Bad breath is estimated to affect 1 in 4 people globally and is a deal-breaking oral health issue to stop seeing someone. According to research, 68% of respondents stopped dating someone because of the partner’s bad teeth or foul breath.

Dentist and The Humble Co. (www.thehumble.co) Founder, Noel Abdayem comments on the most common causes of bad breath and how we can help keep bad breath at bay this Valentine’s Day & beyond…

What food/drinks can cause bad breath?

“There are some foods and drinks that are more prone to cause bad breath. Foods that you should try to refrain from if you don’t want to have bad breath are garlic, onions, spicy food, tuna, and fish. A good way to alleviate the effect that these foods have on your breath is to brush your teeth after eating them. Drinks to avoid are coffee and alcoholic beverages. They cause a decline in saliva production, which in turn means an increase in odour-causing bacteria. One way to alleviate bad breath is to wash down these drinks with a glass of water that will help wash the bacteria away.”

What health issues can cause breath?

“Bad breath is usually caused by bad oral hygiene. By not maintaining good oral health, food particles can remain in your mouth and plaque can form on your teeth. A persistent bad breath or bad taste in the mouth can be a sign of gum disease which is caused by a buildup of plaque on teeth which can over time, harden into tartar. Bad breath can also be caused by tonsillitis or acid reflux or different systemic illnesses e.g. diabetes, liver disease, kidney disease, and others.”

What actions can you take to avoid/cure bad breath?

“The best way to avoid bad breath is by maintaining proper dental hygiene; brushing your teeth twice a day, cleaning your tongue once a day with a tongue scraper, using interdental brushes or dental floss to clean between your teeth once a day. In addition to this, you can chew sugar-free gum after a meal, use mouthwash and most importantly, avoid tobacco products.”

3 Of The Best Products From Boots To Help Curb Bad Breath

The Humble Co. Interdental Brushes are made from 100% biodegradable, sustainable bamboo. They provide an easy and practical alternative to flossing. Invest in Humble to banish bad breath, while also caring for the planet. Available for £4.00 from Boots.

For a kit that you can utilise on the go, the Dentemp Oral Care Kit is the answer. The dishwasher friendly kit includes a tongue scraper that is clinically proven to improve your health as well as everything you need to stop that nasty plaque building up. Available for £8 from Boots.

Having a romantic dinner for two that consists of garlic, onions and spicy foods? Don’t fear, to help alleviate the effect that these foods have on your breath brush your teeth after eating them with the Glo32 Teeth Whitening Toothpaste. Glo32 is formulated with Coconut Oil for a healthy way to achieve a whiter, brighter smile. The toothpaste whitens teeth by gently reducing surface stains and discolouration, whilst freshening the breath to leave you Glo-ing in no time! Available for £10.00 from Boots.