Dealing with bad breath for Valentine’s Day

It’s something that nobody wants to consider, but bad breath affects one in four of us. Make sure your dental health is in good shape by following these tips

Valentine’s Day is a time for love, and is treasured by couples everywhere. A kiss on Valentine’s Day is something many people will be hoping for, but for one in four people, bad breath may hamper their chances.

According to the Irish Dental Association, 25% of Irish people are dealing with chronic bad breath (or halitosis) at any given time, but even so, it’s a reality that many people can avoid by following just a few quick steps.

A common cause of chronic bad breath is bacteria in the mouth working to naturally break down food, leading to some plaque lingering on your teeth, tongue and gums. When combined with saliva, this plaque can produce an unpleasant smell.

It’s important to remember that brushing only deals with about 60% of this plaque build-up, so make sure that you floss regularly to get to those places where your toothbrush cannot reach, and limit the amount of bacteria and plaque in your mouth.

It’s also important to brush your teeth effectively when dealing with bad breath – generally speaking, you need to brush for a at least two minutes and be sure to change your toothbrush every 3-4 months. You may want to rinse with an antibacterial or odour eliminating mouthwash too.

Of course strong-smelling foods such as onions and garlic can affect your breath, but this is often only temporary and will go once you brush and floss.

Predictably, smoking is also a likely cause of your bad breath. As well as the lingering smell of stale smoke, smoking stains your teeth, irritates your gums and increases your chance of tooth decay and gum disease.

If you follow the steps above and your bad breath persists, it could be a sign of tooth decay or gum disease. Make sure you see your dentist regularly so that you can avoid dealing with bad breath in the first place.

Dental Care Ireland has practices around the country. Get in touch with your local practice for an appointment, and remember you can also book an appointment online