Bad Breath Prevention - Tooronga Family Dentistry in Glen Iris

Chronic bad breath is also known as halitosis or malodor. It is a common condition caused by bacterial buildup in the mouth leading to inflammation and the production of noxious odors. Or it can be related to medical conditions that include liver disease, diabetes, chronic lung infections, acid reflux, dry mouth or xerostomia, and postnasal drip.

Where do bacteria deposit themselves?

The common bacterial deposits are inside tooth Cavities and around inflamed swollen gums where there are ideal conditions for them to grow. Other locations can be around the tonsils, where food particles can become trapped or in dirty dentures.

Cures for Chronic Bad Breath

Good Oral Hygiene: Tooth cleaning with brushing and flossing after every meal goes a long way in the reduction of odor-causing bacteria in the mouth. It has been found that electric toothbrushes are more effective than manual toothbrushes and flossing is mandatory. If you find that your brushing does not remove the food trapped between the teeth, please come and see us at Tooronga Family Dentistry, so we can instruct you on the right technique and appliances to use.
Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps in the secretion of saliva that can break down and rinse away the food particles from your mouth and reduce bacterial growth. Drinking milk is also known to reduce the strength of noxious breath odors.
Stop smoking: Cigarettes, pipes and snuff can give you bad breath due to the nicotine in them.
Reduce Coffee and Alcohol ingestion: Coffee has a strong smell that remains on the back of your tongue. Alcohol can be released thorough your lungs for as long as eight to ten hours after you stop drinking. Both alcohol and caffeine can lead to a dry mouth which eventually leads to bad breath.
Chew Sugarless Gum: Chewing gum after a meal can increases the saliva flow in your mouth to fight bad breath and helps reduce cavities.

Please don’t hesitate to contact our team if you have more questions about bad breath or to make an appointment to have the condition of your mouth examined.