“I attended the surgery and was seen on time. My dentist, Dhrumil Patel, welcomed me and immediately puts you at...” ease. After my check up, I asked a number of questions, which he answered and explained in such a way, that you can't fail to understand. He also shows images, so its a visual thing as well. He takes his time, which makes you feel its not a production line. All in all, a very pleasant dental experience.”
“Incredible experience start to finish! Dr Jatan was amazing, not pushy at all and was extremely knowledgeable and kind. Invisalign...” treatment went perfectly, whitening too. Can't recommend enough.”
“Excellent! I would never have dreamed of giving a dentist such a comment! But it is true! Highly recommended.”
“Had my hygienist appointment with Mayurahea and was super informative throughout, he was also very gentle during the treatment. I...” attended with my little one who is 20months and Lidia was super with my little one and gave her cuddles whilst I was having my treatment.”
“Good serviceStaff and dentist, polite and courteous, and professional at all times.Would recommend”
“My first appointment at this practice. I am very anxious attending for dental work but I was quickly put at...” ease. As I was having an extraction done I knew it was likely to be a bit uncomfortable but it was no where near as bad as I anticipated.The dentist explained what he was doing all the time and was very calm and reassuring. The tooth was extracted a lot easier than I was expecting. I have decided to stay with this practice and have some restorative work done in due course. Thank you.”
“Crossways Dental at Coulsdon is a friendly and efficient surgery, and the treatment is always up to expectations - professional,...” careful and complete.Overall the experience inspires confidence.”
“I m having implant work done, happy with how the treatment is progressing very friendly and efficient practice.This is the...” second time I have had implant work carried out at this practice, I was pleased with the first treatment in 2021.I am happy with the work of Dr Shane Patel.”
“I come to see the hygienist regularly and she is always very thoroughly masked up to protect us both which...” is a nice and considerate touch. As far as my teeth are concerned, she always gives them a thorough clean and has helped me with some much appreciated tips with sensitive teeth. I had a pain free experience which is always nice. Thank you 😁”
“Great service.The receptionist greeted with a smile .The service from the hyginest was also professional.I would recommend to friends and...” families. .”
“Timely and thorough examination and clean carried out. The dental practitioner discussed any concerns that I had and no further...” action was required. Next check-up in 6 months time. Overall my expectations were more than satisfied.”
“Booked my appointment online and I was made to feel comfortable at my appointment as I have a fear of...” dentists. I have a treatment plan set up which is clear and I can understand my treatment and when it will be and there are no surprises.Also you pay as you go so you don’t get one large bill at the end. The staff are friendly.It was a good experience as I really don’t like going to the dentist.”
“Made an emergency appointment at the start of the year for a toothache and received great service from Dr Vanesha....” She was really friendly and gentle and was able to treat me. I love the online booking system because without it I may have not been able to get in as soon as I did. My elderly father also goes to the practice and Dr Dhrumil is absolutely brilliant with him. A really great, friendly, and professional practice that I would most definitely recommend.”
“Efficient and friendly receptionist. Dentist, Jamie, was professional and personable. Explained everything clearly and without unneccesary jargon. He...” inspired confidence.”
“Seen on time by Dhru, who is very polite, professional and informative. He puts you at ease with his lovely...” manner. His assistant was lovely too. As good an experience as going to the dentist can be. Would happily recommend to family and friends!”
“My family have been patients at the surgery for several years and we are really happy with the care they...” provide. All of the staff are friendly, supportive and helpful and they always give excellent follow up advice.”
“Dhru knows me well and pays attention to detail. It’s a calm and pleasant experience with all new equipment.”
“Visited 30.8.23. Saw Vanesha. Thorough examination and feedback. Caring and fun.”
“Vanesha is a very professional, caring and friendly dentist. I have total trust and confidence under her care. ...” Everyone in the practice I met are very friendly. Hygienist is very friendly and professional too. I am happy to recommend others to join the practice.”
