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If you are constantly popping mints, or chewing gum to cover up bad breath, you are not alone. One in four people suffer from halitosis, and is cursed with smelly breath. Bad breath, also called halitosis, is no laughing matter. It can be embarrassing to deal with, especially when extra brushing and flossing isn't helping the matter. Talk to your London dentist, Dr. Adam Burton, if you have chronic bad breath. Simply improving your oral hygiene or altering your lifestyle habits may be enough to eliminate your halitosis. In some cases an oral disease or more serious medical condition is the culprit and will need to be addressed by your dentist or regular physician. Simple steps can help you prevent it, however, and a visit to your dentist is often enough to treat it. Common Cause: Poor Dental Hygiene Many cases of halitosis are simply caused by poor oral hygiene. When you don't thoroughly brush and floss your teeth after every meal, food can get wedged between your teeth and gums or stick to your tongue, which eventually decays leaving an unpleasant smell. Some foods and drinks can cause bad breath more than others. These include cheese, garlic, onions and orange juice. As these foods are digested and move through your blood stream, they eventually make their way to your lungs and are emitted as a foul odor on your breath. Poor dental health also provides the perfect environment for bacteria to breed and grow, potentially leading to gum disease, which can also cause bad breath. Conditions that Cause Bad Breath Apart from poor oral hygiene and certain foods, your halitosis may also be a symptom of certain medical conditions or habits. Bad breath can be linked to: * Smoking and tobacco products
* Dry mouth
* Health conditions, such as diabetes, lung disease and other underlying medical problems
* Respiratory conditions
* Malnutrition Simple Tips for Eliminating Bad Breath Treatment for bad breath varies depending on the cause. Sometimes simple lifestyle changes and improved oral hygiene can combat halitosis. Follow these simple tips to eliminate foul odor: * Brush and floss after every meal, including your tongue
* Avoid foods and beverages known to cause bad breath
* Drink plenty of water to keep your mouth moist
* If you wear dentures, or other removable oral appliances, clean them at least once a day
* Chew gum or suck on mints to increase saliva flow and freshen breath
* Quit smoking or the use of other tobacco products If you still can't get rid of your bad breath after making improvements in your oral hygiene, or if you find yourself frequently popping mints, visit your London dentist. Your dentist can properly asses your oral health, determine the cause and make recommendations for treatment.
Sean Hartmen writes for Dr. Adam Burton, London dentist, at Northland Dental Centre. The dentists at Northland Dental Centre are available for all of your dental needs including London veneers, sedation dentistry, and dental implants.
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