What’s Causing Your Bad Breath? Top Tips From Dentists in Wimbledon

1We’ve all experienced bad breath at some point or another, whether our own or someone else’s. Of course, occasional bad breath is fairly common. However, frequent or constant cases may be cause for concern and may necessitate a trip to dentists in Wimbledon. You never know when bad breath (also known as halitosis) could be signifying an underlying health issue.

This blog is designed to help you identify the cause of your bad breath so that you can judge whether or not you should take further action.

So, let’s jump straight in, shall we?

Smelly Food, Smelly Breath

This one isn’t rocket science.

It’s no secret that some foods and drinks are significantly more pungent than others. It may just be that your morning coffee or your tendency to add garlic to every meal is the culprit.

Other foods and drinks to look out for include those that dehydrate you, like tea and alcohol, and those high in sugar. Essentially, caffeine will slow the production of saliva, which is crucial for fighting bad bacteria. Similarly, your mouth bacteria will feed on sugary foods and cause a bad smell.

Another thing to be wary of when it comes to your diet is… dieting. Crash dieting can be extremely unhealthy for your entire body and may generate ketones that smell particularly bad.

Don't Neglect Your Pearly Whites

Another fairly obvious one here…

It goes without saying that neglecting your oral health will inevitably lead to bad breath. Make sure that you’re using the correct techniques and not missing any areas of the mouth, as this can lead to a buildup of bacteria over time.

Don’t forget about interdental brushing. Flossing every day is extremely important, as is brushing or scraping the tongue.

Medical Conditions

It’s not uncommon for medical conditions that affect the throat or mouth, such as tonsillitis, to cause bad breath.

You should also be aware that certain medications could change the way your body processes bacteria, which could lead to gum disease.

There’s a pretty high chance that dental issues like tooth decay or gum disease could be causing halitosis. We would always recommend attending a dental checkup to make sure.

Sip Away Throughout the Day

One of the most common causes of bad breath?

Dehydration.

You always want to make sure you have plenty of saliva in your mouth to fight any bad bacteria. Keep a water bottle handy throughout the day and chew sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva production.

Reign in the Smoke

Another no brainer here.

We all know nicotine is a big cause of bad breath, made all the worse by the fact that smoking will dry out your mouth.

Excessive smoking can also stain the tongue and cause you to lose your sense of smell.

Leave it to Us
If you’re concerned about persistent bad breath, the best thing you can do for yourself is go for a dental checkup with a professional. When you visit the team at Gentle Smiles Dental, they will give you a thorough examination and do their utmost to identify the problem. If it is a dental issue, they will recommend a suitable treatment plan to fix the problem as quickly as possible. We at Gentle Smiles Dental are passionate about the health and happiness of our patients and will always go above and beyond to make sure they are satisfied with their care. If you have any questions or would like to book an appointment to discuss your halitosis, please get in touch with us today. You deserve a happy smile!

Top Tips From Dentists in Surbiton for Teeth Worth Smiling With

We all want to feel confident and happy with our smiles.

We all want to show off our pearly whites, right?

You deserve the smile of your dreams, so don’t wait any longer! All it takes to get it is a few easy steps.

Keep scrolling for four simple and helpful tips for improving your smile from expert dentists in Surbiton.

To Smile Wide, Use Fluoride

Fluoride is a common additive in toothpaste and mouthwash, meaning you can find it at your local supermarket or pharmacy. There is a proven link between fluoride and reduced rates of tooth decay.

If you’re more at risk for tooth decay, your dentist might recommend using high fluoride toothpaste.

A Safe Smile is a Bright Smile

If you’ve ever considered teeth whitening, you may have been tempted by at-home whitening kits you find online, or perhaps you’ve thought about enquiring about whitening services at your local beautician.

As experts in performing this particular service, we would strongly recommend against this course of action.

Teeth whitening is primarily a dental procedure. Before performing the treatment with the expertise needed for the job, a dental professional can recommend the most suitable treatment option for your case.

While using a kit at home might seem like a convenient option, there’s no guarantee that it has been tested for safety. Home-whitening kits are often more dangerous than they seem. The high concentration of hydrogen peroxide in these products can cause damage to your teeth and gums, possibly even permanently.

On the flip side, over-the-counter whitening products are only legally allowed to contain 0.1% hydrogen peroxide, which is unlikely to have any lasting effect on the colour of your teeth.

Don't Neglect the Basics

A lot of us will have had the basics of oral hygiene drilled into us from a young age.

When you’re a child, it’s easy to remember how important brushing your teeth is. But as we grow older and have more responsibilities on our plates, keeping up with oral hygiene can become harder in the absence of parents and carers reminding us every day.

The importance of oral health cannot be understated when it comes to adulthood. You should brush your teeth each morning and night to avoid bad breath and floss every day so you don’t have any plaque build-up that could cause cavities. Maintaining good dental hygiene is vital for keeping healthy gums.

You should also be aware of any potential issues that could arise, such as gum disease. Many people notice bad breath and bleeding gums when their teeth are infected with cavity-causing bacteria; these symptoms can signify a much more serious health problem in the future if left untreated.

Leave it to the Experts

You can always count on your dentist to be there when you need them most.

It’s important to see your dentist on a regular basis, and you should always take their advice about what is best for your dental health. Dental problems are inevitable, but there is always a chance to prevent them. You might think that you can spot problems with your teeth, but in reality, they are often invisible until the damage has been done.

At your appointment, you can expect a thorough examination from the dentist. They’ll be able to identify any issues before they escalate and recommend solutions that will work for you.

Gentle Smiles Dental is the Place For You

You can expect a welcoming smile from our team when you walk through the door. We take pride in helping people feel happy and confident with their teeth.

If you’re looking for dentists in Surbiton, look no further than us. We offer affordable and painless treatments to keep your teeth healthy all year round. With our help, you’ll get the attention your teeth deserve.