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1. Cosmetic contouring

Cosmetic Contouring: aka “enameloplasty”

• A quick and relatively simple teeth rejuvenating process.
• Minor contouring and polishing can smooth chips and fractures.
• It can also reshape pointy teeth and redefine flat or worn teeth.
• It causes minimal discomfort and typically is done without the need for an injection.
• Although it is very stable it can usually make a huge impact.

The eye often seems drawn to the tiny chip in a front tooth; the slight mismatch in tooth size among adjacent teeth; the extra-pointy canine.

A relatively inexpensive procedure known as tooth contouring (reshaping) removes a tiny amount of tooth enamel with a contouring drill to sculpt a more pleasing shape and make the tooth fit in better with its neighboring teeth. The tooth is then polished for a smooth finish. The procedure is most often used on the upper front incisors and canines, which are your most visible teeth. Tooth contouring only involves the removal of a bit of enamel — the hard outer covering of the tooth. Because enamel is not living and contains no nerves, you will likely not need even a local anesthetic.

Cosmetic problems that can be corrected with tooth contouring include:

• Small chips
• Uneven tooth length
• Sligh overlaps
• Tooth edges that are too flattened or pointy
• It can even be used to correct minor bite problems from teeth touching unevenly during contact
• It can also be used to give teeth a more feminine or masculine shape, simply by rounding or squaring the edges

2. Tooth Whitening 

While over-the-counter use-at-home toothpaste and strips are readily available, your dentist is best qualified to determine if you need teeth whitening and the best way to get long-lasting results. They can determine the type of discoloration and the cause, and therefore advise the most effective treatment for you. DIY bleaching comes with all sorts of risks, and anecdotal treatments such as rubbing strawberries, lemons, or even bicarbonate of soda on your teeth, can do a lot of irreversible damage to your teeth and gums for no real whitening gain. 

Dental-Grade hydrogen peroxide is the main chemical that oxidises the stains that become embedded into your enamel. The process of applying hydrogen peroxide onto the surface of the enamel essentially whitens your teeth. For a more gentle release of this, carbamide peroxide is commonly used as this will eventually break down to slowly release hydrogen peroxide. This would be given to you by your dentist to apply overnight. There are two distinct ways we whiten teeth: 

1. An in-office power whitening procedure is a newer dental tooth whitening procedure designed for patients who want to achieve more instant whiter teeth. Using a light-activated whitening gel and a special Led lamp, Power whitening results are achieved within an hour to an hour and a half. Some people experience faster treatment times depending on the extent of their tooth discolouration
2. With Supervised take-home whitening, your dentist custom-creates your tooth whitening treatment for you to take home and apply, along with guidance for safe application. The gel is pre-inserted into the trays you use to fit over your teeth. With dental monitoring for safe usage, the treatment is applied at home overnight with results appearing typically within a month. The downside of this method is that lights are not used in home whitening, which may mean that results take longer to appear.

3. Stain removal cleaning

Traditional cleaning involves a standard descaling of the teeth to remove calcified plaque and then polishing surfaces away using a slow polishing drill but the development of new technology has led to a new alternative form of cleaning known as Airflow Stain Removal Cleaning. 

This is an advanced method of tooth polishing which utilises a machine that combines water, compressed air and non-abrasive fine powder particles in a highly targeted flow which leaves the teeth feeling and looking ultra-clean and stain free.

Although most dentists can offer a variety of teeth whitening treatments able to lift the brightness of the patient’s teeth by several shades, there are still some stains that are impervious to bleaching. These generally take the form of stains that are deeply embedded within the pores of the patient’s enamel and appear as dark brown/yellow or grey lines and spots which mar the surface of the teeth and can sometimes be seen by others when you smile. 

The Air Flow technology directs a stream of water, compressed air and extra-fine sodium particles at the surface of the teeth, and this mixture removes deposits at the same time as gently polishing away minor stains caused by tea, coffee, nicotine and plaque build-up but it can also reach into gum pockets along the line of the gums.

The use of Air Flow technology is a major leap forward in the field of dental hygiene and professional cleaning as it can offer quicker and more effective results compared to the standard polish done after scaling.

