Combating bad breath for Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is a time for love, and to mark the occasion, a kiss is something many will be hoping for. However, for one in four of us the issue of bad breath can be a concern. Chronic bad breath (halitosis) is something many people deal with daily. Dr Jane McAleese from Dental Care Ireland Ballyowen has the following advice to keep your dental health in top shape to avoid dealing with bad breath this Valentine’s.

Brushing your teeth

A common cause of chronic bad breath (halitosis) 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. Brushing your teeth is crucial for oral health and it’s your best defence against bad breath. It is typically advised that you need to brush for at least two minutes twice a day and be sure to change your toothbrush every 3-4 months or after an illness. You may want to rinse with an antibacterial or odour eliminating mouthwash too. Don’t forget to brush your tongue, as it can also harbour bacteria.

Flossing

It’s important to remember that brushing only deals with about 60% of plaque build-up, so make sure that you floss regularly to get to those places where your toothbrush cannot reach. This will help to limit the amount of bacteria and plaque in your mouth. Generally speaking, it is advised to floss at least once a day.

Don’t smoke

Not only does the lingering smell of stale smoke cause bad breath, but smoking also stains your teeth, irritates your gums and increases your chance of tooth decay and gum disease. If you do smoke, there are mouthwashes and smokers’ toothpastes available that may be effective in removing stains and freshening up the mouth. While they can mask the symptoms of halitosis, they cannot treat any underlying damage caused by smoking.

Avoid strong-smelling foods and drinks

If you’re heading out on a date this Valentine’s Day, avoid strong-smelling foods or drinks such as onions, garlic and coffee. Bad breath from food is often only temporary and will go away once you brush and floss, however if you’re hoping for a kiss at the end of your dinner date, it might be best to opt for a milder meal! If you can’t resist your favourite strong-smelling food or drinks, make sure to drink plenty of water and chew sugar-free gum after your meal. This will increase saliva flow, which helps eliminate the odour-causing bacteria.

Visit your dentist

If you’ve followed the above advice and still struggle with bad breath, it could be a sign of underlying issues such as tooth decay or gum disease. Make sure you visit your dentist regularly so that you can keep your oral health in top shape and 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.