Bad Breath
Are you experiencing bad breath?
Bad breath can be uncomfortable for you and those around you, and it’s not always something you can fix on your own. At Whyalla Dental Care, our Oral Health Therapists work with you to identify the root cause of your bad breath and create a personalised treatment plan.
You don’t have to live with bad breath or rely on ineffective at-home remedies. We offer practical, honest advice to help you regain your confidence and reduce unpleasant oral odours.
What Causes Bad Breath?
Bad breath, or halitosis, can have various causes, and the solution can differ depending on the individual. Common contributors include poor diet, inadequate oral hygiene, and irregular dental check-ups.
For some people, even if you’re brushing and flossing regularly, bad breath odours can persist even after cleaning, as bacteria can accumulate in areas that are harder to reach.
Bad Breath & Bleeding Gums
If you’re experiencing bleeding gums along with persistent bad breath, it could be a sign of gum disease. Early-stage gum disease, known as gingivitis, causes your gums to become inflamed, red, swollen, and prone to bleeding—especially when brushing or flossing. This condition occurs when plaque builds up along the gum line, creating a breeding ground for bacteria. If left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, a more severe infection of the gums and bone supporting the teeth. Read more about treatment for Bleeding Gums here.
Don't let bad breath hold you back.
Treatment for Bad Breath
Proper dental hygiene doesn’t result simply from brushing twice a day. It’s necessary to exercise several healthy dental habits to avoid bad breath, such as using dental floss, drinking enough water throughout the day to release trapped food, and visiting the dentist regularly. If you do all of these things and still have an unpleasant odour, consider other lifestyle habits like the use of tobacco-based products, excessive sugar consumption, or not properly cleaning dentures or other dental wearables.
While at-home care can help, it’s important to consult your dentist or oral health therapist as soon as possible, as brushing alone won’t reverse it. Identifying the cause and improving your dental care routine can make a significant difference in managing bad breath.
Steps to Reduce or Prevent Bad Breath
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Brush for 2-3 minutes, twice a day, to remove any build-up of plaque and food particles on your teeth. Avoid brushing too hard to protect your tooth enamel.
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If possible, brush and floss your teeth after consuming sugary treats; if not, rinse your mouth out with water and keep it clean.
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Floss between your teeth once a day to remove food and plaque trapped in your teeth, that your toothbrush alone can’t reach. If you are concerned about the spacing or overlapping of your teeth, let our team know.
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Use a tongue scraper or toothbrush to gently clean your tongue, removing bacteria that can contribute to bad breath.
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Adults should be consuming at least 2 litres of water daily! Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your mouth moist, avoid dry mouth and help flush away food particles and bacteria.
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Tobacco can dry out your mouth and contribute to bad breath – what a great reason to quit!
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Visit your dentist at Whyalla Dental Care for routine check-ups and professional cleanings to maintain optimal oral health. Contact us for an appointment if bad breath persists.
Other Services
Our services are provided as a preferred partner of Bupa and HCF health funds.
We also accept all other health funds including Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA).