4. Changing silver fillings to white fillings 

White fillings or composite resin fillings are cosmetic fillings made from a synthetic resin and are an excellent alternative to silver amalgam fillings. Since these materials are bonded to teeth, they are strong, durable and require minimal removal of tooth structure. The fillings are tooth coloured and are carefully matched to the shade of your tooth. When in place, they are virtually invisible. Unlike traditional fillings, invisible fillings restore between 85% and 95% of the original strength of your tooth, improving your overall dental health. These also don’t include any Mercury, making them safer.

5.Invisible braces eg: Invisalign®

If you are self-conscious about crooked, spaces between your teeth or misaligned teeth and don’t like the idea of walking around with obvious traditional metal braces you may be a candidate for the Invisalign® system. The Invisalign® teeth straightening system discreetly and gently slides your teeth into a more aesthetically pleasing position providing you with a more attractive smile.

Although there are many brands of clear aligners, Invisalign® has been around treating 5 million patients worldwide. When combined with tooth whitening this is a great way to rejuvenate your smile 

Invisalign® offers a number of benefits beyond the teeth-straightening benefits of traditional braces. Because the Invisalign® aligners are removable, regular dental hygiene routines are easier and more effective to perform. There is no metal tracking for food or plaque to build up on. The aligners are also clear and discreet, eliminating any stigma or embarrassment that may result from traditional metal braces. Finally, the Invisalign® aligners are a more gentle way to shift your teeth, reducing any discomfort that may be experienced from traditional braces.

6.Composite Bonding

Dental bonding is often used to repair small chips or cracks and cover-up troublesome tooth-stains. A thin coat of acrylic resin is added to your teeth. We can sculpt the resin as it hardens so that it evenly covers and fills the damaged areas.

The acrylic is meticulously matched to the natural shade of your teeth. The results will look so natural that even you may not be able to tell which teeth you’ve had work on. The results are comparable to improvements accomplished by our porcelain veneers, only less expensive. 

7.Veneers

A veneer is a thin layer of porcelain or composite resin custom made to fit over the front surface of a tooth, to improve the look of crooked or worn down teeth, gaps and discoloration, They usually require replacing after a certain amount of time.

A veneer can make a chipped tooth look whole again. The veneers cover the whole of the front of the tooth, with a thicker section replacing the broken part. Veneers can also be used to close small gaps when orthodontics (braces) are not suitable. If one tooth is slightly out of position, a veneer can sometimes be fitted to bring it into line with the others.

How are teeth prepared for a veneer?

Procedure for veneers 

A Small amount of outer enamel surface of the tooth is drilled away, to make sure that the veneer can be bonded permanently in place later. A local anesthetic (injection) may be used to make sure that there is no discomfort, Once the tooth has been prepared, the dentist will take an ‘impression’ (mold). This will be given to the dental technician, along with any other information needed to make the veneer. The colour of the surrounding teeth is matched on a shade guide to make sure that the veneer will look entirely natural.

A veneer takes at least two visits. The first is to prepare the tooth and match the shade, and the second is to fit it. Before sticking it in place, your dentist will show you the veneer on your tooth to make sure you are happy with it. Bonding a veneer in place is done with a special adhesive, which holds it firmly on the tooth.

Research has shown that porcelain veneers usually last from 9 to 15 years, Composite veneers are usually cheaper and require more maintenance but they usually require less drilling away of your natural tooth.

Your gums are like cushions for your teeth; they surround the tooth from its crown to its root in the jaw and help to support a healthy mouth. Looking after your gums is just as important as looking after your teeth, and without routine cleaning gum disease can occur. 

What is Gum disease? 

The leading cause of tooth loss is Gum disease it can be simply described as swelling soreness or infection of the supply of the tissue to the teeth. Gingivitis and periodontal disease are both forms of gum disease.

 What causes gum disease? 

All gum disease is caused by dental plaque 

Plaque is a collection of bacteria that forms on the surface of teeth every day. We aim to remove plaque with good oral hygiene- brushing and flossing your teeth. Many of the bacteria in plaque are harmless and only a few have the potential to cause gum disease. If plaque is not removed, it can solidify and cause calculus (aka tartar). When you have a professional Cleaning we remove both plaque and calculus. 

