Bad breath? Here’s some expert advice

Suffer from bad breath? In the first of a new series on all things dental, Robert Molloy of Dublin dental firm Redmond Molloy is here to help.

By Robert Molloy

My partner tells me that I have bad breath, especially in the morning. I have tried all the various mouth washes, toothpastes etc, what else can I do?

Paul Kiernan, Malahide.

Hi Paul, thanks for getting in touch.

Bad breath, morning breath and halitosis are all terms used to describe a noticeably unpleasant odour exhaled on the breath. Halitosis is not a problem by itself, but it can cause concerns in our interpersonal relationships.

We are all familiar with how certain foods such as garlic and onions can affect our breath. Fortunately, bad breath caused by the foods we eat is only temporary. The truth is, most breath odour comes from food particles and bacteria trapped in our mouths. When food remains in the mouth, it becomes a breeding ground for the bacteria that can cause bad breath. Other causes can include poor oral health, improper cleaning of dentures, periodontal disease as well as smoking & tobacco products. Bad breath can also be sign of an underlying medical condition of the stomach, lungs and bloodstream. So the best first port of call to have an examination and maybe a cleaning at your dentist.

Another little known situation that can contribute to halitosis is dry mouth. When our mouth is dry, saliva production decreases, leaving the mouth’s natural ability to clean itself impaired. Saliva is the mouth’s natural mouthwash, which contains properties that reduces bacteria in the mouth. Alcohol consumption, certain medications, breathing through the mouth instead of the nose can contribute to having a dry mouth. Your Dentist will be able to tell you if you have a dry mouth.

Recommendations for reducing bad breath.

Brush your teeth and rinse your mouth thoroughly after every meal to remove food particles from the mouth.

When you are brushing your teeth, also brush your tongue. The tongue is covered with thousands of tiny bumps that can trap bacteria.

Have regular check-ups at your Denist to rule out gum disease and to correct any faulty restorations, overhanging fillings or leaking crowns, all of which can trap food in the mouth.

Chew sugarless gum or suck on sugarless lozenges to increase the flow of saliva.

If your mouth is dry, drink plenty of water. Try swooshing it around in your mouth for at least twenty seconds to loosen any food particles the bacteria can feed upon.

Avoid breath mints and mouthwashes that contain sugar. Instead of helping, they can make things worse by allowing the bacteria to multply. They will only temporarily cover the smell, not solve the problem.

Snacking on vegetables such as raw celery or carrots can keep plaque from forming.

If you are going to an important meeting or on a big date, avoid foods that can cause bad breath, such as onions and garlic.

Avoid excessive alcohol and caffeine consumption, which can dry the mouth, try your best to quit smoking. Tar and nicotine can build up on the surface of the teeth, tongue and cheeks. It can also dry the mouth and inhibit saliva flow.

Chlorophyll is a natural breath freshener and is found in leafy green vegetables like parsley.

Redmond Molloy is a well renowned dental practice based in Dublin, with offices in Santry, Sutton, Balbriggan and at Grand Canal Quay. For more details, check out www.redmondmolloy.ie or mail [email protected].