I think my teeth are not as healthy as they used to be

[Denunt]

These days I think my teeth are not as they used to be. They don t feel as clean and as strong as they did before. I still brush as I did but something has changed. I can explain it as my teeth having a film or furriness to them. I have also picked up on my breath seeming like it is a bit smelly and this was never something that I suffered from before. I know my breath smells because I catch a wiff of it sometimes when im talking or doing other things. How can I find out where this problem is coming from because looking after my teeth is very important to me. Thanks very much.

[Sharon]

Hello,
Thank you for your post.
The furry film that you describe could well be what is called plaque. Plaque is caused by the build-up of bacteria on the teeth. Plaque that builds on the teeth can cause decay and also the formation of tartar. Once tartar is established it can be very difficult to remove it. Brushing alone will have little to no effect. A dentist or hygienist will likely need to drill it away. My advice to you would be to book in with a dental hygienist so they can take a look. They have many treatments available to clean and polish the teeth before tartar has a chance to develop. Once the plaque is removed you may find that your breath also improves. Bad breath is most often caused by bacteria build up in the mouth. Therefore, removing the plaque bacteria could see an improvement in your breath as well. Best of luck to you.