What is gingivitis: 

Gingivitis means gum inflammation.  Characteristically, gums surrounding the teeth appear red and swollen and they often bleed easily during cleaning and flossing. It is avoidable and reversible with good oral hygiene habits and regular cleanings by your dentist 

What periodontal disease? 

If long-standing gingivitis is not treated it can progress into periodontal disease. There are a few types of periodontal disease but all types affect the supporting tissues of the teeth: the gums, the bone and the connecting ligaments that help anchor the teeth in the bone. There is no cure for periodontal disease but it can be controlled with the right dental care and oral hygiene habits.

Symptoms of periodontitis can include

• bad breath (halitosis)
• an unpleasant taste in your mouth
• loss of teeth that can make eating difficult
• gum abscesses (collections of pus that develop under your gums or teeth)

What happens if gum disease is left untreated?

If left untreated, gum disease can result in loose teeth and eventually these teeth can fall out. The buildup of tartar affects the connections between the teeth and the gum. If there are no connectors, the bone begins to disintegrate and the buildup of tartar continues causing pockets of disease. Because of pockets, the gum recedes exposing more of the root and the bone shrinks.

Can I just use mouthwash if I have gingivitis? 

If you suspect, you have gingivitis you should visit your dentist to confirm your suspicions. This is important because many times gingivitis cannot be treated only using mouthwash.

How is gum disease treated?

Your dentist will firstly do a thorough examination of your teeth and gums and take records as well as X rays and photographs.

X rays are important to the assessment of the extent of the disease and progression of gum recession.

Your dentist will then usually give your teeth a thorough clean focusing under your gums. A numbing injection can be placed to help make this type of clean more comfortable. The clean under the gums aims to get rid of bacteria from the roots of your teeth

You’ll also be shown how to remove plaque successfully yourself, cleaning all surfaces of your teeth thoroughly and effectively. This may take a number of sessions with the dentist.

Your dentist might recommend using a chlorhexidine containing mouthwash to help control the buildup of plaque. This may be used for a certain period of time because a Chlorhexidine mouthwash can stain your teeth brown if you use it for a prolonged period. If you have severe gum disease, you may need extensive treatment, such as periodontal surgery.  In some cases, it’s necessary to remove badly affected teeth.

Sometimes If you’re having surgery or deep cleaning, you may also be given antibiotics.

Who is most at risk?

• Smokers
• Gum disease in your family
• Diabetics
• a weakened immune system – for example, because of conditions such as HIV and AIDS or certain treatments
• Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy
• Malnutrition
• Stress

How does smoking affect my gums and teeth?

Smoking is one of the most significant risk factors for gum disease. People who smoke are more likely to produce the type of bacterial plaque which causes gum disease. Smoking also causes a lack of oxygen in the bloodstream and this directly affects the gums. Giving up Smoking can greatly improve your oral hygiene and improve your gum health.

Gum disease is linked to other general health illnesses like diabetes, strokes, Cardiovascular disease and even dementia. More research is needed to understand these links but there is evidence that having a healthy mouth can increase your general health and greatly reduce any potential cost of medical treatment.

A great smile is one that’s winning and memorable.  Many different things can affect the quality of your smile. One major factor is dental staining and tooth discoloration. Thankfully, this can be addressed through cosmetic dentistry, specifically tooth whitening. How easy is it to get your whitest smile? Is tooth whitening safe? Can you develop sensitivity from tooth whitening? Are Home remedies effective? What are the new trends in tooth whitening?

What makes teeth stained?

Ageing can cause teeth to become stained over time due to the microscopic composition of enamel changes. Staining is most commonly caused by diet or lifestyle habits like smoking, consuming tea, coffee, and red wine.

Can anyone whiten their teeth?

Some patients are not suitable for teeth whitening. Patients with existing tooth sensitivity gum disease, exposed root surfaces, damaged or fissured enamel, dental decay and allergies to chemical products such as hydrogen peroxide cannot be candidates for tooth whitening. 

If your sensitivity is treated however you can proceed with tooth whitening.

How can I achieve a Whiter smile?

1. Avoidance of staining foods
2. Tooth Whitening is safe if your dentist assesses the quality and suitability of your enamel and tailors a bespoke tooth whitening procedure plan specifically for you. It can be done with at-home gels or treated for power whitening by the dentist

Can I buy an over the counter whitening kit?