“Vanesha is excellent. I'm quite nervous when it comes to dental procedures and she was super nice and made me...” feel at ease.”
The UK has a bad breath problem. In fact, according to research, bad breath – also known as halitosis – is fast becoming a worldwide oral health issue. Currently, over 25% of the world’s population persistently suffer from the condition.
While almost everyone at some point has experienced bad breath, for many, severe bad breath can be embarrassing and impact social events, relationships and even contribute to ill mental health. The good news, however, is that it can be treated. What’s more, in almost 90% of cases, it can even be prevented.
Let’s get to the science. Published in the Journal of Natural Science, Biology and Medicine, researchers state that halitosis is formed by volatile molecules which are caused because of pathological or nonpathological reasons that originate from an oral or non-oral source. A rather wordy way of explaining things. Luckily, they go on to clarify: ‘The source of 90% cases is oral cavity such as poor oral hygiene, periodontal disease, tongue coat, food impaction, unclean dentures, faulty restorations, oral carcinoma, and throat infections,’ reads the study.
Now we know a bit more about the causes, the next step is how to treat it, and treat it fast.
Drink water
While there are many forms of bacteria in the mouth that help protect your teeth from erosion, there is also harmful bacteria that can cause plaque and tartar build up. Drinking plenty of water will help keep you hydrated and increase the production of saliva. Both of which help rinse your mouth and flush away smelly bacteria.
Floss
Correct flossing removes food particles and plaque from between your teeth, helping to control bad breath. There’s more to flossing than keeping bad breath at bay, too. Hit the link to find out why flossing is key to good oral health.
Chew Gum
While chewing sweetened gum may, over the long term, potentially cause tooth damage, sugarless gum is a very effective way to help protect your teeth and prevent decay. Not only that, but it’s a great way to reduce bad breath. Chewing helps stimulate saliva production, which will help clean your mouth of harmful bacteria and leftover food particles.
Regular Dental Check-Ups
You should be seeing your dentist twice a year. Dentists will be able to do an oral exam to check whether you have any underlying issues that may cause bad breath such as periodontal disease, dry mouth or gum disease. They will be able to treat and fix the problem before it gets any worse.
Cut Back on Certain Foods – We’re Looking at You Onions
It’s not just onions that are to blame. Garlic can also contribute to bad breath as well as high-protein foods, citrus fruits, spicy foods and even cheeses. Any sort of ‘strong food’ will be broken down into your system causing chemical compounds to be released, which creates imbalances in your stomach and mouth and results in bad breath.
Breathe Through Your Nose
When you can, try and refrain from breathing through your mouth. And why’s that? Breathing through your mouth dries saliva, leaving your teeth, gums and tongue exposed to bacteria that can cause bad breath.
Use a Tongue Scraper
If you’re brushing your teeth, you may as well brush your tongue while you’re at it. There’s good reason to do it, too. Odour-causing bacteria can accumulate on the tongue and will start to seriously smell if not cleaned. A tongue scraper is a quick and easy way to remove any debris from your tongue that may turn into something nasty. If you haven’t got one, use your toothbrush – just make sure you do it day and night. Want to know more about tongue scrapers? Hit the link and let our own Dr Shane Patel talk you through it.
Brush Your Teeth
There’s more to brushing your teeth than a shiny, white smile. Brushing your teeth regularly removes any food particles that may get trapped between your teeth and start to rot – it’s this deterioration that can cause bad breath and decay.
Stop Smoking
Not only is smoking leading cause for lung cancer, but tobacco also contains sulphur, which react within your mouth and cause a foul smell. Smoking also dries out your mouth, making it easier for bacteria to grow.
Eat More Fruit and Vegetables
While it’s true some citrus fruits contribute to bad breath, foods like apples, carrots and celery actually help clear odour-causing plaque and food particles from your mouth.
Hayley Roberts Lead Treatment Coordinator GDC No. 148999
Lucy Jayne Cartwright Treatment Coordinator GDC No. 142928