Don’t let bad breath ruin your love life this Valentine’s Day

As tradition would have it, a kiss on Valentine’s Day is said to bring good luck along with a variety of health benefits, including lowered blood pressure, and increased resilience against tooth decay, due to an increase in saliva which helps fight plaque causing bacteria.

However, there is one thing that is sure to stop you getting your kiss this Valentine’s Day, the dreaded curse of bad breath.

There are many common causes for bad breath or Halitosis and according to the Irish Dental Association, a surprising 1 in 4 Irish people are suffering with chronic bad breath. In most cases it is easily treated and very preventable and shouldn’t be holding you back from a potentially life changing kiss.

It is likely that your bad breath is caused by the bacteria in the mouth working to break down food in the mouth and leads to the formation of plaque on your teeth, tongue and gums. When combined with saliva, it can produce an unpleasant smelling gas.

Make sure you adopt a good oral hygiene routine, brushing alone will only clean 60% of the tooth surface. Flossing daily will allow to reach the surfaces that brushing misses and will limit the amount of bacteria in your mouth.

Just because you’re brushing your teeth twice a day, doesn’t mean you’re cleaning them well enough. 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 there are the obvious causes, don’t be surprised if people keep their distance after you’ve indulged in strong smelling foods such as onions and garlic. This smell is often temporary and following good oral hygiene techniques will help.

Smokers take note, this is a likely cause of your bad breath. As well as the lingering smell of stale smoke, it stains your teeth, irritates your gums and increases your chance of tooth decay and gum disease.

Constant bad breath can also be a sign of tooth decay or gum disease. You should be visiting your dentist every 6-12 months, so it may be time to book your check-up to make sure you have no cavities in need of attention.

Book your dental examination with one of our Dental Care Ireland clinicians today and make sure your teeth and gums are happy and healthy. Don’t let bad breath hold you back.