Yes, but often these kits omit the percentage value of dental bleaching. Often these kits can lead to prolonged long term sensitivity. However, a dental professional can ensure complete safety during treatment and a brighter smile.

What about natural ways?

Charcoal – although the colour is outstanding, other issues are that it can be abrasive, can contain a low-level carcinogen and usually contains heavy metals.

Can I whiten my teeth if they are sensitive?

No one should have sensitive teeth. Besides desensitizing toothpaste, there are many modern ways of reducing sensitivity. If your sensitive teeth are successfully treated, you can proceed with tooth whitening.

What is power whitening?

Power whitening uses a state of the art whitening lamp to achieve whiter teeth in a short optimal period of time. It is far superior to do it- yourself whitening.

Home kits from the dentist vs from over the Counter

The results of professional teeth whitening are far more dramatic than the results of over-the-counter teeth whitening. The reason for this is that the bleaching solution in professional whitening is much more powerful than the bleaching agents used in over-the-counter whitening products.

• Professional grade whitening gels can only be prescribed and dispensed by a dentist. Your dentist can customize your treatment for you to take home and apply with guidance for safe application.

Results typically can be seen after two weeks but treatment is usually recommended for four to six weeks.

Are there any risks?

If tooth whitening gels are applied to exposed dentine then sensitivity can occur hence it is important to be fully assessed by your dentist to ensure your teeth are healthy.

If not performed under the guidance of a dentist there is a higher risk of tooth sensitivity. Over application of whitening gels can cause long term sensitivity as well as gum damage. 

Benefits of professional teeth whitening

• Lighter and more youthful appearance.
• Increases self-esteem and boosts self-confidence 
• Gives you a pleasant smile and enhances your appearance

When is the best time to brush your teeth? How long should I be brushing for? Which is the best toothpaste? Here are some simple changes you can make to your daily routine to improve your oral hygiene level.

On Toothbrushing

• Your toothbrush should be discarded after 200 uses (2-3 months). Depending on how hard you brush, the bristles will fray over time and using a frayed toothbrush will not clean your mouth adequately. Furthermore, bacteria and plaque will start to accumulate on the bristles, thus making the whole tooth-cleaning process ineffective! 

Tip: I usually use a permanent marker and write an expiry date on my electric toothbrush head when I first use it to remind me when I need to replace it.

• Timing is everything! Electric toothbrushes have the advantage of having a built-in timer. The recommended time for brushing is 2 ½ minutes. This is to give enough time for the fluoride in the toothpaste to really get in there. It’s really helpful to look at a clock or use a timer because many of us zone out when we’re brushing and may even scrub too hard, trying to compensate for the fact that we’re rushing our brushing.

• Fluoride- Spit not rinse! We shouldn’t rinse our mouth with water or mouthwash directly after brushing. This is because Fluoride is active for at least 30 minutes after we have brushed. Fluoride is the active ingredient in toothpaste and we are really just washing it away when we rinse it out. Then how am I going to get all that toothpaste suds out of my mouth I hear you ask? The answer is to spit out as much as you can. Train your brain to accept the foaminess as your new normal.

• Make haste and store your brush in a case! Storing your toothbrush in a case is vital. A recent study from the University of Manchester has estimated that more than 10 million bacteria live on your toothbrush. If you’re storing your toothbrush anywhere near to your toilet, you can bet that the ‘toilet flush bugs’ are going to remain in the atmosphere and eventually find a warm and cozy home on the bristles of your toothbrush. Researchers from the University of Alabama confirms this in a study which found that brushes stored in the bathroom are contaminated with faecal matter lingering in the bristles.

• “Go medium, soft or extra-soft or go home!” said no one ever, except me, when I am giving advice about toothbrushes. Hard toothbrushes are really only good for cleaning Clarks. Very rarely would I recommend it for my patients. WHY? Because after 10 years of looking at teeth I see the damage that hard brushes cause. The enamel and sometimes dentine layers of your teeth can be irreversibly brushed away a lot quicker if you use a hard toothbrush. This can lead to sensitive teeth and even ‘abrasion’ cavities. Yes…..your toothbrush can cause cavities.

