Are you worried about your breath? Bad breath (also called halitosis) affects most people from time to time, but it's usually temporary.
If your breath problem doesn't go away, it could be a sign of a more serious problem – so you'll need to treat the cause and not just the symptoms.
Bad breath may be temporary (usually related to diet or lifestyle) or it can be a symptom of an underlying problem. Since we can't smell our own breath reliably, you should ask someone to tell you the truth about your breath odour to see if you really have a problem.
Odours from pungent food and drink can enter the lungs through the bloodstream, so they may still be present on your breath even after you brush your teeth. The same goes for tobacco products, which also increase your oral health risks. Avoiding these foods and quitting smoking should improve your breath instantly.
Longer-term halitosis may be caused by:
It's not always possible to treat bad breath yourself, depending on what's causing it, but improving your oral hygiene is always a good start! Our dentists in Auckland recommend:
If you've tried home remedies and your bad breath doesn't go away, you should make an appointment with your dentist. They will examine your teeth, gums, mouth and throat for any tell-tale signs of problems and may be able to recommend appropriate treatments. These could include:
If your dentist doesn't think your breath problem is related to oral health, they'll recommend that you make an appointment with your general doctor. They can hopefully diagnose the problem and arrange treatment or refer you to a specialist who can.
If you're worried about bad breath or you want to see a dentist in Auckland for any other reason, contact St Heliers Dental Centre today to book an appointment at a convenient time.
Call (09) 575 5814 to talk to our friendly team or you can book online.