Bad breath (halitosis) is a serious problem suffered by one in four adults damaging people’s self-esteem, social and professional lives.

There are many causes of bad breath and most are usually a result of minor problems in the mouth, however, it is important to identify and treat the cause of bad breath because it may be symptomatic of something more serious.

Portman Healthcare clinics are equipped to treat this problem. The first step is an appointment with one of our hygienists. They will be able to identify the cause and suggest ways of removing or treating your bad breath.

Bad breath can be caused by:

• Dental decay
• Gum disease
• Smoking
• Food stagnation between teeth
• Types of food and drink in the person’s diet
• Throat or tonsil infections
• Dryness of the mouth and airways
• Excessive bacteria in the tongue
• Poor oral hygiene

How can I tell if I have bad breath?

Lick the inside of your wrist and wait 30 seconds until the area is dry – then smell. If you can detect an odour you might have a problem.