Well there is more than a slim chance that you may be suffering in central London from bad breath and what is so sad, especially if you live alone, is that unless some comely friend has the guts to point out the fact that your breath stinks, you may never be aware of the problem until you sit down again in front of your dentist- because they will certainly point it out.

Bad breath can be caused by so many factors, but the problem generally arises from two areas, the mouth and further into the stomach area of the body. The mouth relies on good oral hygiene but take this away whilst coupling it with some pretty seedy habits such as smoking and drinking, and you are already going to risk tooth decay and gum disease, which can give off some pretty pungent aromas.

Combine these with having a poor diet, and you will be offending one of your body’s greatest assets- your immune system. This can lead to your mouth drying out and leaving you bereft of saliva- the natural defence against oral decay and bacteria. This can be attacked in many ways, so you should work out a way, with your dentist, to change your habits and lifestyle.

If you have done everything and still you breathe like a shark, then the problem could be gastric, indicating more serious scenarios going on inside of you and an appointment with your doctor may be necessary.

Fluoride re-mineralizes the enamel and strengthens the teeth against plaque and acids that lead to tooth decay and so, it is naturally added to drinking water and you will find it in most dental products that you buy today. But for all of its boasts over the years, there is a rumbling going on that actually fluoride does more damage than good in the long run.

There are areas in the world that do not use fluoride at all, yet there are less reported cases of tooth decay and caries in these places as opposed to westernized areas. Fluoride does stave off caries, but it doesn’t prevent them altogether and its over-use can lead to fluorosis in the teeth making them weak and vulnerable to decay, making dental costs higher.

It has also been proven that fluoride is more toxic than lead and arsenic- probably a good reason to cut down on it as this constant ‘poisoning’ by using it, not only affects the teeth, but the brain and heart too.

There are alternative products you can buy as well as natural spring water, but fluoride has become popular because it helps to fend off decay from the type of food and drink we consume in the West so if you stop using it, you should also consider looking at your diet as well.

That is the potential consequence of tooth decay that has gone too far: an extraction because of the failure of a tooth. It is the last resort for dentists and they will try and advise about how this can be avoided. The thing to remember when it comes to tooth decay is that it is ultimately caused by the substance known as plaque. While plaque cannot be avoided as such, it can be minimised and then effectively removed from the mouth.

Brushing and flossing are the best places to start of course. The process of brushing your teeth with a tooth brush and fluoride tooth paste rids the teeth of most of the plaque that builds up after eating and drinking. The failure to do this or do it properly, can leave plaque on the teeth, free to erode the layer of enamel and cause teeth to decay.

Even if you think you are brushing and flossing as well as you can do, your dentist might be able to spot signs of tooth decay. This is another great reason to go and visit your Central London dentist every six months or as directed. Tooth decay can then be effectively stopped in its tracks.

We only get one set of healthy teeth in our lives; teeth do not have the ability to grow back. So if your teeth start to decay then it is vital that something is done about it. The process of decay will not just stop of its own accord. Once small holes begin to appear in the hard, protective layer of enamel which coats all of your teeth, they will continue to grow larger until the structural integrity of teeth is compromised. By this stage the teeth might be better removed because it is no longer serving any purpose by being in the mouth.

Dentists used to fill cavities by using metal. Those of a certain age will probably be familiar with the unsightly dark patches which used to be commonplace in dental patients mouths. Nowadays, dentists have developed a new way of filling cavities and it is called cosmetic bonding. The use of cosmetic bonding allows dentists to fill cavities with a malleable, tooth coloured substance that looks better and is easier to work with.

Aside from being diligent with your brushing and flossing, you can guard against dental decay by being sure to visit your City of London dentist every six months so that your mouth can be checked for signs of cavities.

Dental decay is occurring when small holes or caries appear in the teeth. These need to be filled as soon as possible than the nerves residing in your teeth are not affected; a painful experience indeed. Cosmetic bonding techniques can now be used to quickly fill caries with natural looking dental composite which ensure a discreet look.

If your teeth become painful when you are eating or drinking substances which are colder or hotter than most things, then you might be experiencing dental decay. Odd tastes in your mouth can be another indicator, as can bad breath.

Being sure to have check ups with your dentist every six months is a good start in ensuring that your teeth are not decaying as your mouth will be thoroughly examined by a professional. Your home dental health routine also plays a crucial part in the fight against dental decay. If you are brushing and flossing twice a day then your chances of suffering from dental decay are dramatically reduced.

Contact your London W1 dentist today for more information about dental decay and how to stop it.