you brush your teeth, you have bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth, it could be gum disease caused by a build-up of plaque on teeth and gums. If this isn’t treated, the bone in your jaw may be damaged, spaces can open between the gum and teeth and your teeth could fall out.

How to treat it: Visit your hygienist for a clean and tailored oral hygiene plan.

2. You’re not drinking enough water

Dehydration can cause bad breath as bacteria that live in the mouth tend to multiply as the mouth dries out.

How to treat it: Aim to drink two litres of water per day.