How to Treat Bad Breath

The technical term for bad breath is halitosis. This might be an impressive piece of knowledge to some, but you’ll hardly impress anyone if you are suffering from it! Bad breath is most commonly caused by poor dental hygiene. ‘But I brush my teeth twice a day, every day,’ you may cry, ‘why do I have bad breath!?’ Ah, yes – very good, but do you floss? Do you use inter-dental brushes? No? Then I think we may have found our culprit.

Some very light science

Bacteria, which is ever present in the mouth, combines with saliva to break down food particles and proteins. It is this process that produces that rather undesirable odour. You might brush regularly, but the food particles trapped between your teeth may be out of your toothbrushes reach.  It is these trapped bits of food that are most likely the problem in a majority of cases.

What to do about it

Flossing is the classic method for getting into those hard to reach places. Some people, however, find flossing a little awkward and sometimes painful. An alternative method that is equally as effective is the use of inter-dental brushes!

What are inter-dental brushes?

Inter-dental brushes are a series of thin brushes that come in various sizes and can be used as an alternative to flossing.

How do I use an inter-dental brush?

Firstly, you need to determine which size of brush is most appropriate for the job at hand. Smaller brushes tend to be used for front teeth, whilst larger brushes are used for the back ones. The actual brushing is relatively simple: pick an appropriately sized brush and insert it, using a twisting motion, between your teeth. Then simply remove it with a slight pulling motion and then repeat.  Remember to be gentle though! Too much force on your gums can, over a period time, alter their shape and appearance.