However, there is a simple way to avoid this eventuality. Oral hygiene is relatively simple when you actually think about it. Brushing twice a day for three minutes with an appropriate brush and paste, combined with flossing to remove trapped food particles and bacteria from hard to reach places will keep the teeth healthy. This of course must be combined with a regular six-monthly check up from your Birkenhead dentist to ensure that there are no further problems.

Brushing and flossing work by removing plaque, the sticky acidic substance that causes both tooth decay and gum disease. If it is allowed to remain it will eventually begin to erode the teeth and cause dental cavities. Gum disease is caused by an infection of the tissue, which if allowed to worsen could end up causing wider health problems and even heart disease.

Good oral hygiene only involves spending an extra few minutes each day looking after your teeth. There is no magic formula or costly apparatus, just the right knowledge and the right dedication. See your dentist for more information on how to best look after your teeth.

Having bad breath is actually common under the following situations:

• After waking up from a night’s sleep
• After eating foods that contain garlic or onion
• After drinking certain beverages such as alcohol
• Smoking

In addition to foul-smelling breath, you could also experience other symptoms such as:

• Inflamed gums
• Presence of sores
• Plaque-covered teeth
• Dryness of the mouth

Since it is more likely that other people will notice your bad breath first, you can always ask a family member or a friend to give their honest opinion. If you feel uncomfortable, you can opt to visit your Everton dentist to get you checked.

Bad breath is usually caused by oral bacteria that reside in your teeth, feeding on food debris and plaque. If this is the cause of your bad breath, your dentist will probably suggest the following:

• Professional cleaning including scaling
• Antiseptic mouthwash
• Regular brushing and flossing

On the other hand, if the cause seems to be because of your diet or lifestyle, your dentist might suggest some changes. There are also instances when the bead breath is a symptom of an underlying condition such as gastritis or diabetes. In this case, you will be referred to a medical doctor.

Preventing bad breath is actually simple. You just need to:

• Avoid smoking
• Drink plenty of water
• Avoid eating sweets
• Eat well-balanced meals