Fresh breath clinics

Halitosis, Gingivitis and Bad breath are serious problems that can affect many people and ruin their self-esteem and social and professional life. Bad breath comes second only to body odour as a concern people have about themselves and others.

Contrary to popular belief, breath odour is rarely influenced by what is happening in the stomach and is infrequently related to medical problems. The simple fact is the overwhelming cause of bad breath is what is happening in the mouth.

The cause of bad breath is primarily (90%) the result of the release of Volatile Sulphur Compounds (VSCs). These compounds are by-products of plaque bacteria and principle sites VSCs are the gingival tissues and the tongue.

Other contributing factors include:-

• poor oral hygiene and trapped food debris
• ill fitting crowns, poorly designed bridgework and fillings that are leaking, overhanging or broken
• smoking (stimulates “hairy tongue” which can lead to trapped food debris)
• poorly cleaned partial and full dentures
• food that have strong flavours

Dietary habits

Possible occurrence of bad breath after consuming dairy products – some individuals have a low tolerance or allergy to milk based products, resulting in a specific odour.

A high consumption of acidic foods and drinks can alter the pH of the mouth, this can cause a dry mouth and bad breath.

A high consumption of coffee and or alcohol will reduce the salivary flow and alter the pH of the mouth causing dryness and bad breath.

Smoking

All smoking reduces salivary flow causing dry mouth and bad breath.

Other causes

Sometimes particular medicines such as decongestives, antihistmines etc can cause fresh breath problems. Ulcers can attract bacteria and food debris. People suffering from dry mouth syndrome can experience fresh breath problems. Dental or Oral causes are considered to be responsible for 90% of bad breath cases. Occasionally bad breath can be caused by

• respiratory disease
• stomach related disorders
• liver failure
• diabetes
• gall stones
• medication
• diet

How do you know?

Lick the inside of your wrist and wait 30 seconds until the area is dry – then smell. If you can detect an odour you might have a problem. Or take some dental floss and run it between your back teeth – then smell the floss.

What is the Fresh Breath Centre?

Selected practices have special equipment that can detect and measure the levels of bacteria in a person’s breath. The machine, called a Halimeter and comes from America.

We can offer many solutions such as advice on diet and lifestyle, visits to the dental hygienist and use of specialised RetarDEX toothpaste, mouth rinse and sprays which help to break down the bonds that hold the sulphur atoms together.