Breath · Perivale, Ealing
Bad breath is common and usually comes from the mouth itself: plaque, the tongue, or the gums. A clean routine fixes most cases. When it doesn’t, a hygiene visit is a good place to start.
Written and clinically reviewed by Marisa Lennie, GDC 252605 · Last reviewed
What’s going on
Most bad breath starts in the mouth, from bacteria in plaque and on the tongue. Some foods and habits add to it, and a few cases come from elsewhere in the body.
That’s why the fix is usually a cleaner mouth rather than a stronger mouthwash. If your mouth is healthy and clean and bad breath continues, the cause may lie elsewhere, such as the tonsils or acid reflux, and your GP is the right person to see.
Source: NHS: Bad breath (opens in a new tab).
At home
Based on NHS: Bad breath (opens in a new tab).
At your appointment
Bleeding and pockets around the teeth can hold bacteria that brushing can’t reach.
Hardened tartar, crowded teeth and the edges of old fillings give plaque somewhere to hide.
A coated tongue is a common source. I’ll show you how to clean it without gagging.
If your teeth and gums are healthy, I’ll tell you so, and suggest seeing your GP to look for another cause.
How I can help
Bad Breath FAQs
Something else on your mind? Email me or call 020 8997 0933.
Most bad breath comes from the mouth: bacteria in plaque, on the tongue and around inflamed gums. Gum disease and tooth decay are common causes.
Mouthwash can mask it for a while, and an antibacterial mouthwash may help some people, but it doesn’t replace brushing, tongue cleaning and cleaning between your teeth.
See a dental professional if it’s still there after a few weeks of good cleaning at home, or if you have painful, bleeding or swollen gums, toothache or a loose tooth.
Yes. A hygiene visit removes tartar and plaque, checks your gums and shows you how to clean your tongue and between your teeth. You can book directly, without a referral.
Sometimes. Dry mouth, tonsillitis and acid reflux can cause it. If your mouth is healthy, your GP can look for other causes.
Marisa qualified through the Royal College of Surgeons of England, training clinically at King’s College Hospital, London, and is an Approved Education Supervisor for trainee hygienists & therapists. She assesses and treats bad breath at Bilton Road Dental Practice in Perivale.
This page is general information about bad breath. Persistent bad breath with a healthy mouth should be discussed with your GP.
Call the practice or send an email to book your appointment. No referral needed.
Bilton Road Dental Practice · 56 Bilton Rd, Perivale, Greenford, London, UB6 7DH
Hygiene visits for bad breath in Perivale (UB6), near Greenford, Alperton, Sudbury, Hanwell and Northolt.
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