•  Move that toothbrush round and round. YES! The best way to brush is in gentle circles. Not side to side, not up and down, but round and round. Around all tooth surfaces. Believe it or not many many researchers have tested and researched the safest and most efficient technique to brush your teeth. The ‘modified bass technique’ is widely accepted as the best. The technique involves holding your brush at a 45 degree angle to your tooth surface and making gentle circles, ensuring that you brush your gum line also.

•  Don’t overbrush! Twice a day. First thing when you wake up and last thing before you go to bed and never brush immediately after eating. This is because your mouth becomes naturally more acidic after eating, and brushing in an acidic mouth can cause damage to your tooth enamel. If after lunch you want to freshen your mouth, floss, and mouthwash.

• Make sure your toothpaste has fluoride. Dentists will always recommend Fluoride. This is because we know how good it is for preventing cavities. The benefits and drawbacks of fluoride has been a contentious topic for decades in dentistry. When ingested at high levels, yes, fluoride is indeed toxic. But who is really swallowing toothpaste? Children. This is why it is extremely important that children are supervised up until the age when they are spitting all the toothpaste out.
• Those toothpaste commercials and that S-shaped toothpaste strip is possibly the best marketing visual in the history of toothpaste marketing. Seeing that my first name incidentally begins with ‘S’…As a child, I would try to put as much toothpaste as physically possible on my brush and indulged in the resulting foam party in my mouth. As an adult dentist, learning about toothpaste I realise that the pea-sized amount they taught me to recommend is adequate, your toothpaste will last longer also.
• Most Kinds of toothpaste contain an ingredient called ‘SLS’, Sodium Lauryl Sulphate. This is the powerful detergent that is added to shampoo, hand wash, shower gel and you guessed it toothpaste, to facilitate the foaminess. The main purpose is to give you that psychological connection with cleaning even though this makes very little difference to the effectiveness of the toothpaste. SLS has also been linked in some studies to mouth ulcers and patients who have tried a toothpaste without SLS have reported a reduction in their ulcers.  

 On Flossing 

I got a little too excited when I realised there was both a song AND dance craze this summer about flossing. My excitement bubble popped when I realised that this was, in reality, virtual flossing, Singing and dancing about flossing without actually flossing your teeth. From a flossing point of view though, any publicity is good publicity. You should be doing the actual flossing daily. Once a day. Every Tooth has 5 surfaces and brushing usually only gets 3 out of the 5 surfaces. The floss gets those in-between bits of plaque and bacteria out of the gums so that the chance of getting gingivitis, bad breath or cavities is greatly reduced.

On tongue cleaning 

Tongue Cleaning and scraping. Most of the bacteria in the mouth live on the tongue. Using a brush to gently clean your tongue so that it is a healthy pink color is one way of cleaning it. You can also get a tongue scraper. Most manual toothbrushes have a tongue cleaner on the back of the toothbrush head. When I realised exactly how many bacteria live on your tongue – I immediately started recommending tongue cleaning to my patients. The result will be fresher breath and less bacteria in your mouth.

On mouthwash

Actually, mouthwash is actually unnecessary after toothbrushing. I would usually suggest it after a meal like lunch. If you must use one, then choose one with fluoride. Also, wait at least 30 minutes after brushing to use mouthwash.

Ageing—it happens to all of us and all parts of us. Our teeth and gums are no exception to the ageing rule. The truth is, the more we age, the more we are prone to teeth and gum problems but, the good news is that we can slow down the process.

Here are a few pointers: 

Tooth Wear and Tear  

Did you know that enamel is the hardest component of your body? Our enamel is even harder than bone. We crush our food with very strong pressures and the action of our teeth rubbing against each other or even harder foods can reduce the amount of enamel present on our teeth 

Chewing gum excessively, clenching or rubbing your teeth together (bruxism) can lead to a flattened, glossy appearance on the biting surface of your teeth. Our diets in this country can be quite abrasive on our teeth. Think of the things we eat like channa, fried split peas, kurma. Over time, this can cause our teeth to become weaker. Sometimes, even crunching ice can make our tooth structures chip, fracture or even break.

Be mindful of habits like nail-biting or pen lid chewing because these habits will also cause significant wear over time.

Wear and tear of the teeth will result in shorter teeth making them look smaller. 

