A pleasant breath is essential not only because it is directly related to oral hygiene, but also because it can help make a good first impression, creating an enjoyable atmosphere in our communication with others.

Sometimes, however, our breathing is not as pleasant as we or those around us would ideally like. So, let’s look at the reasons responsible for bad breath.

Daily brushing and flossing contribute to a pleasant breath by removing food particles that if left in the mouth can increase bacteria and cause a foul odour.

Besides good oral hygiene which contributes greatly towards the immediate and also preventive protection of the teeth, bad breath has to do with how healthy our teeth actually are.

Some of the causes of bad breath include:

·       Tooth decay because of cavities, which can be treated with dental fillings.

·       Teeth that need to undergo root canal treatment due to inflammation of the inside of the teeth called pulp. The purpose of root canal treatment is to remove nerves, blood vessels, germs, and toxins from inside the tooth and to clean the tooth thoroughly.

·       Gingivitis or inflammation of the gums, which is the first sign of gum disease, but fortunately can be easily treated. Although it is a persistent condition, many people are unaware that they have gingivitis because it is present in a mild form. For example, women during pregnancy due to hormonal changes, often develop secondary gingivitis that a lot of the times goes unnoticed.

·       Periodontitis, a very serious form of gum disease that develops if gingivitis is not treated properly and in a timely manner. Periodontitis can lead to tooth loss and jaw damage. In the long run, both gingivitis and periodontitis cause problems to how well teeth are supported and to the surrounding tissues.

·       Various problems outside the oral cavity, such as stomach disorders, swollen tonsils, dry mouth, etc.

Therefore, to maintain a pleasant breath and to keep your teeth healthy it is recommended to:

·       Take care of your teeth daily. Every person should be made aware from an early age that the daily, proper brushing of teeth and gums as well as the use of dental floss contribute decisively to maintaining teeth health.

·       Visit your dentist every 6 months for preventive examination and dental cleaning, which is necessary not only for the long-term health of teeth and surrounding tissues, but also for our overall health.

·       Avoid masking bad breath by using a mouthwash or spray and look for the real causes of bad breath and how to resolve them.

·       Use oral mouthwash as an addition to your overall oral care and after your bad breath is treated by your dentist.

For more information or appointments, you can visit our email address www.smaltoclinic.com or call our friendly reception team on 22 112 112.