Condition · Bad breath
Bad breath, understood and managed.
Bad breath, or halitosis, is common and often linked to what is happening in the mouth. At our Norlane practice we look for the likely cause, then talk through practical ways to manage it.
Bad breath
Halitosis causes
Gum health
Cleaning between teeth
Tongue cleaning
Norlane · Geelong · est. 1974
Bad breath
Halitosis causes
Gum health
Cleaning between teeth
Tongue cleaning
Norlane · Geelong · est. 1974
Norlane · Geelong
One location since 1974
One location since 1974
Halitosis · Norlane
Most bad breath starts in the mouth.
Bacteria break down food particles and proteins on the teeth, gums and tongue, releasing compounds that cause odour. Plaque, gum disease, food trapped between teeth, a coated tongue and dry mouth are common contributors.
Less often, bad breath can be linked to sinus, throat or stomach conditions, or to some medications. If a dental cause is not found, your dentist may suggest you see your GP.
Norlane Dental
One location since 1974
Common causes
What can cause bad breath.
Often more than one factor is involved. A check-up can help identify what applies to you.
N° 01
Hygiene
Plaque and food debris
Food trapped between teeth and plaque along the gum line feed odour-causing bacteria.
N° 02
Tongue
A coated tongue
Bacteria collect on the back of the tongue, a common source of odour.
N° 04
Saliva
Dry mouth
Saliva helps rinse the mouth. Dry mouth can make breath worse, especially in the morning.
N° 05
Lifestyle
Food, drink and smoking
Garlic, onion, coffee, alcohol and smoking can all affect breath.
N° 06
Dental work
Dentures and appliances
Dentures, retainers and mouthguards that are not cleaned daily can hold odour.
Beyond the mouth
When to see your GP.
If your teeth, gums and tongue are healthy and bad breath continues, it may be related to sinus, throat or digestive issues, or to certain medications or health conditions. Your dentist may recommend a review with your GP.
At home
Everyday steps for fresher breath.
01.
Brush twice a day
Brush for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste, including along the gum line.
02.
Clean between teeth
Floss or use interdental brushes once a day to remove trapped food and plaque.
03.
Clean your tongue
Gently brush or scrape your tongue, working from back to front.
04.
Stay hydrated
Drink water through the day, and chew sugar-free gum to help saliva flow.
How your dentist may help.
Please note
Recommendations depend on the cause, which is identified after an examination.
01.
Clean
Professional cleaning
Removal of plaque and tartar above and below the gum line.
02.
Gums
Gum treatment
Treatment for gum disease where it is contributing to bad breath.
03.
Repairs
Fixing food traps
Repairing broken fillings or teeth that trap food.
04.
Advice
Tailored home care
Guidance on brushing, cleaning between teeth, tongue cleaning and mouth rinses.
Worried about your breath? Call (03) 5278 2666 to book a check-up.
Bad breath treatment in Norlane, Geelong
Fresher breath starts here.
Request an appointment online or call (03) 5278 2666. We are open six days a week, including Saturdays.
Location
Norlane Dental Aesthetics & Implants
21-29 Princes Highway
Norlane VIC 3214
Direct line
(03) 5278 2666
Reception is happy to help with enquiries and appointments
Hours
Mon – Thu · 8:30am – 6:30pm
Fri · 8:30am – 5:30pm
Sat · 8:30am – 4:00pm
Parking
Ample free on-site parking
Easy access from the Princes Highway, Norlane