Ask your dentist to check if you have any visual signs of bruxism which may require wearing a splint. Teeth can also be worn down by a poor bite which may require orthodontic work; lost tooth structure can be replaced with fillings and sometimes even crowns. 

Gum Health-Are your gums healthy? 

Gum health relies heavily on good oral hygiene habits. Bacteria present in your mouth cause plaque to constantly form on tooth surfaces. If this plaque remains on the tooth it can migrate under the gums and cause gingivitis (swelling and bleeding of your gums); if this isn’t removed, the tooth connections to the bone and even the bone itself can become irreversibly damaged. 

Gingivitis and other gum problems can be treated by your dentist but if it progresses teeth can become so shaky that they may need to be removed.

Here are some signs of gum disease: 

• Loose or receding gums 
• Bleeding when brushing teeth
• Shaky teeth
• Bad breath 

Preventing gum disease involves a good oral hygiene regimen: brush floss and visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings. If you smoke, try to quit.

Gingivitis is treatable at any age; with a combination of scaling to remove the hardened plaque and infected gum tissue, antibiotics, and—in advanced cases—surgery.

Dry Mouth 

When we don’t produce enough saliva it can be very uncomfortable, making eating and swallowing difficult. A dry mouth can also cause bad breath and could increase your chance of developing cavities and infections of the gums and oral tissues.

The best and easiest thing to do is to drink a lot of water. Chewing sugar-free gum can also help. Some medications can also cause a dry mouth so, talk to your doctor if you are concerned and perhaps, switching medication may help. If you do smoke, consider stopping as this may worsen the condition.

Tooth Discoloration

Teeth will eventually lose their brightness and luminosity, becoming darker with time. Years of food, tea coffee, red wine and nicotine can result in permanent staining of teeth.

Regular professional cleaning with your dentist will reduce this effect, but you could also consider professional tooth whitening by your dentist to improve the cosmetic appearance of your teeth.

Acid Damage 

Some sugary drinks, citrus fruits and fruit juices contain acid. High-sugar foods and drinks can also make your mouth more acidic. If you suffer from acid reflux, this will also damage your tooth structure. Acid damages the enamel coating of the teeth by making it weaker.

A good idea would be to have something alkaline like milk or cheese to neutralise your mouth after consuming acidic food or drink. Eating sugary and starchy foods with your main meals, not as snacks, will also help.

Mouth Cancer

Smoking and drinking alcohol may increase the risk of oral cancer. The mouth, lips, tongue and even throat can also be affected. To protect your lips, use a balm with sunscreen.

Visit your dentist if you are concerned about any sores, red or white patches or any other changes.

I’m sure everyone can think of someone they know with bad breath. Interacting with someone with offensive breath can literally take your breath away. The Irony! The truth is, bad breath or Halitosis can happen to anyone.

In the Uk, It is estimated that 1 in 4 people suffer with Halitosis on a regular basis. In the US it is estimated to affect over 50 million people. 

It can have unpleasant effects and essentially can be a social WMD (weapon of mass destruction) in your workplace, in love life and relationships, and in general day to day life. 

Tobacco use, Snoring or even taking oral contraception, can all contribute to Halitosis. Sometimes bad breath can even be a sign of an underlying medical or dental condition. 

The breath of fresh air is the good news that Halitosis can be prevented and treated!

How can I tell if I have breath?

It is usually very tricky to work out how bad your breath does or does not smell. An easy indicator is to lick the back of your wrist then immediately smell it. Another test is to use some floss in between your back teeth, then smell the floss. On your Tongue, there are projections or taste buds which harbour bacteria. Specific bacteria produce volatile sulphur compounds which have a distinctive smell. Using a piece of gauze, gently rub the surface of your tongue then smell the gauze.

If you have tried all of the above and the smell is offensive to you, chances are your breath may smell..

But What causes bad breath?

FOOD – strongly flavoured foods with spices, onions and garlic and even coffee can exacerbate bad breath. As these foods are high in sulphur compounds. Eating sugary foods has also been linked to bad breath.

POOR DENTAL HYGIENE – if you don’t floss and brush on a daily basis, food particles can get trapped in between your teeth and under your gums. Persistent bad breath is caused by bacteria coating the tongue, teeth or gums and food getting trapped in between teeth.

