Many people’s answer to dealing with bad breath is to reach for the nearest bottle of mouthwash and gargle away. Although many people think that mouthwashes are effective against bad breath, the truth is that they only mask the smell of the breath but don’t actually address the cause of the problem.

Tests found that mouthwashes were effective at disguising the odour from anything from ten minutes to two hours but then the smell would return. Mouthwashes undoubtedly kill bacteria, but they also destabilise the natural production of saliva. As saliva is the body’s natural defence against bad breath, this can mean that the mouthwash is actually prolonging the problem.

The real key to eliminating bad breath is by more effective brushing and flossing. This not only removes plaque and bacteria, but also the food particles on which they thrive. This keeps bacteria levels low so they can easily be controlled by saliva.

Mouthwashes can be effective for controlling bacteria in certain situations. This is especially true after certain dental procedures that can be susceptible to post-surgical infection. However, your City of London dentist will tell you when this is necessary. Mouthwashes certainly still have their place in the fight against decay and disease, but you must remember that they are no substitute for good oral hygiene. A good mouthwash can be used as an addition to an effective brushing and flossing routine but not as a substitute for it. Ask your dentist for more details of when it is appropriate to use mouthwash and which particular brand would be most suitable for your teeth.

Teeth are very strong and under the right environment are resistant to destruction. However, your teeth are continuously fighting off oral bacteria. Tooth decay is not life-threatening, however can decrease your quality of life. City of London dentists can teach you how to prevent tooth decay. They are also experts at diagnosing and treating tooth decay. Tooth decay develops when a certain environment exists in your mouth and caries-producing bacteria (Streptococcus mutans (Sm)) and plaque build up on your teeth. This along with a diet containing fermentable carbohydrates leads to the formation of tooth decay. Sm can be transmitted from one person to another, and is usually transmitted from mother to child. Your City of London dentist and dental hygienist will instruct you on proper care of your teeth and gums. Under normal conditions of health, Sm consumes sugar and then produces bacterial acids (predominantly lactic acid) that initiate enamel demineralization in minute amounts. The body’s normal defences remineralise the tooth enamel using salivary minerals between eating. Depending on the stage of the tooth decay, your City of London dental will treat your teeth accordingly. It is important for you to have regular dental check-ups and brush and floss your teeth thoroughly in order to prevent tooth decay.

London dentists advise that several herbal remedies help with oral care. Tea Tree Oil (melaleuca alternifolia), bloodroot, and propolis extract will be discussed. Tea tree oil (melaleuca alternifolia) has been found to have antiseptic, fungicide and bactericide effects. Its efficiency against oral bacteria has been reported, and it has also been found to be effective in treating thrush and herpes in the oral cavity. Mouth rinses containing essential oils have been shown to significantly reduce both gingival inflammation and gingival bleeding when compared to fluoride containing toothpastes. Sanquinaria extract is a mixture of benzophenanthridine alkaloids derived from Sanguinaria Canadensis L. (bloodroot). When Mexican Sanguinaria extract (1 mg/ml) was used twice daily as an oral rinse for 2 weeks, without allowing any toothbrushing, the results demonstrated that Mexican Sanguinaria extract significantly reduced gingivitis, and concluded that Mexican Sanquinaria extract in oral rinse can be used as an adjunct in gum disease therapy. Other extensive clinical trials using oral rinses and toothpaste products containing Sanguinaria extract have shown its effectiveness in reducing plaque build-up and gingivitis. Other studies using a combination of sanquinaria extract and zinc chloride also showed excellent results. It has been suggested that the zinc ion may provide a mild enhancement of sanguinaria effectiveness against gingivitis. A 20% ethanol Propolis extract was compared to antifungal agents such as nystatin, clotrimazole, econazole, and fluconazole in a study designed to assess the susceptibility of Candida albicans (which causes thrush). Propolis extract was as effective as nystatin in reducing C. albicans, and was significantly more effective than the other antifungal agents used in this study. Full denture patients that used a propolis extract also showed a decrease in C. albicans. These three herbal remedies have been shown to be effective in helping several oral diseases.