Most people with bad breath don’t know they have it.
18th April
2015, Dubai, UAE:
Bad breath – malodor or halitosis – is a common problem that can affect anyone
regardless of age.
“I would say a lot of my patients have bad
breath and many of them are not even aware of it,” said Felicia Bjurfjall,
dental hygienist at Dr. Michael’s Dental Clinic.
“The main causes of bad breath is poor oral
hygiene - wrong brushing technique or lack of brushing, no flossing, etc. -
where bacteria in our oral cavity are not removed properly during cleaning our
teeth and are allowed to grow, which causes the bad taste and smell.”
“Usually, patients have the wrong brushing
technique and do not brush sufficient time, and never or rarely flosses. Sometimes,
bad breath can originate from the patient’s throat or stomach, if they already
have a good oral hygiene. In this case, the problem could stem from a medical condition
and should be brought up with the patient’s doctor.”
Bad breath can also be caused by certain foods
like onions, garlic, cheese etc. Skipping meals, dry mouth (xerostamia) and lifestyle
habits like cigarette smoking, shisha or hookah and tobacco chewing can also
cause halitosis.
“To combat bad breath,
correct brushing technique is important. Brushing should be done twice a day
for 2 minutes each time. Electric brushes are helpful since they are more
powerful than a manual brush and usually have a timer which makes sure the
patient takes sufficient time to clean his or her teeth. Flossing should also
be done once every day. A tongue scraper is a helpful tool, since a lot of
bacteria can be found on our tongue. I recommend using a tongue scraper daily
to clean the tongue properly.”
To avoid bad breath,
Felicia also recommends to keep hydrated - drink lots of water all throughout
the day as a dehydrated mouth can also be the cause of bad breath. Chewing
sugar free gum can help as it gets the saliva flow going, flushing away
bacteria and food debris.
Periodontal or gum
disease is a common origin of bad breath and your dental provider will help you
address your oral condition. Regular dental check-ups, every six months, are
important in maintaining your oral health and maintaining fresh breath.
About Felicia Bjurfjall
Felicia Bjurfjall graduated with a degree
in Dental Hygiene from the Faculty of Odontology, Malmo University, Sweden in
2004. She has worked several years both in public and private practices,
treating both children and adults, as well as in a clinic specialized in
Periodontics.
About Dr. Michael’s
Dental Clinic
Founded in 1997, Dr. Michael’s Dental Clinic represents the most
comprehensive, state-of-the-art, multispecialty dentistry in Dubai, UAE. It has
assembled a team of international dental specialists, hygienists and support
staff for general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, oral and maxillofacial surgery,
implantology, orthodontics, prosthodontics and pediatric dentistry, serving
nearly 40,000 patients in and around Dubai.
ENDS
Media enquiry
For further information, please
contact:
Maria Cristina Cubacub
Digital Marketing Manager
Dr. Michael’s Dental Clinic
cristina@drmichaels.com
Contact No: +971564423078