SMOKING – tobacco smoking increases your chance of developing gum disease. Bad breath caused by Gum disease also has a unique smell. This is due to the specific type of bacteria that is found under your gums.

Medical conditions – Tonsillitis, Sinus problems, Respiratory tract infections like pneumonia or bronchitis, Asthma,  Acid reflux disease and oral conditions like mouth infections, gum disease and dental decay can also cause bad breath.

What can differing scents of your breath mean?

Acidic smell	A lung problem like asthma or cystic fibrosis
Scent of ammonia	Can indicate kidney problems
Sweet musty odor	Liver Cirrhosis
Fishy smell	Can indicate increased urea levels  and Kidney disease
Fruity smell (ketone breath)	Uncontrolled diabetes
Cheesy smell	A nasal origin
A faecal odor	May point to a bowel obstruction

DRY MOUTH – saliva in your mouth keeps your mouth hydrated but it also has a cleansing effect that mechanically moves particles that cause bad breath. People who breathe through their mouths or snore when they sleep can suffer from a dryer mouth on waking, and this can cause the characteristic morning breath. In addition, a dry mouth may prevent the clearance of harmful bacteria, causing a sulfuric odor.

MEDICATIONS – certain medications can be broken down in the body to release chemicals that cause bad breath. They can also cause a dryer mouth as a side effect.  Commonly prescribed medications that treat Depression, Anxiety, Pain, Allergies, Obesity, Nasal congestion, Acne and Epilepsy can all contribute to a dry mouth, hypertension, asthma and Parkinson’s disease. 

FASTING or DIETING – and skipping meals can also affect the salivary flow rate which again can cause bacteria to accumulate. 

SO How can I prevent bad breath

DIET

Avoid regularly eating strongly flavored foods like garlic and onions which contain sulphur compounds. 

After eating garlic, try chewing on parsley, celery  or even apples. These food contain certain enzymes which can help oxidise the sulphides in garlic. 

It is  also worth remembering that Refined and processed sugar feed and encourage the growth of bacteria responsible for bad breath, so try to keep these to a minimum

Chewing fennel seeds , which are antimicrobial, can neutralise odors.  

Drinking green tea and black has also been scientifically proven to eliminate the effects of bad breath. Green tea is very high in antioxidants called Polyphenols. Theses polyphenols can help cover up the odor-causing chemicals in garlic.

WATER:

Water helps in washing away harmful bacteria on your teeth. Aim to consume enough water throughout the day which not only prevents dehydration but will also keep your oral cavity well lubricated.

Chewing gum for 20 minutes immediately after meals can stimulate a healthy salivary flow rate and ensure your mouth is kept clean. 

Tip: Be sure that you chew sugar-free gum, but also be careful not to use chewing gum as a means to mask existing bad breath. 

Oral Hygiene: brush teeth and gums for 2 1/2 mins with a fluoride toothpaste. And remember to regularly change your toothbrush, every 300 uses.

Try to avoid alcohol-based mouthwashes because these can make the mouth dry, concealing odours instead of killing bacteria.

Using a battery operated or electric toothbrush can sometimes clean teeth more effectively than a manual toothbrush.

Flossing or interdental brushes at least once a day – helps to control bad breath by removing the plaque from in between the teeth.

Tongue Cleaning – Millions of microorganisms can survive and multiply on the tongue. Investing in a good quality tongue scraper or using the tongue cleaner at the back of your manual toothbrush head brush is like exfoliating your tongue which reduces amounts of bacteria in your mouth. The whole of your tongue should be cleaned, the back, the sides included. Tongue cleaning has also been proven to enhance taste. 

See your Dentist: ask your dentist for her/his opinion. Regular dental checks and maintenance cleaning is recommended if your breath is as a result of gum disease. Scheduling a session to deep clean under your gums would reduce the amount of bacteria and plaque in the mouth and less bacteria means less odour. If your dentist cannot find the cause of your bad breath it can be a sign of an underlying medical condition that should be investigated by your doctor.

What to do if you think you have bad breath?

If you are worried that you may suffer from bad breath sometimes it can be uncomfortable to ask a partner, friend or family member.  

Masking it with chewing gum, mouthwash or even breath mints may not be an ideal long term solution.

The most important step is to be evaluated by your dentist who is best equipped to provide you with solutions.