Most cases of bad breath, as many as 90 per cent in fact, are caused by poor standards of oral hygiene allowing bacteria and food debris to build up in gaps in the teeth and on the tongue. This bacteria then starts to dissolve releasing sulphurous odours into the mouth that are carried out on the breath.

Many products promise an end to this odour by killing the bacteria using an antiseptic. While this undoubtedly kills the bacteria it is also likely to cause side effects like dry mouth and dehydration. This can lead to an underproduction of saliva, the body’s natural defence against bacteria and bad breath. This means that when the bacteria return it may be more of a problem.

The only sure fire way to beat bad breath is to avoid using outside help and improve your standards of oral hygiene to give your own defences the best chance of beating the bacteria. Millions of bacteria live in the mouth, some good, some bad, but effective brushing and flossing helps to remove the bad bacteria that cause the smell. Other tools such as a tongue scraper or inter-dental brush can help to remove trapped food and bacteria form difficult to reach places in the teeth and mouth.

By simply controlling the bacteria and not prohibiting the production of saliva you can get rid of bad breath without using nasty chemicals or mouthwashes. A London dentist can offer instruction about the most effective ways to clean teeth and which utensils will be best for your mouth.

Your oral hygiene may be more than just an indicator of your dental health, as links have been proven between periodontal disease and a heightened risk or cardiovascular disease.

These links have always been suspected but a new study seems to conclusively prove the relationship. The study showed that adults who had lost more than ten teeth were much more likely to suffer a heart attack or stroke. This happens because bacterial infection affecting the teeth and gums can start a chain reaction of chemicals that causes inflammation throughout the whole body. Inflammation of the arteries causes a narrowing of the arteries, which can be the main cause of a heart attack.

The study followed 711 people over the age of 57 and found that those who had lost teeth due to decay and periodontal infection correlated with those most likely to suffer some form of cardiac disease. The study is particularly shocking because periodontal disease and tooth decay are so preventable with improved oral hygiene. More effective and regular brushing and flossing can reduce the amount of plaque in the mouth and severely cut the risk of infection. This in turn would keep the arteries free form the effects or inflammation helping to keep the heart and other major organs healthy.

Another important aspect of maintaining good standards of oral hygiene is by making regular visits to a Central London dentist for a check up. They can spot and treat the first signs of decay and infection, helping to keep your mouth and heart healthy. For the sake of a few extra minutes cleaning a day you could help to minimise the risk of heart disease, one of the biggest killers in the UK.

Maintaining a good standard of oral hygiene is crucial in the war against tooth decay and gum disease. Just a few minutes of brushing and flossing each day could save you a lifetime of costly and painful dental treatment.

When it comes to oral hygiene, prevention really is better than cure. Dental problems are very easy to prevent but often very difficult to cure. Dentists recommend that patients brush their teeth twice a day for three minutes using an appropriate brush and toothpaste. This helps to prevent the build up of plaque on the tooth enamel. Plaque is a filmy substance made up of bacteria, decaying food particles and other debris. It breaks down the enamel causing cavities to develop, which if left unchecked will eventually penetrate to the root of the tooth causing toothache, abscesses and even tooth loss.

Flossing helps to remove plaque from between the teeth which is very hard for regular toothbrushes to reach. It allows you to clean below the gum line which is also hard to clean with a normal brush. This can be significant in the prevention of gingivitis, or gum disease as it is more commonly known.

Brushing and flossing are the front line defence against all forms of dental decay and disease and their importance cannot be underestimated. However, it is important, no matter how much of a fervent brusher you are, to keep up six-monthly check-ups with the dentist. Even patients with good standards of cleaning are susceptible to tooth decay, and a dentist will be able to spot the first signs of any problems.

Keeping teeth and gums clean can also have the added advantage of keeping your breath fresh. Flossing removes trapped food particles from between the teeth which are the cause for over 90 per cent of all cases of halitosis. Using tongue cleaners and inter-dental brushes can also help to keep your mouth free of bacteria. A London dentist will be able to offer you advice on which brushes are most suitable for your teeth and give further instruction on the best methods of maintaining good oral hygiene.

Even though you may know how to go about brushing and flossing, your dentist may be able to give you some additional pointers. Among other things, when you go for a routine dental exam, your dentist can make use of various dyes to find out if you are getting rid of all the plaque on your teeth. If you have spots that are difficult to reach, your City of London dentist may be able to recommend special brushes or techniques.

As may be expected, you will most likely want to teach your children how to brush their teeth as quickly as possible. While you may do your best to supervise these activities, it may take some time before your children are able to brush and floss properly. Therefore, when you begin taking your children to the dentist, it may be of some help to ask for an educational session on brushing and flossing.

Today, many people that suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome and arthritis have a hard time brushing and flossing. If you suffer form these conditions, you can ask your dentist about special devices that will help with oral hygiene. This may include brushes with special handles, as well as pre-threaded flossing devices. Chances are, if you explain what your problem is, your dentist can provide you with a workable solution.

There is no question that good oral hygiene is as important as a good diet when it comes to preserving the good health of your teeth and gums. As a result, you should always make sure that a discussion on hygiene is part of each routine exam. These discussions become even more important for young children, as well as individuals that have a reduced capacity to make use of regular oral hygiene tools.

Your City of London dentist and dental hygienist will properly instruct you on oral health care. These oral hygiene instructions and good practices should begin at a very early age. You will be taught how to brush and floss your teeth, and clean your gums and tongue. Dental plaque needs to be removed from your teeth properly every day, at least twice daily. Making this effort to keep your teeth and mouth healthy and clean will help you to prevent tooth decay, gingivitis, and other gum diseases. The dentist and dental hygienist can also advice you on your diet and nutrition in order to keep your mouth healthy.

Several pointers include: Using a soft/medium nylon toothbrush; holding your brush comfortably; using a pea-sized amount of toothpaste; angling your brush at a 45 degree angle along the gum line; using a vibrating circular motion when brushing, etc. Make sure that you brush for at least two minutes twice daily and floss. Visit your City of London Dental Clinic to get yourself on the right road to oral hygiene care!