Self-conscious about bad breath? We can help identify the cause!
Bad breath (also known as halitosis) occurs when a noticeably unpleasant breath odour is present, and often it won’t be yourself that notices.
Symptoms of bad breath
There is one very distinct way to recognise bad breath, the smell. You may notice it yourself, or be alerted by someone you know. You may not realise, however it can be more severe than just an off smell, in some cases this symptom helps with detecting further dental health related issues.
Other symptoms that can come into consideration with bad breath is:
- Sore gums
- Bleeding or swollen gums
- Toothache
If you are having any concerns with the above, book an appointment with your Maven dentist to examine your mouth and look into treatment options.
Causes of bad breath
Bad breath starts in the mouth, though generally the causes of this vary and can include:
- Poor dental hygiene habits such as infrequent brushing and flossing
- Build up of food on your tongue, between teeth or along your gums
- Build up on bacteria and plaque, often from infrequent dental check-up visits
- Gum disease, tooth decay or dental abscesses
- Dry mouth or xerostomia
- What you eat and drink can also play a role
Other factors such as stress, dieting, snoring and hormonal changes can affect your breath.
When to see a dentist?
If you are unsure about bad breath, see your dentist who will help identify the cause.
Book an appointment to see your local Maven Dental practice as soon as possible if:
- Your bad breath has been persistent and has lasted more than a few days
- The odour is quite noticeable or concerning
- You have pain in your mouth, bleeding or sore gums
Are you in pain?
If you’re experiencing pain and need emergency dental care, call us and we’ll get you in fast for an emergency appointment.
What's Next?
Learn more about some possible treatment options with your local Maven Dental practice. We recommend you book an appointment with a dentist to further discuss and provide expert advice on how you can achieve great oral health.
FAQs
The costs for treating bad breath can vary depending on the underlying cause. Your Maven dentist will be able to diagnose the cause and advise you about the fees for treatment. Book an appointment to discuss with your nearest Maven Dental practice.
Bad breath can indicate a health issue, usually within the mouth. Visit your dentist in the first instance, they may be able to identify the cause or recommend for you to see a GP or specialist if needed.
Yes. It all comes down to taking care of your oral health, with a combination of at-home dental care and building a regular relationship with your dentist or dental hygienist.
We recommend daily healthy habits and regular visits to the dentist. For a healthy smile and overall good oral health:
- Practice good oral hygiene habits at home including brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once a day
- Book routine hygiene & check-up visits with a dentist or dental hygienist ideally every 6 months or as advised by your dentist
If bad breath persists, book an appointment with your local Maven Dental practice to discuss further causes and how to prevent further complications.
We understand that some people feel anxious about visiting the dentist. At Maven Dental, we work hard to make you feel comfortable and to create environments that feel safe and welcoming. We also believe that communication is key and invite you to share any concerns you may have prior or upon arrival.
While everyone is different, we’ve created a list of tips that can help to reduce anxiety related to dentist visits – read more