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Fresh Breath

Steps to control mouth odour

There are many factors that can cause bad breath: smoking, alcohol, garlic, onions and spicy foods to name a few.

Another significant factor is odour forming bacteria. This is most likely to be from gum disease, but may also be due to blocked sinuses when you have a cold, calcifications in the tonsils or acid regurgitation.

The most important and effective treatment is to brush and floss your teeth well, 20 - 30 minutes after eating. This removes most of the odour forming bacteria in your mouth. Your hygienist can assist you with flossing and inter-dental cleaning.

Other useful steps to take are:

Drink plenty of water.
If you do a lot of speaking take frequent sips of water to keep the mouth moist
Keep your mouth moist by chewing sugar free gum
Keep your sinuses clear, steam inhalations can help clear mucous
Use a tongue scraper
Leave dentures out at night. Thoroughly clean and soak overnight in an appropriate denture cleaning agent

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Fresh Breath

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